Competition at the interface of hard vs soft colloids in complex liquids

This PhD project - in collaboration with Unilever - focuses on the interface between soft matter and polymers in the presence of complex surfactant systems. The aims of the project are to identify and explore the key surface characteristics and polymer properties which impact on this interaction. Understanding the behaviour of these soft colloids / polymer becomes much more challenging when an element of competition is introduced, whether that be from the solvent composition, prevailing salt/pH conditions or the presence of hard colloids (particles).

The project will focus on NMR methodology, in particular, solvent relaxation, pulsed-gradient spin-echo NMR (PGSE-NMR) and electrophoretic NMR, to derive a detailed understanding of the interactions between and impact from the differing species at interfaces. These studies will be supplemented by small-angle neutron scattering experiments.

The successful candidate will join a team of comprising MSc, PhD students and postdocs with broad interests, a group that collaborates extensively with industry, and work as a closely knit unit.

Duration: 3 years, Full-Time Study
Person Specification (Essential)
Education and Training:
• 1st Class or 2nd class, First Division (Upper Second Class) Honours Degree or a taught Master’s degree with a minimum average of 60% in all areas of assessment (UK or UK equivalent) in a relevant area to the proposed research project
• For those whose first language is not English and/or if from a country where English is not the majority spoken language (as recognised by the UKBA), a language proficiency score of at least IELTS 6.5 (in all elements of the test) or an equivalent UK VISA and Immigration secure English Language Test is required, unless the degree above was taught in English and obtained in a majority English speaking country, e.g. UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, etc, as recognised by the UKBA.

Experience & Skills: • Previous experience of undertaking research (e.g. undergraduate or taught masters dissertation)
• Appreciation of some form of spin-resonance spectroscopy, ideally NMR
• Knowledge of soft matter or colloidal systems
• Ability to present scientific arguments to a wider audience E Personal Attributes:
• Understands the basis of a research degree in terms of approach and personal discipline/motivation
• Able to, under guidance, complete independent work successfully and in a timely fashion to a high standard

Other Requirements:
• This scholarship may require Academic Technology Approval Scheme approval for the successful candidate if from outside of the EU/EEA
• The scholarship must commence before 29 September 2017
Closing Date for Applications: Midnight UTC on 30 August 2017
Making an application: Please read this information before making an application. Information on the application process is available at: http://www2.gre.ac.uk/research/study/apply/application_process . Applications need to be made online via this link. No other form of application will be considered.

All applications must include the following information. Applications not containing these documents will not be considered.
• Scholarship Reference Number (Ref)– included in the personal statement section together with your personal statement as to why you are applying
• a CV including 2 referees *
• academic qualification certificates/transcripts and IELTs/English Language certificate if you are an international applicant or if English is not your first language or you are from a country where English is not the majority spoken language as defined by the UK Border Agency *
*upload to the qualification section of the application form. Attachments must be a PDF format.

Before submitting your application you are encouraged to liaise with the Lead Supervisor on the details above.