We have an opening for an Early-Stage Researcher (Doctoral Candidate) position as part of the CoCoGel (“Controlling Colloidal Gels for Novel Sustainable Materials”) Marie Curie Industrial Doctoral Training Network. This is a high-profile position that offers exceptional benefits ideally suited for top graduates with an interest in bridging the gap between academic research and industrial practice.

The opportunity

This position is based with the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh, specifically within the soft matter group. In this post you will experimentally investigate the rheology and microstructure of filled colloidal gels relevant for personal care applications.

An industrial secondment at Unilever UK (18 months) offers the opportunity to translate your research work into industrial practice. An additional academic secondment at CNRS/Lyon provides the chance to expand your research horizons and skill set.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week), and available to start the last quarter of 2024. You will be enrolled in a PhD programme at the School of Physics and Astronomy. The period of study for a doctoral degree is 36 months. This position is related to the project “Rheology and shear-induced state transitions in filled gels: anhydrous model systems (DC 14)”, a full description of the project is available on the website and below.

To satisfy Marie Sklodowska-Curie mobility criteria, you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the start date (short stays such as holidays and/or compulsory national service are not taken into account).

Candidates should upload both a CV/resume and cover letter to their application. Candidates should also send a copy of their CV/resume and cover letter to the Network Project Manager directly at cocogel@iesl.forth.gr

Your skills and attributes for success

  • dedication to research at the interface between academia and industry
  • background and interest in soft matter science
  • strong communication and teamwork skills

As a valued member of our team you can expect

  • An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
  • To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
  • Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab)

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 20 May 2024.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interviews will be held shortly after the closing date.