Applications are invited for a fully funded 3.5-year PhD Studentship: From Nanointerfaces to Dynamic Performance: Next Generation Elastomer Technologies within the International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM) at WMG, University of Warwick. Sponsored by a major global tyre industry partner, this research project aims to pioneer advanced elastomer materials to address environmental and technical challenges in sustainable mobility.
Scholarship Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | PhD Studentship / Doctoral Researcher |
| Host Institution | University of Warwick (WMG) |
| Research Group | Nanocomposites / Advanced Elastomer Research Group |
| Supervisors | Prof. Chaoying Wan, Prof. Steven Brown |
| Research Area | Polymer Science, Nanocomposites, Elastomer Technologies, Materials Chemistry |
| Location | Coventry, United Kingdom |
| Funding & Duration | Industry funded (UK & International students), 3.5 Years |
| Application Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
Research Area & Project Description
Future mobility requires urgent technological advancements to tackle tyre-wear particle emissions, comply with emerging Euro 7 regulatory requirements, lower embodied carbon, and deliver extended service life, self-healing properties, adaptiveness, and reprocessability. This research studentship sits at the forefront of polymer nanotechnology and sustainable materials development.
Key focus areas of the project include:
- Investigating nanoparticle surface chemistry and polymer–filler interfaces to develop fundamental microstructure-property relationships.
- Exploring carbon-based and hybrid nanomaterials to enhance reinforcement and multifunctionality while minimizing energy loss.
- Gaining advanced training in rheological and dynamic mechanical analysis, solid-state NMR, and time-resolved structural characterisation.
- Integrating dynamic performance analysis with polymer chemistry to innovate next-generation elastomers.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered:
Essential Criteria:
- Hold or expect to obtain a 1st or Upper 2nd Class MSc, MChem, or BSc degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Possess a solid understanding of and hands-on experience in chemical synthesis, analytical chemistry, and structural characterisation techniques.
- Funding is open to UK, EU, and International applicants.
Desirable Criteria:
- Prior background or research exposure to elastomers, nanomaterials, rheology, or advanced materials characterisation.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and time-management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.
- Excellent communication, technical writing, and scientific presentation abilities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to initiate contact and submit their enquiries or CV directly to the lead supervisor before submitting a formal application.
- For project-specific enquiries, please contact Prof. Chaoying Wan via email at chaoying.wan@warwick.ac.uk.
- To review the official position details and submit your application, please visit the Official Job Announcement on jobs.ac.uk.
Last Date for Apply
The closing date for applications is 30th September 2026. The expected start date for the doctoral programme is 1st November 2026.
