PhD studentship
Microfluidic foam separation
Chemical Engineering Department
School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering
Loughborough University
Applications are invited for a 3.5 year PhD studentship, funded by the Chemical
Engineering Department at Loughborough University to work on Microfluidic foam
separation technology. The position is open to EU/UK students at the normal rate (full
EU/home student fees plus a tax-free stipend of £13,590/year). The project will be based
in the Micro/Nano Engineering Research Group within Chemical Engineering, supervised
by Dr Hemaka Bandulasena and Prof Victor Starov.
The aim of the research project is to develop a microfluidic foam system for protein
separation. We will target specific proteins, that are difficult to separate by conventional
methods. Microfluidics brings the promise to proteomics of high throughput processing to
achieve protein separations with extremely small volumes, nanolitres, of sample. The
research programme will mainly include experimental investigations of foams and
mathematical modelling. The student will also have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art flow visualization tools and engage with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) during their PhD.
The candidates should be in possession of a good honours degree in chemical
engineering, mathematics or physical sciences. We are looking for an enthusiastic and
highly motivated person with creative skills. The successful candidate should also have a
strong interest in experimentation and modelling related to microfluidic systems and
foams. The candidate will have the opportunity to visit other institutions in the UK and EU
(especially Germany and Spain), where collaborations have been established.
Loughborough University. Voted Sunday Times 'University of the Year' 2008-2009, winner
of The Times Higher 'Best Student Experience' poll for five years running (2006, 2007,
2008, 2009 and 2010) and with over 3,200 staff and in excess of 16,000 students,
Loughborough University is one of the top 20 institutions in the UK. The University has an
impressive and pleasant campus in the heart of the East Midlands - the largest single site
campus in the UK. Its world-class sports and educational facilities, combined with the
lively, diverse student community, make it a fantastic place to study and socialise.
Details about the Department can be found at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/cg/.
Application forms are available at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/prospectus/pg/apply/.
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Dr Hemaka Bandulasena (e-mail:
H.C.H.Bandulasena@lboro.ac.uk), tel: 01509 222515.
Further information about Dr Hemaka Bandulasena:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/cg/a ... asena.html
Closing date for receipt of applications is 15.03.2013 (apply soon).