EPS Funded PhD Scholarship: Advanced manufacturing method for functional nanoparticles

The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) at Heriot-Watt University is offering a 3-year fully-funded PhD studentship (fees & stipend) to UK/EU applicants on advanced manufacturing. Heriot-Watt University is recognised as one of the leading UK research institutes in general engineering as per the Research Excellence Framework (REF) results of 2014 (ranked 1st). The PhD candidate will be working in the Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE). IMPEE is a new, dynamic, multidisciplinary research Institute focused on promoting excellence across four main research themes including Biomedical Engineering, Digital Engineering, Energy Harvesting and Conversion, and Multiphase Flow.

Nanoparticles are defined as extremely small particles between 1 and 100 nanometres in size. Compared to their macroscale analogs, nanoparticles show very different physical and chemical properties due to their small size and, consequently, the exceptional surface area to volume ratio. These unique properties enable nanoparticles to be applied in many fields such as medicine, energy and electronics, etc. However, the cost of production and purification of nanoparticles is still high, which limits the applications in many areas. This project will focus on research and development of a scale-up and cost-effective nanometric machining methodology using bespoke nanomachining tools.  It potentially enables a universal way to produce a wide variety of contamination-free nanoparticles with controlled size and geometry, which can be applied in the aforementioned areas.

The student throughout this project will learn necessary skills to continue the research and developments in the academia or industry. Particularly, he/she learns hands-on skills in nanofabrication and characterisation, including ultra-precision diamond machining, focused ion beam machining, scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope and other basic clean room operative skills, which can be extended to other nanotechnology sectors. Programming skills in C++ or Matlab will also be enhanced.

Candidates are encouraged to connect with Dr Jining Sun ([Email Address Removed]) for more details about this project.

The candidate is expected to have a Master degree, or an upper second-class or higher Bachelor’s degree, in physics, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering or other closely related subjects and to fulfil the HWU’s language entry requirements:

The following students do not need to demonstrate English Language proficiency:
• Nationals of the UK, Ireland, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Antigua & Barbuda, the
Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St
Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago.

• Students who, within 2 years of the date of application, have obtained a Bachelors or Masters
degree from a UK university or from a university in the countries identified in a. above (assuming
the degree was taught in English) and have a NARIC Statement of Comparability.

• Students who, within 2 years of the date of application, wrote their thesis in English whilst studying
at a University in a European Country or obtained a Bachelors or Masters degree from a European
country (and have documentation to prove this).

• Students who have passed the Pre-sessional English course at HWU at grade ≥C.

All other students must provide proof of their English skills (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).