PhD Studetnship - Small Power for Big Things: Micro-Thermoelectric Generator powering Internet of Things (1121619FP)

Supervisor: Dr Ruomeng Huang

Co-supervisor: Prof. Kees de Groot

Project description

A prestigious three-year fully funded PhD studentship is available in the Sustainable Electronic Technologies Research Group (SET) in the School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS). The SET group is one of the largest research groups in ECS, consisting of around 50 academics, research fellows and postgraduate students. It leads in research and education activities covering a broad range of topics on nanotechnology, electronics and electrical engineering. Our current research is being supported by numerous research grants from various sources including the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Royal Society (More information is available at www.set.ecs.soton.ac.uk).

This PhD project is focused on combining effective material engineering, with integrated, thermo-efficient micro-thermoelectric architectures, to deliver high-efficiency micro-thermoelectric generators that can produce sustainable power supply to realise the energy autonomy of IoTs sensors. It will involve a range of scientific activities including thermoelectric material engineering and characterisation, design and fabrication of the thermoelectric generators, and testing and integration of the fabricated devices. 

The project requires education/experience in electronics, materials science, engineering or other relevant disciplines. The ideal candidate will enjoy practical hands-on work and be willing to acquire new skills, working individually and part of a team. The PhD student will have opportunities to work with both internal and external collaborators.

The ideal candidates should have, or expect to gain, a first or upper second-class degree in a related subject (Electronics, Materials, Engineering). Candidates will also be expected to demonstrate excellent communication and writing skills.

The scholarship is only open to UK and EU citizens due to funder restrictions. Self-funded international students are also welcome to apply for the post but not the scholarship.

Please contact: (r.huang@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44(0)2380599305) for further details.

Key facts

Entry requirements: first or upper second-class degree or equivalent

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 August 2019 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Duration: four years (full-time)

Funding: full tuition fees, for UK/EU students, and a tax-free stipend of £14,777 per year

Assessment: Nine month and 18 month reports, viva voce and thesis examination

Start date: typically September

Applying: www.southampton.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgstudy/howdoiapplypg.html 

Closing Date: 31 Aug 2019
Post Type: PhD Studentship (Funded)