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Digital Exploration of Novel Polymeric Materials for Structural Composite

Funding
Funded
Study mode
Full-time
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Start date
Subject area
Chemistry
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Overview

The goal of this project is to develop digital tools comprising AI methods, cheminformatics and, high-throughput virtual screening, to explore the non virtual assessment of novel polymeric materials in these applications. The project will give the opportunity of interacting with our industrial partner, a multinational research-intensive organization who will provide guidance and supervision through industry experts in AI/Cheminformatics, Polymer Chemistry and Materials Engineering/Composite Materials

About this opportunity

Structural composites materials are used in a vast number of applications from aerospace to sport and recreation. Their polymeric constituent is in the majority of cases made by materials formed by epoxy-aromatic amine chemistry while there are many alternative chemistries, which are, in principle, capable of similar or better performances and can be more sustainable. The chemical space to explore is so vast and the current technologies so well developed that it is impossible to find viable

alternatives in reasonable time with conventional methods. The goal of this project is to develop digital tools comprising AI methods, cheminformatics and, high-throughput virtual screening, to explore the non virtual assessment of novel polymeric materials in these applications. The project will give the opportunity of interacting with our industrial partner, a multinational research-intensive organization who will provide guidance and supervision through industry experts in AI/Cheminformatics, Polymer Chemistry and Materials Engineering/Composite Materials.

 

This project will be supported by Syensqo and will be supervised by Prof Neil Berry (Chemistry), Dr Tom Hasell (Chemistry) and a supervisor from the industry sponsor Syensqo.

 

The global need for researchers with capabilities in materials chemistry, digital intelligence and automation is intensifying because of the growing challenge posed by Net Zero and the need for high-performance materials across multiple sectors. The disruptive nature of recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and emerging quantum computing offers timely and exciting opportunities for PhD graduates with these skills to make a transformative impact on both R&D and society more broadly.

 

The University of Liverpool EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital and Automated Materials Chemistry is therefore offering multiple studentships for students from backgrounds spanning the physical and computer sciences to start in October 2025. These students will develop core expertise in robotic, digital, chemical and physical thinking, which they will apply in their domain-specific research in materials design, discovery and processing. By working with each other and benefiting from a tailored training programme they will become both leaders and fully participating team players, aware of the best practices in inclusive and diverse R&D environments.

 

This training is based on our decade-long development of shared language and student supervision between the physical, engineering and computer sciences, and takes place in the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF), the largest industry-academia colocation in UK physical science. The training content has been co-developed with 35 industrial partners and is designed to generate flexible, employable, enterprising researchers who can communicate across domains.

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Who is this for?

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent related to Physical Science. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.

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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    Prof Neil Berry  Ngberry@liverpool.ac.uk https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/neil-berry
    Dr Tom Hasell T.Hasell@liverpool.ac.uk https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/thomas-hasell

    Please review our guide on How to apply for a PhD | Postgraduate research | University of Liverpool carefully and complete the online postgraduate research application form to apply for this PhD project.

    We strongly encourage applicants to get in touch with the supervisory team to get a better idea of the project.

    For Student Experience Use: Please ensure you include the project title and reference number CCPR145 when applying.

  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    You may need the following documents to complete your online application:

    • A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
    • University transcripts and degree certificates to date
    • Passport details (international applicants only)
    • English language certificates (international applicants only)
    • A personal statement
    • A curriculum vitae (CV)
    • Contact details for two proposed supervisors
    • Names and contact details of two referees.
  3. 3. Apply

    Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

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Funding your PhD

The EPSRC funded Studentship will cover full tuition fees of £5,006 pa. and pay a maintenance grant for 4 years, starting at the UKRI minimum of £20,780 pa. for academic year 2025-26). The Studentship also comes with a Research Training Support Grant to fund consumables, conference attendance, etc.

EPSRC Studentships are available to any prospective student wishing to apply including both home and international students. While EPSRC funding will not cover international fees, a limited number of scholarships to meet the fee difference will be available to support outstanding international students.

 

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Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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