Valentina Erastova

PhD opportunity in molecular modelling at the University of Edinburgh, School of Chemistry , seeking an industrial partner to co-fund a studentship starting in 2027/28 . The project sits within the research programme of Valentina Erastova , whose group studies molecular models of complex systems with a strong emphasis on natural materials and environmental applications . The post is flexible and can be shaped around topics such as clays , biochar , layered minerals , other layered materials , soils , pollution , underground storage of gas , oil extraction , composite materials , polymers , and crystallisation in fuels . This is not a generic scholarship call; it is an invitation to build an industrially relevant PhD project with a partner whose contribution would cover roughly half of the studentship (about £52K over 3.5 years ) plus research expenses . The post highlights prior industry-linked experience in areas such as diesel crystallisation, polymers, oxide surfaces, layered minerals, and biochar, suggesting a strong collaborative/applied environment. Interested partners should contact Valentina Erastova by Monday 9 November . If your problem is close to the research themes above, you are invited to get in touch even if it is not an exact match. Useful links provided in the post include the group website and selected papers.