Digital Exploration of Novel Polymeric Materials for Structural Composites University of Liverpool in United Kingdom

The University of Liverpool is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on the digital exploration of novel polymeric materials for structural composites. This project addresses the challenge of discovering sustainable and high-performance alternatives to conventional epoxy-aromatic amine-based polymers, which are widely used in applications ranging from aerospace to sports equipment. The vast chemical space and advanced current technologies make traditional discovery methods impractical, so this research leverages digital tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), cheminformatics, and high-throughput virtual screening, to accelerate the identification and assessment of new polymeric materials.

Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with Syensqo, a multinational research-intensive industry partner, gaining guidance and supervision from experts in AI, cheminformatics, polymer chemistry, and materials engineering. The project is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital and Automated Materials Chemistry, which provides a tailored training program developed with 35 industrial partners. Training takes place in the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF), the largest industry-academia colocation in UK physical science, and emphasizes interdisciplinary skills in robotics, digital intelligence, chemical and physical thinking, and inclusive R&D practices.

Applicants should have, or be about to obtain, a Master’s degree or equivalent in Physical Science, Engineering, or Computational Science. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field are also encouraged to apply. The program is committed to diversity and inclusivity, offering reasonable project adaptations for students with disabilities or caring responsibilities. International students are welcome, with limited scholarships available to cover the fee difference.

The EPSRC funded studentship covers full tuition fees (£5,006 per annum) and a maintenance grant for four years (starting at £20,780 per annum for 2025-26), along with a Research Training Support Grant for consumables and conference attendance. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will close once a suitable candidate is identified. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisory team for informal enquiries and to include the project title and reference number CCPR145 in their application.

This PhD project is ideal for candidates interested in the intersection of materials science, chemistry, engineering, and digital technologies, and who aspire to make a transformative impact in sustainable materials research and development.