PhD Studentship:Development of a Lime Render based Internal Insulant for the Energy Efficient Renovation of UK homes, UK

June 22, 2010

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Job Description: Applications are invited for a three year, full-time PhD studentship as part of the above research project with a preferred start date as soon as possible.As the construction industry becomes engaged in government targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the concern about heat losses from existing, solid wall buildings rises up the agenda and suitable retrofitting solutions are increasingly sought. There are in the region of 6.6 million solid wall buildings in the UK, many of which are not suitable for external insulation, or for adding additional, offset, insulated internal walls. Many of these properties were designed to incorporate breathing wall technology to deal with damp penetration, including interstitial condensation. The project seeks to develop suitable, internal, lime based render solutions that will reduce overall heat losses while retaining architectural features and appropriate technologies. The project includes alignment with current and future regulatory controls, such as the UK Building Regulations and the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. It is envisaged that this will entail material development, based on literature review and testing, in relation to thermal conductivity, volumetric heat capacity, latent heat effects, and their interrelation when considered in-situ, as well as consideration of material durability, buildability, and policy assessment and interpretation.

The successful candidate will need to have, or be capable of developing, a range of multi-disciplinary skills, including physics, material science, computer modelling, and interpersonal skills. They will have to be able to focus on detail while retaining a project overview. They will be expected to engage with the aspirations of the industry sponsor and spend some time at their premises in Bodmin, Cornwall. The industry sponsor is a significant supplier of conservation materials in the south west region of the UK and also provides training courses in traditional skills. Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit and view the sponsor’s premises and laboratories prior to interview, and have an informal discussion with the Managing Director. Company details are available from either Dr. Brian Pilkington or Dr. Pieter de Wilde.

Project details
The project is led by Dr. Pieter de Wilde, Dr. Brian Pilkington and Dr. Stephen Grove and based at the University of Plymouth. It is funded by the industry partner and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under the Materials Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN). The successful candidate will be supported though a research based PhD, with fees paid, plus an annual stipend of £3,500 above the EPSRC minimum, which was £13,290 in 2009-10, making the stipend for that year £16,790. The studentship will cover Home/EU fees, with appropriate qualification.

Essential: A relevant undergraduate degree with first class honours or a good upper second. An interest in historic building conservation, global environment, business and economic sustainability, and the regulatory frameworks related to UK construction.

Desirable: Previous research experience in a cognate field and evidence of a broad understanding of the appropriate literature.
An interest in continuing with the sponsor company following PhD completion, with a view to developing their Building Pathology services, and gaining RICS accreditation.

For an informal discussion, please contact:

Dr. Pieter de Wilde,
Room 118, Reynolds, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA
Telephone: +44 (0)1752 586115
Facsimile: +44 (0)1752 232638
Email: pieter.dewilde@plymouth.ac.uk

Dr. Brian Pilkington
Room 118, Reynolds, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA
Telephone: +44 (0)1752 586129
Facsimile: +44 (0)1752 232638
Email: brian.pilkington@plymouth.ac.uk

or Dr. Stephen Grove
Room 014, Reynolds, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA
Telephone: +44 (0)1752 586124
Alternative telephone:
Facsimile: +44 (0)1752 232638
Email: S.Grove@plymouth.ac.uk

Applications must be made in accordance with the details shown below.

How To Apply

For an application form and full details on how to apply, please visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/pghowtoapply or contact Sue Matheron by email on susan.matheron@plymouth.ac.uk Applications can be sent direct to Sue Matheron by email: susan.matheron@plymouth.ac.uk or posted to: Faculty of Arts, Research and Graduate Affairs Office, Room 305, Roland Levinsky Building, Plymouth, PL4 8AA.

Closing date: 12 noon, Wednesday 30 June 2010

Further Scholarship Information

Scholarship Tags: Computer modelling, Material science, PhD studentship, Physics, UK