Heriot-Watt University in the United Kingdom is offering two fully funded PhD positions in the field of surface coatings, specifically for UK/Home fee students. The first PhD project focuses on the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) models to predict coating degradation under extreme conditions, with a particular emphasis on hydrogen technologies. This project will be jointly supervised by Assistant Professor Abdul Wasy Zia and Dr Rehan Ahmed, and includes placement opportunities at the university's Dubai campus. High-potential candidates may be nominated for the Nelson Scholarship, which covers UK-rate tuition fees and provides a standard stipend at UKRI rates.

The second PhD project centers on the development of smart green coatings derived from food or agricultural sources. These eco-friendly coatings are designed to have responsive functionalities such as antimicrobial action and self-repairing capabilities. Candidates will have the flexibility to choose a material design and application that aligns with their interests. High-potential applicants for this project may be nominated for the DLA Scholarship, which also covers UK-rate tuition fees and provides a standard stipend at UKRI rates.

Applicants should have a strong background in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline. For the AI/ML project, experience or interest in computational modeling is desirable, while the green coatings project favors candidates interested in sustainable materials and functional coatings. Both positions are open to UK/Home fee students only, and candidates are encouraged to send their CV to [email protected] for consideration. The research areas include surface coatings, AI/ML, hydrogen technology, smart green coatings, food/agri-derived materials, antimicrobial and self-repairing coatings, and materials science. These positions offer an excellent opportunity to work in a cutting-edge research environment with strong academic supervision and the potential for international collaboration.