A PhD studentship is available from 1st October 2022 to develop new methods for the analysis of complex organic soils on fabric and hard surfaces in order to understand the mechanisms of action for their removal during cleaning processes. The overarching aims of the studentship will be to develop a range of model surfaces and to exploit these to study the properties and composition of complex soils. The successful candidate will receive training to become an expert user of state-of-the-art spectroscopy, scattering and imaging techniques. The model surfaces will mimic the chemical and topographical properties of fabric and hard surfaces, but have a simplified geometry to be amenable to analysis with methods including UV-IR absorption, Raman and fluorescence spectroscopies, neutron and ion scattering and microscopic imaging. The final goal is to identify and quantify the structure and composition of surface films and so understand the nature of the interactions between complex soils and surfaces. The work will feed into the investigation of new cleaning formulations and computational modelling of soil-surface interactions at the molecular level.
This 4-year fully-funded PhD project will be based in the Chemistry Department at Durham University and will be in collaboration with P&G’s Newcastle Innovation Centre. It will be supervised by Professor Andrew Beeby and Dr Richard Thompson in Durham. The PhD will link up with computational and experimental work within the EPSRC-funded ANTENNA programme (Advanced tools for predictive cleaning in a world of resource scarcity), which aims to deliver new analysis and modelling tools to provide a step-change in formulation science. The studentship will benefit from access to the University of Durham and P&G’s experimental state-of-the-art facilities, spanning fundamental spectroscopy methods to bespoke instruments capable of mimicking the environment inside a washing machine.
Applicants should have a first-class or upper second-class Master’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials or a related subject.
Funding provided: Tuition Fees and a stipend of £15,609 (tax-free) per annum for up to 4 years.
How To Apply:
An informal expression of interest can be made by contacting Prof. Andrew Beeby or Dr Richard Thompson directly, email: [Email Address Removed] and [Email Address Removed].
Formal applications should be made online via Durham’s on-line application portal:
https://studyatdurham.microsoftcrmportals.com/en-US/
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