Vacancy

Available research projects:

1. Multiphysics modelling of materials/structures for engineering applications (battery, offshore energy, etc).

2. High velocity liquid-solid impact damage mechanisms of composite materials (wind energy, aerospace. etc.)

3. Advanced fracture mechanics model for composite materials (CFRP, Nanocomposite, etc).

4. Architected cellular structures for crash energy absorption.

5. Machine learning in the discovery of new meta-materials and meta-structures.

6. Mechanical and electrochemical behaviours of nanomaterials for energy storage.

7. AI-powered measuring and modellling the biomechanical behaviour of musculoskeletal tissues.

Postdoc Fellowships

1. ERC starting grant funded postdoctoral research fellows (three openings)

We are looking for three postdoctoral researchers, with the background on high strain rate testing, multiphysics computational modelling, fluid-solid interaction or machine learning methods.

Project introduction:

The project aims to address the longstanding puzzle of liquid-solid impact, which involves the collision between a high-velocity liquid and a solid, leading to substantial material degradation.

“How can high-velocity liquid cause major damage to solid materials, such as erosion of wind blades?” LSIMPACT will embark on a journey to not just understanding the failure mechanisms of solid materials under liquid impact, but also to create new materials with ‘life-like’ features. In this project, we will have a team to develop materials that can heal themselves, adapt, and endure — greatly enhancing the lifetime of engineering structures.

The ERC Starting Grants are worth €1.5 million over five years and are awarded to early-career researchers who are 2-7 years post PhD. The grants are designed to support researchers carrying out cutting-edge research that can make a significant impact.

2. EPSRC funded postdoctoral research assistant (currently filled)

Project Details:

The project, led by Dr Wei Tan from Queen Mary’s Mechanics of Composite Materials (MCM) Group, will create an intelligent data-driven virtual testing tool to enable rapid discovery, design and prototyping of cellular composites for crash energy absorption of future zero emission vehicles.

About the Role

Applications are invited for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to work on a three-year EPSRC project “CELLCOMP: Data-driven Mechanistic Modelling of Scalable Cellular Composites for Crash Energy Absorption”.

The lack of scalable manufacturing techniques and reliable models for crash assessments are the main barriers to increase the adoption of cellular composites in transportation vehicles. The project in collaboration with Imperial, TU Delft, University of Washington (US), Q-Flo Ltd. and Ultima-Forma Ltd., will substantially address this challenge by integrating scalable manufacturing, computational mechanistic models and data-driven approaches for predicting and optimising the crash performance of cellular composites.

About You

Applicants will have a PhD (or be near completion) in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline (e.g. Engineering Mechanics, Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, etc.). You should have knowledge and experience in solid mechanics, finite element modelling and data-driven methods. Experience in cellular materials, composite manufacturing or mechanical testing is also desirable. Applicants should be self-motivated and possess an ability to work independently and manage work timescales.

About the post

The post is based at the Mile End Campus in London. It is full-time, with an expected start date of Oct/Nov 2021. The initial term will be 2 years with the potential to extend the appointment for up to 3 years (the project duration). The starting salary will be Grade 4, in the range of £31,613 – £40,194 per annum (pro-rata), inclusive of London Allowance.

3. Early-stage research fellowship

We welcome applications for fellowships sponsored by research councils and other funding bodies. Please feel free to contact me for further discussions. Some prestigious fellowships are listed as follows,

PhD opportunities

1. One Chinese Scholarship Council Fellowships (New opening for Sep 2025 entry)

I am looking for some highly talented Chinese students to apply for the China Scholarship Council (CSC)  scholarship. Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants. This scholarship is available to both new and continuing (current 1st year) students. 

Project 1: Computational Material Design Guided by Mechanics and Machine Learning

See the project details in the Chinese version here.

Application link: https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/research/studentships/604

Eligibility and Applying: The deadline for applications to Queen Mary is 30th January 2025. Applicants must be Chinese nationals and should meet our entry requirements. Applicants must first apply for our PhD programme following our usual application procedures.  Applicants must first have an offer for admission to Queen Mary’s PhD programme and then they should apply to CSC for the scholarship between 10th March and 31st March. Results are usually released in May. 

2. ERC grant funded- UK home studentships (New opening for Sep 2025 entry)

One PhD studentship for UK citizen is available for Sep 2025 entry. Outstanding international students have the opportunity to utilise the PhD studentship to cover 50% of the total funding. The home studentships will be related to liquid-solid impact of composite materials. Students with background of high strain rate testing, multiphysics modelling, materials science, etc are welcomed.

3. Other International Studentships

International scholarships support individual students from across the globe in their search for funding. Today, QMUL are home to scholars from more than 50 different international sponsorship bodies. More information about the scholarships available to you can be found on your individual country page or by using our searchable scholarships database.

Other opportunities

Visiting scholars, and outstanding MSc and undergraduate students are welcome to inquire regarding research opportunities at my group.

This page is updated on 07/10/2024.