George Bethel PhD scholarship: Bacteria-based construction materials for future structures and infrastructure

Reference

ENG1496

Closing Date

Tuesday, 31st August 2021

Department

Engineering

Project description

We aim to revolutionize the whole chain of the construction industry from materials development to the processing and construction stages. Production of many construction materials used worldwide (such as cement) are highly unsustainable and leads to a significant production of carbon emissions (only cement industry contributed to 5-7% of global emissions). There is, therefore, a substantial need for the development of novel low carbon solution construction materials, low carbon processing methods and low carbon construction methods to meet the current and future industrial and environmental demands. In this project, you will help to holistically combine and enable all these stages through the development of bacteria-based living materials that can grow with pre-designed shapes and forms and have suitable mechanical and durability characteristics for structural applications. You will utilize multi-scale experimental probe testing (bacterial cultivation, chemical/physical characterization, microscopy, mechanical/environmental durability characterization) combined with machine learning and will interact with industrial partners to implement the project’s objectives. 

Studentship summary

Applicants are invited to undertake a 3 year PhD program starting from the 1st of October 2021. This project will include the payment of tuition fees as well as a stipend equivalent to RCUK rates (currently at £15,609 p.a. tax-free for 2021/22). 

Entry requirements and eligibility

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated person with good interpersonal skills and a keen interest in research. You must have at least a 2:1 honours degree or a distinction or high merit at MSc level (or international equivalent) in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering or bioengineering. 

Only UK Higher Education “Home Fee” status applicants and EU residents satisfying the three-year residency requirement are eligible.

The position is open until filled and therefore easily registration is suggested.

To apply for this position, send the CV directly to Dr Bahman Ghiassi ([email protected]) or Dr Samantha Bryan ([email protected]). Informal enquiries about the vacancy can also be asked to the same contact persons.