A technology-competent product design innovator is sought to undertake doctoral research within the Design Practice Research Group at Loughborough Design School. The aim of the project is to explore the state of the art in printed electronics and how, through design development, this technology will impact on future products. Questions to be addressed will include:

• What new product applications will be made possible through the use of printed electronics?
• What existing product applications will be enhanced through the use of printed electronics?
• How will users respond to these new products?
• What technical development will be required to increase the viability of printed electronics?

This is an exciting opportunity to integrate research into emerging technology and cutting edge design that will result in the development of one or more prototyped products. The researcher will have access to the state of the art facilities at Loughborough Design School. Industrial collaborators will be sought as the project progresses and the potential for commercialisation will be supported by Loughborough University’s Enterprise Office.

The PhD will be supervised by Dr Darren Southee, an established researcher in the field of design for printed electronics and Dr Mark Evans, reader in industrial design.

The studentship provides a tax free stipend of £13,726 per annum for a period of three years plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. Due to funding restrictions, the studentships are open to UK and EU applicants only. Non UK applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements, details available here: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/englang/index.htm 

Applicants must have a first or upper second class academic qualification in a design-related subject, or a relevant Masters qualification.

Informal enquiries about the project should be made to:

Dr Darren Southee:  d.j.southee@lboro.ac.uk  or +44(0)1509 222662

Information about the Design Practice Research Group can be found at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/microsites/lds/dprg-projects/

Details about the application process can be found by clicking the Apply link below.

Please note that we require all online applications to be accompanied by a one page summary describing the applicant’s suitability e.g. their particular skillset, interests and experience. This proposal should be emailed to dslearning@lboro.ac.uk at the same time as submitting an online application. Short-listed applicants will also be required to forward an electronic version of their design portfolio.

Please quote the following reference when applying: DJS/LDS 2013 – 2014

Deadline for applications: Monday 10^th June 2013

October 1^st 2013 is the preferred start date. Note: the latest start date is December 1^st 2013.