Award summary
100% home fees covered, and a minimum tax‑free annual living allowance of £21,805 (subject to minor change)
Overview
Human hair possesses a complex, hierarchical structure that is readily damaged during routine styling treatments involving heat, chemical processing, and mechanical stress. The global hair care market is a highly innovative and dynamic sector, estimated at more than £100 billion and growing at over 6% every year. This project aims to deliver a step‑change in hair care technology by developing new strategies to form covalent bonds within hair fibres, moving beyond current approaches that rely primarily on hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. While these weaker interactions can provide temporary repair, they are inherently fragile and often lost after repeated washing. Drawing inspiration from contemporary organic chemistry, this project will explore methods to permanently restore structural integrity by covalently repairing damaged bonds within hair. The project will investigate chemistries for the selective covalent modification of the hair surface, enabling durable repair and functional enhancement. A key focus will be the development of reactions that are not only effective, but also safe, non‑toxic, and fully compatible with existing hair care routines. This interdisciplinary project will appeal to candidates interested in applying fundamental chemistry to real‑world challenges. The student will benefit from close collaboration with scientists at Procter & Gamble Hair Care in Cincinnati.
Number of awards
1
Start date
21st September 2026
Award duration
3 Years
Sponsor
Procter & Gamble
Supervisors
Prof David A Fulton (Newcastle University)
Dr Sonja Knowles (Procter & Gamble)
Eligibility criteria
Home applicants are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship.
You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum A 2:1 MChem, or international equivalent, in chemistry or a related subject. We will also consider applicants on an individual basis with BSc qualifications if they have additional relevant experience.
How to apply
You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal.
Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.
Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:
- Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8100F
- Select ‘PhD Chemistry (full time)’ as the programme of study
You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:
- A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – upload a document or write a statement directly in the application form
- The studentship code SNES309a in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field
- Attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote reference code SNES309a and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
- Attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications
Contact details
For informal enquiries and further details, contact david.fulton@ncl.ac.uk
£21,805 – please see advert
PhD Studentship - Next-Generation Hair Repair Products in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of immuno-oncology research. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from numerous growth opportunities while contributing to impactful projects in a supportive team atmosphere. Located in a vibrant city, the university provides a unique chance to engage with cutting-edge research and make meaningful contributions to healthcare advancements.
