Triggered, Responsive Polymers for Active Corrosion Protection. Advert ref: RDFC18/APP/UNTHANK

Northumbria University in Newcastle are looking for a talented and independently minded PhD student with an interest in Organic Synthesis and Polymer Chemistry to take up an Industrially Funded 3-year PhD research project. The industrial sponsor will be AkzoNobel who are a global leading company in coatings and polymers (https://www.akzonobel.com/about-us/about-overview) and whilst the student will be mainly centred at the University, they will also have the unique opportunity to work in the AkzoNobel research laboratories as part of this project. The principle supervisor will be Dr. Matt Unthank at Northumbria University and the project will be based around the synthesis, characterisation and testing of a range of carefully designed, triggered release-functional monomers for use in polymer synthesis and ultimately in thermoset coating technologies.
More specifically this research project will develop both new understanding and new polymeric materials for real-life applications in the field of active corrosion protection of metallic structures and assets, including high performance automotive and aerospace products. This industrially important PhD project will focus on demonstrating and applying to practice, new routes to active triggered release-responsive polymers for complete protection of metallic structures from the environment. The student will develop skills in organic synthesis, small molecule characterisation, polymers synthesis and material testing, thus developing all of the required skills for a future career in this research field.
We are seeking a motivated and resourceful student with an interest in both Organic Synthesis and Polymer Chemistry. The successful candidate must be well organised, enthusiastic and self-motivated, with the ability to interact professionally across the University and Industry. The project will cross multiple disciplines including chemistry, material science and coatings science and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with the industrial sponsor, forging close working relationships and industrial contacts. An understanding of polymer synthesis and characterisation is desirable, but not essential.

Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please note: All applications must include a covering letter (max. 1 side of A4 in Arial 11 font) outlining why you want to do a PhD, why you are interested in this PhD in particular and what relevant experience you can bring to this project. All applications must also include the advert reference (e.g. RDF18/…)..

Deadline for applications: 13th August 2018
Start Date: October 2018

Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of our commitment to improving employment practices for the advancement of gender equality and is a member of the Euraxess network, which delivers information and support to professional researchers.

For further details regarding the project please contact the supervising academic at [Email Address Removed]