A PhD studentship is available at the University of Cambridge. The scholar will be supervised by Dr. Nathalie Vriend in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics and will be working on granular segregation in avalanching geometries.

This PhD-project aims to explore the dynamics of segregation in a novel, multidisciplinary way. Segregation is critical to a wide range of natural phenomena and industrial processes. The set-up of this project involves a bimodal layer of cylinders in a narrow channel, enabling the study of segregation from a grain-perspective. With advanced experimentation, including particle tracking for position, rotation and velocity and photoelasticity for resultant forces, the precise grain-grain interaction during segregation can be investigated in great detail for the first time. The numerical component covers the modeling of segregation mechanisms and measured forces in a discrete element code.

This exciting opportunity is open to applicants from the UK, EU/EEA and Switzerland. The studentship is fully funded by the Royal Society for a duration of three years with an anticipated start date of October 2015, although an earlier start date may be negotiated. The studentship covers full fees and provides a competitive maintenance allowance.

The successful applicant will have an honours degree (at least 2.I or equivalent) in mathematics, engineering, applied physics or any other relevant discipline and will be able to develop multidisciplinary skills to tackle this challenging project. You will become part of a vibrant research group in the world-leading GK Batchelor Laboratory where you will obtain extensive training on laboratory techniques. A short research stay in the laboratory of Professor Karen Daniels (NCSU, USA), a collaborator on this project, is part of your training to familiarize yourself with the photoelastic techniques.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

Enquires about this position are strongly encouraged and can be made to Dr. Nathalie Vriend (nv253<στο>cam.ac.uk). Applications should include a coverletter, curriculum vitae and the names of two academic referees and should be emailed to LE04929<στο>maths.cam.ac.uk by April 7th, 2015.

Please quote reference LE04929 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. The Department would particularly welcome applications from women as we have an historic imbalance in the number of women holding PhD stundentships.