PhD Studentship - SmartT: Smart Textiles for Regional Industry and Smart Specialisation Sectors (1270320EB)

Supervisory Team:    Prof David Harrowven

Project description

Applications are invited for PhD research in Organic Synthesis at the University of Southampton School of Chemistry.  The successful candidate will join a new EU collaborative project ‘Smart Textiles for Regional Industry and Smart Specialisation Sectors (SmartT)’ funded by the EU through the ERDF Interreg Programme.This is a cutting-edge project involving collaborations between the Organic Chemistry and Smart Textiles Groups (ECS) at the University of Southampton; INSA, CNRS and the University of Rouen in Normandy; The French Institute for Ocean Science (IFREMER) in Brittany; and SplashMaps Ltd (UK).  The successful candidate will be based in Southampton but will have opportunities to travel to work with our French and UK partners and associates.

The project involves the design and synthesis of functional organic molecules for formulation into innovative light emitting inks that can be printed directly onto textiles.  The Chemistry team will be designing and synthesising functional organic molecules with characteristics suitable for the ECS team to develop into printed devices.  This cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionise the textiles sector by adding light and UV emitting functionality to an array of fabrics.Applications envisioned include smart bandages, mapping tools, safety devices and more.  The PhD will undertake research in the following areas:  

• The multi-step chemical synthesis of known smart inks for OLEC fabrication
• The design and synthesis of 2nd generation ink components with improved properties
• The production of a colour chart of specialist inks

The successful candidate will be based in Chemistry where you will join a vibrant team of students and researchers working in state of the art research laboratories as part of the Organic Chemistry: Synthesis, Catalysis and Flow Group. You will work with colleagues in ECS and across the consortium.

About the research environment

The studentship is based in the Organic Chemistry: Synthesis, Catalysis and Flow research group.  Ranked in the top 1% of universities globally and among the UK’s top 20 for research, the University of Southampton has an international reputation for its research, teaching and enterprise activities.

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.  Due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break.  The University of Southampton and its Chemistry School both hold an Athena Swan Silver Award.  The University has a generous maternity policy and onsite childcare facilities; employees are able to participate in the childcare vouchers scheme.

Entry Requirements

Students with a strong grounding in Synthetic Organic Chemistry to encouraged to apply. You should hold or expect to attain a 1st class or 2:1 UK Masters or BSc degree in Chemistry, or an international equivalent.

Closing date: Early applications are encouraged as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled

Funding: full tuition fee, plus for UK students, stipend of £15,285 pa for up to 3.5 years. 

How To Apply

Applications should be made online here, please select the academic session 2020-21 “PhD Chemistry (Full Time)” as the programme.Please enter David Harrowven, Richard Brown or Richard Whitby under the proposed supervisor.

Applications should include: 

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts to date

Apply online: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/how-to-apply/postgraduate-applications.page

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk 

Closing Date: 31 Aug 2020
Post Type: PhD Studentship (Funded)