Vacancy

Available research projects:

1. Thermal-mechanical modelling for multiphysics applications (battery, offshore energy, etc).

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

3. Architected cellular structures for crash energy absorption.

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

5. Mechanical and electrochemical behaviours of nanomaterials for energy-storage.

Postdoc Fellowships

1. EPSRC funded postdoctoral research assistant

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.

2. 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. UK PhD Studentship (Fully-funded)

A new PhD position is available in our group. The project title is “Developing crashworthy cellular composites using machine learning”. The detail information for the position can be found from FindAPhD and QMUL.

Background: This PhD studentship is associated with the EPSRC project “CELLCOMP: Data-driven Mechanistic Modelling of Scalable Cellular Composites for Crash Energy Absorption”, to address the challenges in developing lightweight cellular composites for future zero emission vehicles. The overarching aim of this project is to develop a scalable manufacturing technology and significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of crush modelling for cellular composite by bridging the solid mechanics, materials engineering and data science.

Eligibility and Applying:

  • Available to Home applicants (UK students) only.
  • Applicant required to start in September 2021.
  • The studentship arrangement will cover home tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to three years (Currently set for 2021/22 as £17,609).
  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
  • If English is not your first language you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).

2. Chinese Scholarship Council Fellowship

I am looking for some highly talented Chinese students to apply 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. 

Eligibility and Applying: The deadline for applications to Queen Mary is 27th January 2021. 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. 

3. Other International Studentships

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