KESS PhD Studentship Vacancy
Investigation of innovative materials analysis methodologies, technologies and life cycle analysis for sustainable product development in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Job ID: EDC-KESS01
- Posted on: 18/11/2009
- Closing Date: 4/12/2009
- Exp Start date: January 2010
- Salary: £13,300 pa in addition to tuition fees
Background Information
EDC is a UK based applied research organisation that aims to build capacity and capabilities to enable effective ecodesign. EDC was recently designated a Centre of Expertise by the Welsh Assembly Government and is recognised as the ‘voice’ of, and knowledge base for, ecodesign in Wales. The setting-up of EDC was supported by the Welsh Assembly Government as part of its statutory commitment to sustainable development.
UWIC has an excellent track record of working collaboratively, both with industry and other research institutions, through knowledge transfer, research and development, and consultancy. The successful application will develop a PhD programme of research through working alongside colleagues from EDC, The National Centre for Product Design & Development Research (PDR) and Orangebox, the industry partner.
Project Description:
The successful applicant will carry out a KESS-funded research project that will investigate innovative materials analysis methodologies, technologies and life cycle analysis for sustainable product development in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) . You will study the gaps in the knowledge on how to integrate specific methodologies and technologies for material analysis in new product development. The central hypothesis is that commercially available methodologies and technologies are not currently cost-effective or practical for SMEs and this represents a significant market failure and constraint to ecodesign and innovation.
The objectives of the study include;
- An investigation on analytical techniques and life cycle analysis for evaluating the sustainability performance of materials in new product development.
- An investigation on the availability and accessibility of detailed technical data that is required for sustainable product development.
- An investigation on clear communication methods for presenting materials analysis data to enable SMEs to maximise the value of the technical information.
- An elaboration on how these methodologies and technologies can be developed and supported in the context of the Welsh innovation system – e.g. through the formal education system or via intermediary organisations.
This research project will significantly contribute to the commercial and academic knowledge base in Wales while providing more robust policy recommendations on how these methodologies and technologies can be developed and supported in the context of the Welsh innovation system.
The main industry partner is the award-winning ecodesign-led furniture manufacturer Orangebox (http://www.orangebox.com/index.asp) while additional research support will be provided by PDR (http://www.pdronline.co.uk/index2.html).
Requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated individual that has at least an upper second-class honours degree in engineering, chemistry, materials science or product design and development. We require a proven ability to undertake research, communicate with different actors in the product development cycle, and to present in English, both verbally and in writing (publications).
Candidates are expected to meet the Graduate Admissions criteria available at http://www.uwic.ac.uk/registry/Academic_Handbook/AH1_02_03.pdf and a full graduate application must be made at the same time as applying for this studentship. Candidates may also wish to review the UWIC postgraduate strategy for 2007-2011. http://www3.uwic.ac.uk/English/uwicresearch/staff/Documents/postgraduate_strategy_2007-2011.pdf
This scholarship is part funded from the ESF (European Social Fund) Convergence Programme (West Wales and the Valleys).
To be eligible to apply for this award you must be resident, upon application, in the convergence area of Wales and you must be able to take paid employment in the convergence area on completion of the scholarship.
How to Apply
Please post or email a letter of application for the studentship, which should explain your interest in and relevant experience for the advertised post, together with a detailed CV to Dr. Sohail Hajatdoost:
Email: sohail@edcw.org
Address: Dr. Sohail Hajatdoost
Ecodesign Centre
CBTC
Senghenydd Road
Cardiff CF24 4AY
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