Research Scholarships

RCUK Centre for Sustainable Energy Use in Food Chains

PhD Research Scholarship
Electronic and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering and Design

The Centre for Sustainable Energy Use in Food Chains is funded by RCUK (Research Councils UK), with particular contribution from the Manufacturing the Future Programme, to address End Use Energy Demand Reduction (EUED) in the UK.

http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/newsevents/news/2012/Pages/energyefficiencycutcarbonuse.aspx.

The Centre will develop innovative approaches, processes and technologies for energy demand reduction in all stages of the food chain; production, distribution, retail and consumption. The research will be undertaken in close collaboration with some of the UK’s major food manufacturers, retailers, equipment manufacturers and food technology experts.

Alongside the RCUK funding for researchers and equipment, Brunel University is investing in the Centre through the appointment of a senior member of academic staff, five research studentships  and state of the art facilities to support experimental and modelling work. 

We now seek applications for the 5 PhD studentships for September 2013 in the following broad areas:

1. Food Refrigeration and thermodynamic system modelling
2. Energy efficient environmental control of  food retail and manufacturing facilities
3. Temperature control and energy storage in food packaging and transport systems
4. Food distribution and logistics to reduce energy and environmental impacts of food transportation.
5. Human behaviour and its influence on food consumption patterns and energy demand.

For studentships 1-3, candidates will have or expect to receive a  1^st class or 2.1 degree, BEng/MEng in engineering (mechanical, chemical, environmental) or a related discipline.

For studentships 4 and 5, candidates will have a 1^st class or 2.1 degree from any relevant discipline, including social sciences, business and management, computer science or engineering.

The studentships are available to Home/EU students for 3 years. They will cover tuition fees plus a stipend of £13726 per year.

To apply and for further information please send an up to date CV with 2 referees to Professor Savvas Tassou, E-mail: savvas.tassou@brunel.ac.uk 

Deadline date for applications: 31 May 2013.