Start-up Studentship: Next generation simulation for pharmaceuticals manufacture

Award details

This funded PhD project will investigate numerical modelling of multi-phase and multi-scale systems, focussing on applications in pharmaceuticals manufacturing. Key to achieving efficient mixing and mass transfer rates will be simulation of reactor fluidic processes and phase interactions between fluids and gases. The project will involve developing and investigating combinations of simulation technologies including meshless Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) and more conventional high-order finite volume-based schemes and building in capability for multiphase and phase change. It is intended to use high-fidelity simulation results to train AI neural networks for fast simulation and design. It should be noted that these technologies are also highly relevant to other engineering areas including nuclear, thermal management and transmission systems, and there may be opportunity to explore these.

The project will provide you with skills in advanced simulation, computational methods and high-performance computing including collaborating with other researchers and opportunity to attend and present at international conferences.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Richard Jefferson-Loveday, by email Richard.Jefferson-Loveday@kcl.ac.uk.

Award value

• Stipend: Tax-free stipend of approximately £22,780.00 p.a. with possible inflationary increases after the first year.
• Bench Fees: PGR Research allowance from £1,000 p.a. to maximum £4,500 p.a.
• Tuition fees: UK tuition fees (2025/26: £7,500 per year) or International tuition fees (2025/26: £32,400 per year). These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.

Funding for 3.5 years.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants are required to hold/or expect to obtain a very good undergraduate degree (at least a 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent).

We are particularly looking for candidates who have achieved or are working towards a first-class honours degree or international equivalent and have performed at a high-level in thermo-fluids subject related areas. A strong ability in computational work is also sought.

Application process

To be considered for the position candidates must apply via King’s Apply online application system. Details are available on the Department of Engineering website.

Please apply for Engineering Research (MPhil/PhD) and indicate Richard Jefferson-Loveday as the supervisor and quote the project title in your application and all correspondence.

Please ensure to add the following code [StartUpJeffersonLoveday] in the Funding section of the application form.

Please select option 5 ‘I am applying for a funding award or scholarship administered by King’s College London’ and type the code into the ‘Award Scheme Code or Name’ box. Please copy and paste the code exactly.

The selection process will involve a pre-selection on documents and, if selected, will be followed by an invitation to an interview. If successful at the interview, an offer will be provided in due course.

Further information can be found on the 'How to apply: Research Courses' webpage. 

Contact Details:

Please contact richard.jefferson-loveday@kcl.ac.uk for queries about the project.

If you require support with the application process, please contact pgr-engineering@kcl.ac.uk.