<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>
The application of digital technologies is transforming the discovery and manufacturing process within materials science. This therefore represents perhaps the only opportunity to address the urgent need for new sustainable, high performing materials to facilitate more efficient processes (e.g. better lubricants for electric cars) in a circular economy. However, these technologies are only just emerging within the polymer science community, which remains reliant on traditional laboratory techniques for polymer discovery and development. This is a big problem given polymers are ubiquitous in everyday life, ranging from plastics to polymer additives in nearly all liquid formulations.<br /><br />Our research has already developed state-of-the art polymer synthesis platforms which can generate libraries of new polymers. These systems include sophisticated machine learning guided reactor platforms which integrate experiment, analysis and computational control in a closed loop which can implement algorithms which self-optimise the reaction conditions. In the context of product development, these processes offer a means of significantly streamlining the development of new generations of high-performance and sustainable polymer materials. However, there exist numerous technical challenges which have thus far prevented wide utility in the polymer industry. <br /><br />The aim of this PhD is to further optimise a state-of-the-art automated flow reactor platform for artificially intelligent high throughput optimisation of polymer synthesis. Sustainability will be embedded into the proposal through both targeting polymers with sustainable or degradable credentials, and for minimising environmental impact of the synthetic process. Rather than manufacturing, these reactors intend to accelerate R&D, with opportunities for rapid prototyping of potential products.<br /><br /> The reactor platform will be programmed to conduct screens or machine learning directed experimental campaigns which include online characterisation of the product (molecular weight, particle size, reaction conversion). This will generate sufficient data to build models relating synthetic conditions to polymer composition. By collaborating with industry, experts in materials science and characterisation, we anticipate subsequent generation of performance-conditions models which can be used for high-throughput discovery. <br /><br />The student will gain a unique multidisciplinary skill-set encompassing polymer synthesis, flow chemistry, machine learning and computational control. These will be highly valuable and relevant skills for a career in the chemical industry, particularly with the emergence of AI.<br />
<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.royce.ac.uk/news/materials-40-cdt/">ROYCE MATERIALS 4.0 CDT</a></p>
<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>
<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>Accelerated Discovery of Next Generation Polymers Using Artificially Intelligent Reactor Platforms</strong> as well as <strong>Dr Nicholas Warren</strong> as your proposed supervisor. In the Finance Section, that the funding source you are applying for is <strong>ROYCE Materials 4.0 CDT</strong>.</p><p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p><p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p><p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 17 May 2024:</p><ul><li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li><li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li><li>CV</li></ul>
<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>
Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.
<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>
The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.
<h2 class="heading">Funding on offer</h2>
<p>A highly competitive Royce Materials 4.0 CDT Studentship consisting of the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of £19,237 in session 2024/25 per year for 3.5 years.</p><p>This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the Royce Materials 4.0 CDT Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p><p>Please refer to the UKCISA website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>
<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>
<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Nicholas Warren at <a href="mailto:n.warren@leeds.ac.uk">n.warren@leeds.ac.uk</a></p><p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p><p> </p>
