Supervisor: Dr Philip J. Camp, School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh

Industrial Supervisor: Professor Peter J. Dowding, Infineum UK Ltd

A 42-month, industrially funded PhD studentship is available at the University of Edinburgh under the supervision of Dr Philip J. Camp and Professor Peter J. Dowding. The project will involve multiscale simulations of friction-reducing additives in lubricants. Results from atomistic molecular dynamics simulations will be used to develop coarse-grained models of additive molecules in non-polar liquids. Using these coarse-grained models, the structure, self-assembly, and frictional properties of lubricants will be studied using dynamical simulations under equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions. An important feature of the project is the close connection between the simulation work and fundamental experimental studies being carried out by Infineum. Some examples of published work arising from the long-standing collaboration between the University of Edinburgh and Infineum are given below.
1 “Glycerol Monooleate Reverse Micelles in Nonpolar Solvents: Computer Simulations and Small-Angle Neutron Scattering”, J. L. Bradley-Shaw, P. J. Camp, P. J. Dowding, and K. Lewtas, J. Phys. Chem. B (in press). dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcb.5b00213
2 “The effects of surface curvature on the adsorption of surfactants at the solid-liquid interface”, M. R. Farrow, P. J. Camp, P. J. Dowding, and K. Lewtas, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 15, 11653-11660 (2013). dx.doi.org/10.1039/c3cp50585e
3 “Molecular Simulations of Kinetic-Friction Modification in Nanoscale Fluid Layers”, M. R. Farrow, A. Chremos, P. J. Camp, S. G. Harris, and R. F. Watts, Tribol. Lett. 42, 325-337 (2011). dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11249-011-9777-7
A full description of the Edinburgh group’s activities is given here: www.molsim.chem.ed.ac.uk.

The studentship is fully funded for 42 months from September 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter, and covers tuition fees and an annual stipend (EPSRC stipend rate for 2014/15 is £13,863) for a candidate from the UK, European Economic Area, or Switzerland who satisfies the criteria for ʻhomeʼ fees as defined here: goo.gl/U6wjRT.

The successful candidate will possess, or expect to obtain, a first or upper-second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, or chemical engineering. Essential qualities include basic knowledge of statistical mechanics and the properties of soft condensed matter, and familiarity with a programming language such as Fortran or C/C++. Some prior experience or exposure to molecular-simulation techniques and an interest in GPU computing are desirable. Other essential attributes are good presentation and communication skills (written and oral).

In the first instance, informal enquiries (accompanied by a CV) should be directed to:

Dr Philip J. Camp
School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, Scotland.
Tel: +44 131 650 4763
E-mail: philip.camp@ed.ac.uk

Formal applications are made through the University's EUCLID system, as outlined here:
www.chem.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate-research/applications-and-entry-requirements.

Closing date: Monday 8th June 2015