Applications are invited for a three-year Postgraduate studentship, supported by the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, to be undertaken within the EBRI Research Group at Aston University. This project is part of an internal competition.
The position is available to start in either October 2022 or January or April or July 2023, subject to negotiation.
Financial Support
Engineering and Physical Sciences College DTP PhD studentships are fully funded for 3 years. They include a maintenance allowance based on UKRI minimum and Home tuition fees (subject to eligibility). The figures for 2022/23 are yet to be confirmed. For reference, in the 2021/22 academic year, the maintenance allowance was £15,609 and the Home tuition fees were £4,500.
Overseas applicants may apply but will need to cover the difference between the ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees. The difference between ‘Home’ and ‘Overseas’ tuition fees for 2022/23 is yet to be confirmed. In the 2021/22 academic year, the difference was £13,100.
As part of the application, you will be required to confirm that you have applied for, or secured, this additional funding.
Full details of eligibility can be found here. Further guidance on UKRI Eligibility Criteria can be found on the UKRI website.
Background to the Project
The aim of this project is to investigate the impacts of decarbonising agents on the reduction of fuel consumption, carbon, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter emissions. Two decarbonising agents of different manufacturers will be chemically characterised and blended at specific concentrations to the fuel tank of a commercial vehicle and submitted to road tests. The vehicle will be equipped with high-specification, research and certification grade on-board gas analysers to measure the exhaust concentrations of total hydrocarbons (THC), nitric oxide (NO), NOx, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and particulate number (PN). The vehicle will be operated under the real driving emissions (RDE) test schedule. The results will be evaluated based on the decarbonising agent physical-chemical properties and chemical composition. The project outcomes are expected to show the magnitude of the impacts of decarbonising agents on fuel consumption and emissions reduction and demonstrate them as feasible low-carbon technologies to be adopted in the transition to electric vehicles.
Person Specification
The successful applicant should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, a Masters degree in a relevant subject with a 60% or higher weighted average, and/or a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution). Preferred skill requirements include knowledge/experience of Thermodynamics, Combustion and Internal Combustion Engines. It is highly desirable to have previous experience in engine test and emission measurements. Skills on engine control, fuel chemistry and fuel additives will also be appreciated.
We would particularly like to encourage applications from women seeking to progress their academic careers. Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, recognised recently by a prestigious Silver Award to EPS, and we pride ourselves on our vibrant, friendly and supportive working environment and family atmosphere.
Contact information
For formal enquiries about this project email Dr Jose Ricardo Sodre.
Submitting an application
Details of how to submit your application, and the necessary supporting documents can be found here. Once you have contacted a supervisor, please follow the instructions on How to Apply to submit an application.
Please include the supervisor name, project title, and project reference in your Personal Statement.
For further information about the application process please contact Postgraduate Admissions.
What happens next
Applications received by 31st January will be referred by Graduate School PGR Admissions to the potential Supervisors. Potential candidate interviews will be either in-person or online. Interviewed applicants will be informed of the outcomes by April 2022.
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