Applications are invited for a PhD project within the Faculty of Engineering, in the Centre for Additive Manufacturing research group (CfAM, http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/cfam/index.aspx ) at the University of Nottingham. The student will work in world-class laboratory facilities in the CfAM engaging with interdisciplinary team with expertise in 3D printing, physics, and materials science.
PhD project description: 3D-printed functional devices interact with their environment, responding to electrical, magnetic, chemical, humidity, temperature, or other signals, including devices that change shape over time, using “4D-printing”. In complex devices, multiple “trigger” stimuli can be encoded, each to its own shape change response; however, these multiple responses are independent of one another. This project will develop new materials and designs for functional 4D-printed devices with fast, self-resetting responses, applicable to biomedical, micromechanical, or optoelectronic applications. The goal will be to build a functional demonstrator device that performs basic comparisons of inputs to select output shape-change responses.
An ideal candidate will have interest in 3D printing and its applications, knowledge of materials sciences and/or digital design, and an inquisitive spirit motivated to develop a world-leading expertise. They will have a background in engineering, materials science, or chemistry, but will also be willing to learn new disciplines and innovate to achieve the project goals. This studentship will prepare you for routes into both industry and academia, and will equip you with skills in photopolymer chemistry, materials development for 3D printing, device engineering, and materials processing for additive manufacturing. You will also develop skills in characterisation, including microscopy, mechanical analysis, and advanced spectrometry techniques.
Eligibility
- Project start date and duration: start 1st October 2024 for 42 months.
- Due to funding application restrictions, the position is only available for UK candidates.
- Candidates must possess or expect to obtain, a 2:1 or first-class degree in a Engineering, Chemistry, or related physical sciences related discipline.
- To apply, covering letter, CV and academic transcripts should be send by email to Dr Geoffrey Rivers, email [email protected] . Please note applications without academic transcripts will not be considered. Please refer to the project title when sending your e-mail/application. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is appointed.