International Doctorate Centre

WMG and Thermacore are seeking a candidate to undertake research leading to the award of an International Engineering Doctorate from the University of Warwick.

As a ‘Research Entrepreneur’ (RE) you will have access to some of the best teaching and industrial expertise in the world. You will emerge from the four-year programme better equipped to make a difference to your employer and the global marketplace.

Project
This doctoral research project is sponsored by Thermacore, as part of the WMG centre High Value Manufacturing Catapult focused on Low Carbon Mobility. The RE will join an established multi-disciplinary team, comprising leading academics, researchers and industry practitioners.

Research has identified the challenge of optimising the thermal management system for an Electric Vehicle (EV) or Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and the role that thermal management has on both maximising the performance of the battery system and extending its operational life.

The RE will work with Thermacore engineers and researchers at WMG’s £13m Energy Innovation Centre. Using Thermacore’s portfolio of products and Intellectual Property as the starting point, the RE will design a research programme that extends the company’s understanding of battery system thermal management and identifies opportunities to launch new products and engineering services within the automotive supply chain.

The RE will be based at WMG but will also visit Thermacore (at appropriate times to be agreed during the research period) to use Thermacore’s facilities and familiarise themselves with the business.

Background
Thermacore‘s global engineering teams have a track record in delivering advanced thermal management technologies and supporting doctoral level research in advanced solid conduction, heat pipes, vapour chambers, loop heat pipes, pumped liquid cooling, nanotechnologies and advanced materials. Further information is available at: http://www.thermacore-europe.com/.

Thermacore recognises achievement and will look at potential employment for the candidate after the successful completion of the Engineering Doctorate.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications
Candidates should have a minimum of an upper second (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in engineering or a related numerate discipline such as mathematics or physics.

Attributes
This is a highly multi-disciplinary research project, the scope of which may encompass the full research and a development life-cycle, including experimental design, data analysis, computer simulation, control and technology integration.

Potential candidates must be able to clearly evidence academic/industrial achievement within the related fields of thermodynamics, engineering (mechanical, automotive, electrical), system integration or control.

A clear interest and enthusiasm for researching sustainable automotive engineering will be clear advantage coupled with:

• High levels of innovative thought and lateral thinking
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Self-motivation, capable of working with minimal guidance and supervision, and within a team.

The Studentship
Qualifying students receive an enhanced stipend which could be tax and NI free depending on your personal circumstances, paid by the International Doctorate Centre and topped up by a contribution from Thermacore. For 2014 this totals approximately £19,000 tax free per annum.

The funding is for four years and also covers all University tuition fees, WMG course fees and a travel allowance.

EPSRC regulations require that applicants should be UK or EU citizens to be eligible for funding. 

Apply
To apply please contact us at engd<στο>warwick.ac.uk or phone us on 024 765 24357