Opportunities in QUILL
PhD Vacancies
Battery Thermal Management and Algorithmic 3D Temperature Prediction
This is a 3.5 year HORIBA sponsored EPSRC CASE studentship, with a stipend top-up of up to £5,000 per annum. The position is in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, jointly supervised by Dr Stephen Glover (MAE), Dr Rob Watson (MAE) and Dr Peter Nockemann (CCE). The closing date for this project is 28 Febuary 2019.
The electrification of transport vehicles is the latest automotive mega trend, driven by the demand to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful emissions (NOx, HC, CO, CO2). Current battery technology has an energy density well below that provided by conventional gasoline powertrains. In addition, current battery technology works in a very narrow range of temperature and has quite limited durability. Current battery management systems are overly reliant on exterior thermal and electronic measurements to assess battery health, but give little indication of internal chemical stress. Battery thermal management is a significant problem, the resolution of which is part of the UK automotive Council, APC (Advanced, Propulsion Centre) and UK Faraday challenge roadmaps. The overall aim of this project is to measure / map internal battery temperatures under real-life usage conditions and develop a predictive algorithm that reproduces these temperatures based on external battery sensor measurements.
The student will spend regular periods on industrial placement (up to 6 months) for training and knowledge acquisition purposes. Specific periods of placement will be planned as required over the three years required to complete the work. A travel and bespoke training budget has been agreed with the industrial partner to cover the cost of training activities, software training, attendance at meetings with external suppliers and visits / meetings at company sites in the UK (and potentially worldwide) and at relevant academic conferences.
Requirements
A first class or upper-second class degree (or equivalent), specialising in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering or a closely related subject area.
Candidates with other primary degree areas may be considered if they can demonstrate a high level of suitable relevance and experience to the scope of the project in their primary degree area. It would be desirable to have some understanding and knowledge of the automotive sector and battery technology. Solid computer skills are essential as the project will involve significant computer modelling, simulations and analyses.
Eligibility
Students are subject to standard EPSRC eligibility.
In the first instance, for informal enquires about the position please contact Dr Stephen Glover .
Posted 29th January 2019
Ionic Liquids for Selective Anion Extraction
An industrial CASE sponsored PhD studentship is available for an outstanding and ambitious chemist to undertake research to explore applications of ionic liquid-based media for selective anion recognition and extraction from water. The successful candidate, based in the QUILL Research Centre supervised by Dr John Holbrey and co-supervised by Dr Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny, will synthesise and develop new ionic liquid extractants designed to address the challenges of selective anion extraction and recovery.
Requirements
A first class or upper-second class degree, specialising in Chemistry.
Experience of practical synthetic chemistry, separations and analysis would be advantageous, although training will be provided. You should be capable of working under your own initiative and working within a small research team and interacting directly with industry partners, so excellent communication and organisational skills are also required.
Eligibility
Students are subject to standard EPSRC eligibility.
In the first instance, for informal enquires about the position please contact Dr John Holbrey.
Posted 4th January 2019