PhD Position Available – Materials Design for Low Friction Coatings

17 May 2023

Applications are invited for the following PhD position for the following project:

Materials Design for Low Friction Coatings

The position will be based with the Materials Modelling for Devices Group at Tyndall National Institute within the Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER).

Summary of project        

The Materials Modelling for Devices Group at Tyndall National Institute has attracted significant funding through the Science Foundation Ireland AMBER Research Centre for a PhD project using state of the art first principles simulations and thin film atomic/molecular layer deposition (ALD/MLD) to develop new low friction coatings for use in computing peripherals. The project is supported by a leading international manufacturer of computing peripherals and significant interaction with this partner is a key element of the project, involving presentation of results, placements in their facility in Cork and characterisation & testing as appropriate.

The work requires a detailed theoretical understanding of the tribology (friction) properties of novel coatings, their processing & production and performance testing. The new coatings are supposed to replace currently used fluorinated polymers which will need to be phased out as a result of environmental & legislative requirements, their non-optimal performance and difficulties in their production. Training in experimental deposition of the new coatings using ALD/MLD at Tyndall will be provided in collaboration with relevant group members and Tyndall’s thin film deposition group. This is an exciting opportunity to build on the MMD Group’s recent work on developing MLD chemistries of polymer and hybrid materials using simulations and MLD processing, low friction materials and tribology modelling, while working directly with a leading company in this sector. We also aim to apply machine learning models to assist with the accelerated design of materials and process chemistries and thereby deliver a truly rapid and predictive materials and process design approach.

For more information please contact Dr Michael Nolan, michael.nolan@tyndall.ie or visit the website Tyndall National Institute – PhD Position in Materials Design for Low Friction Coatings.

Essential criteria for this position:

• Honours BSc or Master’s degree in chemistry/materials science/physics or equivalent
• Good knowledge of computational/quantum chemistry and/or simulation of materials

• Good knowledge of solid-state chemistry and/or physics
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a wider team
• Ability to critically evaluate the obtained results and present to their peers.

How to apply:

Step 1 Click here to download the Application form and indicate the Job Reference MN-16

Step 2 Return the completed Application form, together with your CV and motivation letter to careers@tyndall.ie.

Please ensure that your motivation letter, CV and application letter are submitted in pdf format.

Positions will remain opened until filled but preferred start date is 1st September 2023. Only short-listed applications will be acknowledged. This position is funded by the SFI-research centre AMBER.

The AMBER research centre, as a community of researchers, welcomes its responsibility to provide equal opportunities for all. We are actively seeking diversity in our research teams and particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.