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Studentships for October 2024 entry
Apply to an Institute of Chemical Biology studentship for October 2024 entry.
Studentships for October 2024 entry
Title
Modelling hair lubrication in the presence of additives
This project is co-sponsored by the Institute of Chemical Biology EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training and Procter & Gamble
This is a three year fully-funded PhD studentship available for Home students only for an immediate start
Supervisors
Abstract
This project will study the molecular-level interactions and fundamental mechanisms responsible for wet friction in hair-to-hair contacts in the presence of new additives used in silicone-free conditioners and sulfate-free shampoos. Particular emphasis will be placed upon natural products with lower environmental impact. Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Non-Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics (NEMD) simulations will be used to study changes on the hair surface chemistry in presence of surfactants, polymers, and natural products and their impact on hair-hair lubrication. We will also explore the use of continuum-based models and hybrid molecular-continuum simulations to capture the impact of the surface changes induced by the improved formulations on macroscale friction.
The project will utilise coarse-grained molecular models that we have recently developed for the surface of human hair [1] that reproduce its friction properties [2,3].
[1] Weiand et al., Soft Matter, 2022, 18, 1779 (https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SM01720A)
[2] Weiand et al., Nanoscale, 2023, 15, 7086 (https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NR05545G)
[3] Handa, Chemistry World, 2023 (https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/study-untangles-friction-and-surface-chemistry-in-chemically-damaged-hair/4017403.article)
This is a three year fully-funded PhD studentship available for Home students only for an immediate start
Who should apply?
Chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering graduates who wish to learn how to apply their physical sciences skills to biological problems. Students from biological or medicinal backgrounds are usually not eligible. If in doubt, please contact us.
The entry requirement is a degree in the physical sciences with a minimum 2.1 or above (or equivalent).
How is the studentship structured?
Our advertised studentship projects are a 1-year MRes + 3-year PhD and are fully-funded, covering all tuition fees and paying an annual bursary (stipend) for both the MRes Chemical Biology and Bio-Entrepreneurship and the PhD, subject to the candidate successfully passing the MRes.
Studentship funding
Successful applicants will be awarded a fully funded studentship. This includes:
- Annual National Minimum Doctoral Stipend, currently £19,237 + £2000 London allowance for 2024/25
- Annual Tuition fees
- A Research Training Support Grant for laboratory consumable costs of £3,500 per year
- Funding to attend conferences
- Transferable skills training
The stipend increases annually in line with the GDP deflator, and is secured for each studentship for 4 years (1 year MRes + 3 year PhD).
Fee status eligibility
Both 'Home' and 'Overseas' fee status candidates are eligible to apply to our programme. However, we have only a very limited number of international student scholarships available which are awarded on merit, on a first-come-first-served basis. This allocation is highly competitive, and we encourage applications.
Overseas/international students are also welcome to self-fund and join our cohorts or apply with scholarships. In this instance, students will need to design their PhD research project with their supervisors. Some scholarship examples are:
- Imperial President’s PhD scholarship
- Imperial College China Scholarship Council
- International scholarship collaborations
UK eligibility
To be classed as a home student, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
- Have settled status, or
- Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
- Have indefinite leave to remain or enter
Date of last review: 7 May 2024
Date of last update: 7 May 2024
