- Organisation: Swansea University
- Duty Station: United Kingdom
- Opportunity Type: Scholarships
- Qualification: PhD
- Reward: £22,000
- Deadline: 17 February 2023
Dating back over 150 years, Beckers is a true pioneer in providing unique, high-quality solutions that answer coating needs across many sectors. Currently, Beckers is proud to be the global leader in the supply of coil coatings from 24 locations in 18 countries.
With 20% of our personnel worldwide working in laboratories, 4% of our sales spent on R&D and 25% of our coatings being new products created in the last five years, we are proud to be considered an industry innovator and we will continue to explore smart and sustainable solutions.
Currently, the majority of Coil Coatings are applied to a continuous wide metal strip and then thermally treated so as to induce gelation or crosslinking. Currently, this heating is carried out using gas-powered ovens which yield a high carbon footprint to the finished article. As part of Beckers, ongoing commitment to increasing the sustainability of Coil Coatings, new methods of crosslinking that have significantly lower carbon footprints are being explored.
One such method is to use UV or Electron Beam radiation (radcure) to initiate free radical polymerization. As these new technologies are being introduced into the Coil Coating market, there is a requirement to make sure that the performance of the new systems is at the same level as current systems.
Eligibility
Candidates must normally hold at minimum (or expect to obtain by the start date) an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) or a combination of degree and equivalent experience to the same level.
Student profile:
The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who is willing to act on their own initiative and one who can present the results to an audience of Industrial Chemists, Senior Managers, and their peers. The candidate will have a first or upper-second-class degree in chemistry or physics, but other science-based disciplines may be considered.
English Language Requirements: If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 6.0 in each individual component) or Swansea recognised equivalent.
Studentships for October 2023 entry are open to candidates of any nationality; however, please note:
International students (including EU countries) can apply, but due to UKRI funding rules, no more than 30% of the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Functional Industrial Coatings projects can be allocated to international students. Once the cap is reached, studentships will only be open to applicants eligible for tuition fees at the UK rate, as defined by UKCISA regulations.
ATAS
Please note that the programme requires some applicants to hold ATAS clearance; further details on ATAS scheme eligibility are available on the UK Government website.
ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process; successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with the scholarship course offer.
Benefits
This studentship covers a full award and includes a tax-free stipend (currently £22,000 per annum) and tuition fees, each for a period of four years, subject to meeting University progression requirements.
Also, a generous budget is available to support training, project costs, industry placements and travel to enable you to network and showcase your research at an international conference.
How to Apply
Apply in through the given steps below.
Please see our website for more information.
