Scalable, Multifunctional, Advanced, Reliable and Tuneable (SMART) Platforms for Novel Micro-nano Manufacturing

Scalable, Multifunctional, Advanced, Reliable and Tuneable (SMART) Platforms for Novel Micro-nano Manufacturing

UoB Supervisor and School:

Prof. Pola Goldberg Oppenheimer, ANMSA Group, School of Chemical Engineering

BAM Supervisor and Division:

Prof. Jens Günster, Division 5.4 Advanced Multi-materials Processing

The precise structuring of materials on micro and nano lateral length scales is a challenge that underpins novel functional properties in future products. This project will develop and optimise a new tuneable process for large area surface coating with ceramic materials to generate a suite of flexible multifunctional ‘SMART’ platforms, demonstrating that it is scalable and can be integrated in design and development of new technologies and products. The state-of-the-art method will exploit the typically undesired interfacial instabilities in thin films, amplified by the induced electric field and the hydrodynamic flow, which counterintuitively enables controllable production of micro- and nanoarchitectures. By combining this technology with advanced ceramic feedstocks, a family of advanced multifunctional ceramic coatings and devices will be created. As a use-case, the project will address compartmentalised few-micron-sized ceramic multi-pillar arrays, mimicking high-density microarrays, that will be gold-coated and array-wise functionalised with recognition chemistries to allow for spatially resolved, multiplexed electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing. Based on the novel fabrication concept being developed here, cost-effective, mass-producible, miniaturised sensors for multiplexed on-site analyses at ultra-trace levels will come within reach. Designed as scalable, multifunctional, high-throughput and cost-effective, in the longer-term, this process can be incorporated into the manufacture of various technological components (e.g., semiconductors, photonics, microfluidic devices, miniaturised sensors, tissue engineering, drug delivery), with the potential to revolutionize the future of manufacturing.

University of Birmingham (UoB) and the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) PhD Studentship

 Level of Study: Doctoral Research

 Subject Area: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Physics

 Nationality: UK and German Citizens Only

 Deadline for Applying: Closing: 15.05.2023

Award Description

The University of Birmingham's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (UoB EPS) and the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, BAM) are offering a co-funded PhD studentship, giving PhD candidates in chemical engineering, chemistry, and materials engineering subjects the opportunity to study alongside world-leading academics.

 BAM is a world-leading centre of excellence for “Safety in technology and chemistry” with responsibility to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Uniquely positioned at the interface of science, technology, industry and policymaking, BAM integrates research, assessment and consultation within its five focus areas Analytical Sciences, Materials, Energy, Environment and Infrastructure, providing a crucial contribution to the technical safety of products and processes, development of industry and society.

This studentship is aligned with BAM’s research priorities, providing students with an opportunity to contribute directly to the safety of strategic technologies. Each student will benefit from co-supervision by a senior BAM scientist who will work closely with the UoB academic supervisor to maximise the value of the joint studentship.

 Each PhD student will spend 21 months at UoB and 21 months at BAM (located in Berlin). This will allow students to utilize both UoB´s and BAM´s formidable facilities, and to enhance the research through access to the holistic network of senior researchers at both institutions.

Value of Award

A fully funded studentship is available for Home/German students on this PhD programme for October 2023 start. During their time at UoB, students will receive a UKRI-rate Doctoral Stipend. During their time at BAM, students will receive a regular work contract.

 Eligibility Criteria

The entry requirements are either:

-              An upper second-class honours undergraduate degree in a relevant subject.

-              An MSc/MRes/MEng in a relevant subject.

How to Apply

Applicants must make their application through the Application Portal. Applicants are encouraged to contact prospective supervisors informally to discuss the project. Applications should include a statement of research interests. Please detail the supervisor and project title under the Research Information section of the application form.