Fully funded PhD studentship opportunity

Applications are open for a fully funded PhD studentship at the School of Design investigating the nature of underarm staining and malodour related to sweating and anti-perspirants/deodorants.

Staining and maladour of clothes are two problems recognised by the domestic and industrial laundry sectors. The problem is particularly focused on the underarm region of clothing where naturally occurring and applied materials introduce a complex mix of chemistries and biochemistries into a specific garment environment.

The project will focus on the two broad areas of stain characterization and stain prevention/remediation. Both areas will require an innovative, imaginative and multi-disciplinary approach to understanding the chemical and physical processes involved in fabric discoloration, materials’ properties and strategies to address the technical challenge.

The candidate must have a strong chemistry/textile technology background, with a good understanding of materials’ properties and characterisation also desirable. 

Project details

The successful candidate will join the School of Design at the University of Leeds.

The School of Design is a world leading research centre with a focus in creativity and developing innovative materials and manufacturing solutions with interdisciplinary researchers and industrial partners.

If you are interested in this position, please contact Professor Chris Carr for further information at c.carr@leeds.ac.uk.

Key Facts

Type of Research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Friday 25 June 2021
Project start date: Friday 1 October 2021
Country of eligibility: UK only
Funding: UK University fees and an annual stipend
Duration of funding: 3 years
Source of funding: Unilever
Supervisors: Professor Chris Carr and Dr Muriel Rigout
School: Design

How to Apply

Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the University's website.

Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is “Investigation into the Nature of Underarm Staining and Malodour Related to Sweating and Anti-Perspirants” with Professor Chris Carr and Dr Muriel Rigout as your proposed supervisors.

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the School of Design's minimum English language requirements (below).

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, but UK black and minority ethnic (BME) researchers are currently under-represented in our Postgraduate Research community, and we would therefore particularly encourage applications from UK BME candidates. All scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit.

Entry requirements

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry or Textile Technology or another appropriate undergraduate or Masters discipline.

Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for this research degree course are advised to contact Professor Chris Carr prior to making an application.

English language requirements

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study in the School of Design is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

Funding on offer

A highly competitive Studentship consisting of the award of fees with an annual maintenance grant of £16,263 (in session 2021/22) for 3 years.

This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be assessed and selection is based on academic merit.

Contact details

For further information related to the project please contact Professor Chris Carr at c.carr@leeds.ac.uk