The ICB covers many training courses including MRes courses and PhD programmes in chemical biology.
Postgraduates benefit from the knowledge of over 160 supervisors and over 40 industry supervisors. Many of the training programs are organised by cohort allowing students to foster strong networks in a thriving and inclusive environment.
The ICB is linked to an extensive infrastructure of projects and networks which provide support to students and staff in many different fields. The ICB spans 14 different departments at 7 different research institutions, giving students the widest choice of projects possible.
Discover our studentship opportunities at the links below.
Current Available Studentships
Title
Modelling hair lubrication in the presence of additives
This project is co-sponsored by the Institute of Chemical Biology EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training and Procter & Gamble
This is a three year fully-funded PhD studentship available for Home students only for an immediate start
Supervisors
Abstract
This project will study the molecular-level interactions and fundamental mechanisms responsible for wet friction in hair-to-hair contacts in the presence of new additives used in silicone-free conditioners and sulfate-free shampoos. Particular emphasis will be placed upon natural products with lower environmental impact. Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Non-Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics (NEMD) simulations will be used to study changes on the hair surface chemistry in presence of surfactants, polymers, and natural products and their impact on hair-hair lubrication. We will also explore the use of continuum-based models and hybrid molecular-continuum simulations to capture the impact of the surface changes induced by the improved formulations on macroscale friction.
The project will utilise coarse-grained molecular models that we have recently developed for the surface of human hair [1] that reproduce its friction properties [2,3].
[1] Weiand et al., Soft Matter, 2022, 18, 1779 (https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SM01720A)
[2] Weiand et al., Nanoscale, 2023, 15, 7086 (https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NR05545G)
[3] Handa, Chemistry World, 2023 (https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/study-untangles-friction-and-surface-chemistry-in-chemically-damaged-hair/4017403.article)
This is a three year fully-funded PhD studentship available for Home students only for an immediate start
Training programmes
