Chemistry Studentship: Computational modelling of biobased materials from biomass degradation for applications in precision agriculture, resilient infrastructure, or energy storage.

Award details

Valorising biomass wastes as new carbon mines to develop biobased materials that mimic nature’s efficiency and waste-free processes is one of the most promising avenues for achieving sustainable technical solutions in precision agriculture, resilient infrastructure, and energy storage. Despite the apparent disparity among these three applications, there are common fundamental mechanisms controlling the performance of biobased materials like biochar and biocrude oils. This project aims to develop atomistic models of biomass (e.g., lignin, cellulose, or chitin) and biobased materials produced from its thermal degradation (e.g., biochar, biocrude oils, or bio-oils) to enable a fundamental understanding of their structure-property relationships, as well as simulating the molecular-scale interactions at solid-fluid interfaces. We will utilize a suite of computational techniques, including Density Functional Theory (DFT), Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, and coarse-grained (CG) modelling, alongside machine learning (ML) to accelerate the simulations and the prediction of chemical properties.

For informal project enquiries email: francisco.martin-martinez@kcl.ac.uk

Webpage: www.martinmartinezlab.com

Award value

Funding is available for up to 4 years, covering:

• Tax-free stipend set at the standard UKRI rate, currently £21,237 per annum (including London Weighting Allowance);
• Bench Fees/ Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) allowance of approximately £4,500 per year for wet lab research;
• Tuition fees (full home or overseas tuition fees).

Eligibility criteria

Both UK and International Students are welcome to apply

Prospective candidates should have a minimum of 2:1 degree in Chemistry, Computer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related subject.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate an aptitude for multidisciplinary research, the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse research environment as will a track-record of problem-solving and independence.

Application process

To be considered for the position candidates must apply via King’s Apply online application system. Details are available at Department of Chemistry Postgraduate webpage

Please apply for Chemistry Research MPhil/PhD and indicate Dr Francisco Martin-Martinez as the supervisor and quote the project title in your application and all correspondence.

Please ensure to add the following code: “StartUpMartin-Martinez” in the Funding section of the application form. Please select option 5 ‘I am applying for a funding award or scholarship administered by King’s College London’ and type the code into the ‘Award Scheme Code or Name’ box. Please copy and paste the code exactly.

Selection process

The selection process will involve a pre-selection on documents, if selected this will be followed by an invitation to an interview. If successful at the interview, an offer will be provided in due time.

If you require support with the application process, please contact the Chemistry Postgraduate Research Officer chemistry-PGR@kcl.ac.uk