The University of Liverpool is recruiting PhD students across physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and computer science to tackle global challenges in energy, materials, and manufacturing. This matters because the UK needs a steady pipeline of researchers who can move between disciplines and sectors—academia, industry, and beyond—to keep pace with complex problems like developing better batteries, creating antimicrobial surfaces, and designing more efficient energy materials. Traditional PhD training can leave students siloed in one specialism; this programme deliberately builds cohorts and offers tailored skills training in methods, communication, impact, ethics, and entrepreneurship. If successful, the programme will produce graduates with a flexible mindset and the confidence to become leaders in their fields. The immediate impact is on the researchers themselves—they emerge equipped for careers that may not yet exist. But the downstream effect is on the systems that quietly keep society running: energy grids that rely on higher-capacity lithium-ion batteries, medical devices that need antimicrobial coatings, and manufacturing processes that depend on new catalytic reactions. The programme is fundamentally about training people, not producing a specific technology, so its success is measured in the quality and adaptability of the researchers it produces.
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At Liverpool we offer PhD opportunities across the science and engineering spectrum, drawing on excellent links with industry partners, and based in a supportive and vibrant academic environment. We aim to establish a purpose and commonality within a structure of PhD cohorts, learning from our recently established Centers for Doctoral Training, http://www.liv.ac.uk/science-and-engineering/postgraduate-research/doctoral-training/ and embedded in our core disciplines in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering, and Computer Science. All of our post graduate research opportunities can be found at: http://www.liv.ac.uk/science-and-engineering/postgraduate-research/ Projects Recruitment of doctoral training studentships is focused in areas of strategic research excellence that address key global challenges. Examples of our 2014-15 projects include: Energy: Development of Energy Nanocapsules http://www.liv.ac.uk/chemistry/postgraduate/postgraduate-opportunities/development-of-energy-nanocapsules/ Lithium Rich Transition Metal Oxides as High Capacity and High Voltage Li-ion Battery Cathodes http://www.liv.ac.uk/chemistry/postgraduate/postgraduate-opportunities/lithium-rich-transition-metal-oxides/ Materials Science & Engineering: Design, engineering and characterisation of Antimicrobial Surfaces http://www.liv.ac.uk/chemistry/postgraduate/postgraduate-opportunities/design-engineering-and-characterisation-of-antimicrobial-surfaces/ Asymmetric Synthesis via Metal-Catalysed Activation of C-H and C-C Bonds http://www.liv.ac.uk/chemistry/postgraduate/postgraduate-opportunities/asymmetric-synthesis-via-metal-catalysed-activation-of-c-h-and-c-c-bonds/ Our postgraduate research opportunities will be updated as 2015-16 projects are confirmed. PhD Training: All students emerge from their PhD training with a flexible mind set, able to communicate across different disciplines and sectors and with the confidence and foundations to develop in to leaders of their fields. A key objective is to involve students in driving and determining their own skills training and development, aided by the transferable skills training programme. Through the recent establishment of the Liverpool Doctoral College, students will have access to a development programme which is tailored to the needs of the individual and supports interdisciplinary working (students may draw on modules and training opportunities from all three of our faculties). The programme places a focus on employability and entrepreneurship and will provide the skills needed for doctoral study and for future careers in academia, industry and other areas of the economy. Personal & professional development training is offered in: Methods Communication Impact Ethics & Governance Employability & Entrepreneurship Timetable for decisions EPSRC doctoral training funding is processed and distributed annually to departments who allocate funding to supervisors in the coming academic session. Projects are advertised no later than January. All of our post graduate research opportunities can be found at http://www.liv.ac.uk/science-and-engineering/postgraduate-research/ Student applications are made to the primary supervisor through a University application process. Students are selected following an interview process involving a second member of academic staff. Specific details about how to apply, including the closing dates, are detailed in each project summary.
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