Early-Stage Researcher, Bio-based green additives for lubricated contacts

Leeds, United Kingdom
24 Mar 2020
12 Apr 2020
EPSME1023
Fixed Term
Full Time

Are you a rising star in the field of tribology, engineering materials or material science? Would you like to contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies to impact on a green revolution in lubrication, friction and wear? Do you want to further your career and attain a PhD in one of the UK’s leading research intensive universities?

You will join a recently funded Innovative Training Network/European Joint Doctorate (ETN/EJD) GreenTRIBOS (project ID 860246, call H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019). GREENTRIBOS offers high-level doctoral training to a total of 12 Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs).  Three will be primarily based at and employed by Leeds University with another three receiving dual degrees with Leeds University and Universities of Lulea/Coimbra/Ljubljana. The project lead is Prof Mitjan Kalin at the University of Ljubljana. 

This project will investigate the area of green, bio-based lubricants for boundary lubricated contacts.   It addresses the current targets mandated by legislation to reduce emission and focuses on how performance can be achieved and maintained in arduous conditions in modern engines and machines.   It will focus on the greening of additives and the importance of a clear knowledge of surface/additive reactions in these systems.  This project will be supervised by Prof Ardian Morina and Prof Anne Neville in Leeds, in collaboration with several other researchers across the network and in particular Prof M Kalin from Ljubljana University. You will receive a dual award PhD from the University of Leeds and Ljubljana. University on successful completion of your research work.  

You will have a top-class undergraduate degree and/or a Masters degree, or equivalent, in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or Engineering or a relevant Physical Science, with research experience or an interest in Tribology, materials and surface science, and the flexibility to travel throughout the EU.

Important eligibility rules for this position: 

There are no restrictions on the nationality, but

  • Applicants must, at the time of recruitment, have not yet been awarded a doctorate degree and be in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers. This is measured from the date that you obtained the degree which would entitle you to embark on a PhD.
  • At the time of recruitment, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc...) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment under the GreenTRIBOS project. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account. 

Salary:

The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Early-Stage Researcher living allowance is fixed at €62,058 per annum including the mobility allowance. This figure is before employer’s and employee’s deductions for national insurance and taxes per year, which will be paid in Sterling using an appropriate conversion rate.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Professor Ardian Morina, School of Mechanical Engineering
Tel: +44 (0) 113 343 8965 or email: a.morina@leeds.ac.uk

Further information

The Schools in the Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences are proud to have been awarded the Athena SWAN Bronze or Silver Award from the Equality Challenge Unit, the national body that promotes equality in the higher education sector. Our equality and inclusion webpage provides more information.

Location:     Leeds - Main Campus
Faculty/Service:     Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences
School/Institute:     School of Mechanical Engineering
Section:     Institute of Functional Surfaces
Category:     Research
Grade:     Off grading structure
Post Type:     Full Time
Contract Type:     Fixed Term (Three years (grant funding))
Closing Date:     Sunday 12 April 2020
Reference:     EPSME1023
Downloads:     Candidate Brief