A newly funded PhD student position is available starting January 2014 to work at the interface of Physics, Chemistry and Engineering using advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods to explore the interfaces between water, heavy oils and sands with a view to enhancing oil recovery. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to join a dynamic multi-disciplinary research team funded by BP, with whom close contact will be maintained in order to contribute to a better understanding of heavy oil recovery. Additionally, there will be ample opportunity to learn novel NMR and MRI methods that are increasingly being applied in a wide range of industrial settings, and to engage in an exciting programme of skills training.
You will have a good BSc or MSc or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science. You will be dynamic and highly motivated with a demonstrable interest in pursuing an industrially relevant PhD in active collaboration with an industrial sponsor. Owing to the collaborative nature of this project, good team-work skills, enthusiasm and tenacity to follow your own project to a successful conclusion will be highly desirable, as will good maths and computing skills. Your written and spoken English will be to a high standard. Interest in the applications of NMR/MRI is an important part of the project.
Potential applicants are encouraged to seek further details of this project by telephoning or e-mailing via the Apply button to Professor Spencer Taylor in the Department of Chemistry on +44 (0) 1483 68 1999 (s.taylor@surrey.ac.uk) or Professor Peter McDonald in the Department of Physics on +44 (0) 1483 686798, (p.mcdonald@surrey.ac.uk). Full funding of fees and stipend are available to a suitable candidate from the UK or to a national of any other EC country. Further information about the research groupings supporting this work are available here http://www.surrey.ac.uk/chemistry/BP-CPSC/index.htm and http://www.surrey.ac.uk/physics/softmatter/research/fluid_dynamics/index.htm.
Closing date is Friday 15th November.