Stipend: The initial studentship stipend is £17,626 per annum with self-funded tuition fees allocation (stipend rate after deduction of tuition fees is £13,726 per annum).

Supervisor: Prof. Dmitry Shchukin

 Applications are invited for a graduate to join the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, UK for a funded 42 month period of research (till 30.11.2017) leading to the award of PhD.

 PhD project is focused on the development of antifouling coatings with enhanced performance compared to current available products. The approach is to tackle the different stages of the biofouling process using innovative antifouling agents, covering surface-structured materials, quorum sensing inhibitors and microorganisms with antifouling properties. Encapsulation of the innovative compounds in smart nanostructured materials will be implemented to optimize coating performance and cost all along their life cycle. A proof-of-concept for the most promising candidates will be developed and demonstrators will be produced and tested on fields.

 The PhD study will be made in terms of multinational European project BYEFOULING involving participation of scientists from 11 European countries.

 The project will involve diverse nanosynthetic approaches, material preparation and physico-chemical characterisation of the resulting antifouling surfaces. The candidate will receive extensive training in physical chemistry and synthesis of nanomaterials of industrial importance. The knowledge and skills developed will provide the candidate with a solid foundation for his/her future academic or industrial career in the field of functional coatings, maritime, self-healing materials.

 Creative and highly motivated applicants from UK/EU are encouraged to apply. A degree (First or Upper Second) in chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science is required. A background in nanotechnology, physical or polymer chemistry would be an advantage.

 To apply please send a copy of your curriculum vitae and contact details for two referees to:

Prof. Dmitry Shchukin (d.shchukin@liverpool.ac.uk).

 The position is available from 1st April 2014 or earlier.