Applications are invited for a fully funded 3.5-year PhD scholarship in Engineering & Physical Sciences at Aston University, Birmingham, UK. Hosted within the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME) and conducted in close collaboration with global industry leader Coloplast, this project focuses on designing cutting-edge polymer adhesive systems to advance ostomy care.
Overview & Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Designation | PhD Researcher / Doctoral Candidate |
| Research Area | Polymer Science, Biomaterials & Membrane Science |
| Host Institution | Aston University (School of Engineering & Innovation) |
| Industry Partner | Coloplast |
| Location | Birmingham, United Kingdom |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (Tuition Fees + Annual Stipend) |
| Duration | 3.5 Years (Full-time) |
| Start Date | January 2027 |
| Application Deadline | 15 September 2026 |
Designation
Doctoral Researcher (PhD Candidate) in Engineering and Physical Sciences.
Research Area
This project sits at the intersection of Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Surface Engineering, and Medical Biomaterials.
Location
Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME), Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Scholarship Description & Project Overview
Worldwide, the number of individuals living with a stoma is steadily rising, with approximately 21,000 surgeries performed each year in the UK alone. Despite technological advances, peristomal skin complications and leakage remain significant challenges due to inadequate long-term adhesion, mechanical failure, and limited moisture transport at the skin interface.
This PhD project aims to overcome these limitations by engineering next-generation polymeric adhesive materials. Working under the supervision of Prof. Paul Topham and Dr Matthew Derry alongside Coloplast, the candidate will:
- Design and synthesize novel polymer systems tailored for superior bio-adhesion, cohesion strength, and skin compatibility.
- Investigate monomer ratios, charge densities, crosslinking strategies, and moisture management mechanisms.
- Characterize interfacial behaviour, degradation resistance, and viscoelastic properties using advanced analytical methods (e.g., FTIR, SEM, mechanical testing).
- Evaluate biological relevance using models replicating moist physiological skin environments.
Funding Coverage: The scholarship is fully funded, providing full tuition fee coverage and a competitive tax-free annual living stipend for 3.5 years.
Eligibility & Qualification Criteria
Applicants must meet the following academic and technical criteria:
Academic Qualifications
- A UK Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject with a First Class or Upper Second Class (2:1) classification, OR
- A Bachelor’s degree (First or 2:1) plus a Master’s degree in a relevant subject with an award of Merit or higher, OR
- Recognised international equivalent qualifications.
Essential Skills
- Strong practical laboratory skills and high confidence in experimental workflows.
- Solid foundational knowledge in polymer science or materials science.
- Demonstrated critical thinking, analytical aptitude, and independent problem-solving skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication capabilities.
Desirable Experience
- Familiarity with hydrogel materials, pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), or surface chemistry.
- Hands-on experience with material characterization tools (FTIR, SEM, mechanical analyzers).
- Interest in healthcare technologies, circular economy, or membrane science.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit a formal online application to Aston University with all required supporting documents before the deadline. Applications missing mandatory documents will not be reviewed.
Required Supporting Documents:
- Degree Certificates & Transcripts: Official English-language copies for all completed higher education qualifications.
- Research Statement: Outlining your understanding of the research topic, proposed methodology, and a concise literature review referencing the project title.
- Personal Statement: Detailing your research background, career goals, and suitability for this specific project.
- Two Academic References: Provided on official institutional letterhead, signed, and dated within the last two years.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency: (if applicable).
- Passport Copy: Including evidence of settled/pre-settled UK immigration status where relevant.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview conducted via Microsoft Teams.
For project-specific enquiries, contact the lead supervisor, Prof. Paul Topham, via email at P.D.TOPHAM@aston.ac.uk.
Last Date for Apply
The closing date for applications is 15 September 2026.
Apply Link
Click Here to View Official Course Details & Apply Online
