PhD Studentship in Enabling Next Generation Additive Manufacturing

Reference

ENG1521

Closing Date

Monday, 31st January 2022

Department

Engineering

3 year PhD Studentship in Enabling Next Generation Additive Manufacturing

Title: Additive Manufacture of Bacterial Biofilm Resistant Surfaces using Novel High Performing Polymer “Inks” 

Topic: The production of Novel Devices Incorporating Bacterial Biofilm Resistant Surfaces via Additive Manufacturing Techniques.

Project description: Applications are invited for a Postgraduate Studentship to work on the project to develop novel polymeric inks to produces surfaces that are biofilm resistant via Additive Manufacturing.

This studentship will he hosted within the Centre for Additive Manufacture (CfAM) at the University of Nottingham. The project aims take a bespoke series of materials that have been developed & patented by the University and develop then into a novel range of polymeric AM “Ink” products that will enable the fabrication of the next generation of biomaterial surfaces/devices. These materials are of great interest, as they are resistant to bacterial biofilm build up, but do not kill the bacteria that contact the surface. Thus, they don’t contribute to the onset of anti-bacterial resistance. The student will synthesise polymers such that they contain the correct type of complex, three-dimensional molecular structures to deliver both (a) the desired molecular properties to fit with the intended end use application and (b) formulated, high performing “inks” for processing via AM techniques. These materials, when dip coated on the target surfaces, are already in clinical trials. This project aims to expand the range of potential application of these polymers by formulating inks that allow complex structures to be prepared via AM methods. Inks, containing formulations of these polymers with other functional additives, therapeutic additives, will also be developed with the aim of delivering both therapeutic effect in conjunction with biofilm resistance.

The person appointed will work as part of a dynamic interdisciplinary team focussed on developing cutting edge polymer technologies as part of the CfAM in close collaboration with the School of Life Sciences. The CfAM is a large interdisciplinary group active in the area of Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing. Comprising of around 100 academics, post-doctoral researchers and PhD students, it is one of the largest research centres for additive manufacturing and 3D printing worldwide. The Centre engages with a broad range of academics from across the UK and a significant number of industrial partners to deliver on an industrially prioritised research agenda – this particular project is part of a large, collaborative EPSRC Programme Grant looking at Next Generation Additive Manufacturing (EP/P031684/1).

Eligibility

Due to funding restrictions, the position is only available for home/UK candidates. Applicants should have or expect to obtain a first-class or 2:1 degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Physics or a science related discipline. A-level (or equivalent) in Chemistry would be beneficial

How to apply

Please send your covering letter, CV and academic transcripts to [email protected] referring to the project title. Please note applications without academic transcripts will not be considered.

The studentship advert will stay open until filled.