Applications are invited for a research studentship in the field of Tribology, leading to the award of a PhD degree. The post is supported by a bursary and fees (at the UK/EU student rate) provided by the EPSRC. EPSRC candidates should fulfil the eligibility criteria for the award, please check your suitability at the following web site:

http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/Pages/eligibility.aspx

The performance of medical products that are designed to interact with biological tissue, such as intravenous probes and prosthetic sockets depends on understanding the contact and friction behaviour of compliant, visco-elastic and poro-elastic materials. This PhD research will provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to focus on the tribological behaviour of these materials, which is governed by a complex interplay between the physics and chemistry at their surfaces and the mechanical behaviour of the bulk materials. A combined experimental and modelling approach will be followed to improve our understanding of these phenomena, with the aim of developing novel guidelines for the design of products that contain, or interact with, compliant visco-elastic or poro-elastic materials.

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at Imperial College London. You will have a 1st class Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry or a related subject and an enquiring and rigorous approach to research, together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. An interest in both modelling and experimental research is essential, as well as collaborative, observational and communication skills.

To find out more about research at Imperial College London in this area, go to:

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/mechanicalengineering

For information on how to apply, go to:

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/mechanicalengineering/research/phdopportunities/.

For further details of the post contact Dr Marc Masen m.masen<στο>imperial.ac.uk +44 (0)20 7594 7066.  Interested applicants should send an up-to-date curriculum vitae to Dr Masen. Suitable candidates will be required to complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London in order for their qualifications to be addressed by College Registry.

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