The position

The School of Civil and Building Engineering and Department of Materials at Loughborough University invites applications for a PhD studentship from students interested in the development of novel materials for large-scale 3D printing for application in construction. Most additive manufacturing process are designed to create relatively small (often polymer or metallic) components for industries such as automotive, aerospace and medical appliances. The School is one of the world-leading centres of large-scale AM, particularly its cementitious-based 3D printing processes (see http://www.buildfreeform.com and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfbhdZKPHro&feature=player_embedded). This project seeks to exploit the inter-disciplinary boundaries between civil engineering and materials science through a jointly supervised PhD studentship. The specific focus of the materials innovation is not fixed, but is likely to include admixture technology for cementitious materials and/or polymers to improve the evolving 3D printing process. Other material innovation are also possible, depending on the interests of the successful candidate.

As part of a large, growing and supportive research community within the School and Department, the successful candidate will benefit from being a member of the University’s Graduate School and their extensive and targeted skills training for research students. The successful candidate will be joining two lively communities of research students and staff, where doctoral students are given great academic and administrative support and are an integral part of the School’s research culture.

Loughborough University

Voted Sunday Times ‘University of the Year’ 2008-2009, winner of The Times Higher ‘Best Student Experience’ poll for five years running (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010) and with over 3,200 staff and in excess of 16,000 students, Loughborough University is one of the top 20 Universities in the UK. The University has an impressive and pleasant campus in the heart of the East Midlands – the largest single site campus in the UK. Its world-class sports and educational facilities, combined with its lively, diverse student community, make it a fantastic place to study, socialise and play.

Funding and eligibility

The studentship is open to graduates from engineering, materials and chemistry who are articulate, well qualified and highly motivated. The minimum entry qualification is a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent. A lower qualification is acceptable if supplemented with an appropriate postgraduate (MSc) qualification and relevant experience.

The studentship is for 3 years and covers fees and a tax-exempt stipend of £13,726 for the 2013/2014 academic year with cost of living adjustments in years 2 and 3. Tuition fees will be paid at the UK/EU rate.

Studentships can start on the 1^st April, 1^st July or 1^st October 2013.

Additional Information

Applications can be made on-line by clicking the Apply link below. All applicants are encouraged to make contact with the supervisor to discuss their interest in the subject area.

For an informal discussion on the subject area, please contact Professor Simon Austin (01509 222608/s.a.austin@lboro.ac.uk) in Civil & Building Engineering or Dr Steve Edmundson (01509 223222/ s.edmondson@lboro.ac.uk) in the Department of Materials.

For enquiries about the application process, please contact Ms Helen Newbold, h.newbold@lboro.ac.uk.

Closing date for applications: Applications will be accepted until 30th April 2013, or until the post is filled.