---

---

The University of Leeds, in collaboration with DSTL, seeks to recruit a PhD student to undertake a research project for three and a half years to improve the understanding of the influence of the porous structure of a novel fibrous materials on its fluid absorption/adsorption and moisture management properties for functional clothing; the student would also investigate the chemical and/or biochemical treatment of the functional polymer materials to achieve required material structure and properties. 

The successful student will be jointly supervised by both the academic and sponsoring partners, and may have opportunities to work with the sponsoring partner during the course of the project. 

Essential Criteria 

• Educated to BSc/BEng, MSc or MEng level in one of the following disciplines:

Textile Chemistry, Textile Technology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or other materials related discipline;

• Extensive knowledge of polymer materials and its processing technology;
• Demonstrable experience of experimental work in science and technology field;
• Demonstrable team work and time management skills;
• Demonstrable academic writing skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• A willingness to work flexibly;
• Students must also meet the EPSRC eligibility criteria, details can be found via http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/funding/students/Pages/eligibility.aspx 

Desirable criteria 

• Experience of fibre and fibrous materials
• Working experience in an engineering discipline
• Experiment plan and data processing skills
• Strong IT skills with relevant computing software package 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr N Mao, email: n.mao@leeds.ac.uk 

Applications for the EPSRC iCASE PhD Studentship can be made via the University of Leeds Scholarship website: http://scholarships.leeds.ac.uk

This studentship is open until filled. Early application is strongly encouraged. 

Enquiries related to the application procedure should be made to designphd@leeds.ac.uk  

Payments and Allowances 

The studentship is available for a period of three and a half years from March 2013 and provides an annual stipend of £13,590 per annum, and full payment of Home/EU Fees. 

Any Additional Requirements 

Applicants must complete the scholarship application form and an application for PhD study via The University of Leeds Application Website with the following documentation: 

• Certificate of English language proficiency (if required)
• A Curriculum Vitae
• Two Academic References
• Undergraduate and taught postgraduate transcripts & certificates (scanned copies are acceptable) 

The deadline for submission of applications is Saturday 10^th February 2013