Name of School Contact: Professor Sven L M Schroeder
Address: Institute of Particle Science and Engineering
Tel: 0113 343 2401
Email: s.l.m.schroeder<στο>leeds.ac.uk
Web: www.engineering.leeds.ac.uk/people/staff/s.l.m.schroeder

http://www.engineering.leeds.ac.uk/people/staff/s.l.m.schroederDegree Level: Research Postgraduate                

Scholarship Type: Home/EU                        

Number available: 1             

Fees: £3,975  

Maintenance: £13,863

Further Information:

The last ten years have witnessed major breakthroughs in the development of tomographic and imaging of materials and processevs with X-rays and electrons. This has facilitated entirely new insight into the influence of microstructure on the properties of high-value products and their manufacturing, up to complexity levels of biological systems. The Grand Challenge for structural science and engineering with X-rays and electrons is the development of techniques that produce real-time images based on chemical contrast, utilising the chemical information contained in spectra excited by X-rays and electrons. Chemical contrast allows on one hand to identify features in microscopic images arising from differences in chemical composition. On the other, it makes it possible to visualise chemical variations invisible to standard microscopy.

This project is embedded in a collaboration on X-ray and electron imaging between DIAMOND Light Source Ltd. (www.diamond.ac.uk) and the University of Leeds. The Leeds group has developed prototype software methodologies for the fast analysis of X-ray and electron-induced core level excitation spectra, which carry incisive chemical information. The aim of the project is to build on these studies and develop software methods that can be integrated into the image processing capability of X-ray and electron microscope technology. This is an interdisciplinary PhD project that will likely involve liaising with engineers, chemists, physicists, as well as materials and life scientists. As such, it would be suitable for an open-minded physical science or engineering graduate with an interest in (i) software development and (ii) becoming an expert in X-ray and electron interactions with matter. The student will also work with scientists at DIAMOND Light Source, the biggest UK science and engineering facility built in the last two decades.

The three year scholarships are available on a competition basis to students who are commencing PhD study from October 2015.

How to Apply:

1. Applicants MUST first submit a PhD application form and be in receipt of a University BANNER ID Number: www.leeds.ac.uk/rsa/prospective_students/apply/I_want_to_apply.html Please state clearly on the funding section of the application form that you wish to be considered for the 'University of Leeds 110 Anniversary Research Scholarship 2015 entry -Methodologies for Chemical Imaging in X-ray and Electron Microscopes'. In the research information section please state the name Professor Sven Schroeder.
2. Once applicants have a banner ID, they can then complete the University Postgraduate Research Scholarship Application Form for the University of Leeds 110 Anniversary Research Scholarships (UoLARS) for Session 2015/16 available from http://scholarships.leeds.ac.uk/ and return it by email to pg_scholarships<στο>leeds.ac.uk by 18 February 2015.

Minimum Academic Requirements (if English is not your first language, then candidates must also meet the University's English language requirements):

Applicants must hold a First Degree at undergraduate level equivalent to at least a UK Upper Second Class Honours degree in Chemical Engineering, Physics and Chemistry.

Any Additional Requirements:

Interest in a PhD project led by software development.

Willingness to work across disciplines and acquire new knowledge from related disciplines when required.

Ability to travel and spend extended times at DIAMOND Light Source, located on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus near Didcot in Oxfordshire.