Engineering

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the University of Nottingham are offering a co-funded PhD, giving scholars the opportunity to work on industrially important areas and study alongside world-leading academics.

The MTC is an independent Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) aimed at de-risking and accelerating the adoption of disruptive technologies within the UK manufacturing sphere. Supported by the UK government, the MTC works closely with industrial partners and other research organisations to deliver world leading innovation across all levels of the UK’s industrial landscape, from SMEs and start-ups to OEMs and large-scale global manufacturers.

This studentship is aligned with MTC’s key technology roadmaps and capability development activities, providing the student with an opportunity to contribute directly to the advancement of strategic technologies. The student will benefit from support by a senior MTC engineer who will work closely with the academic supervisor to maximise the value of MTC’s involvement with the PhD project. 

There will be opportunities to work in MTC’s formidable facilities, and to enhance the research through access to its advanced manufacturing workshop capabilities and holistic network of experienced research engineers. This will allow the student to experience MTC’s progressive and dynamic working culture in an inclusive, caring, and open environment.

Laser Cutting and Drilling of Composites and Ceramics

This project will focus on understating the laser-material interaction and subsequent material removal in advanced materials. This will help to understand the cutting process and subsequently develop a solution to address the thermal defects/issues generated. The project will be mainly experimental, with scope for modelling work. Extensive use will be made of the MTC’s state of the art laser processing facilities, supported by the University of Nottingham’s suite of materials characterisation equipment. There will be opportunities for the student to participate in UK and international conferences. 

Value of Award

A fully funded studentship, which includes tax-free stipend of up to £27,190 per year, made possible by MTC’s investment in the PhD programme, is available for home fee eligible students for an October 2023 start

Entry requirements

• 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Natural Sciences or similar) or, 
• An MSc/MRes in a relevant subject

Current MSc students can apply and are particularly encouraged to contact Kate Voisey informally in advance.

Please apply here https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx

When applying for this studentship, please include the reference number (beginning ENG and supervisors name) within the personal statement section of the application. This will help in ensuring your application is sent directly to the academic advertising the studentship. 

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

 The Faculty of Engineering provides a thriving working environment for all PGRs creating a strong sense of community across research disciplines. Community and research culture is important to our PGRs and the FoE support this by working closely with our Postgraduate Research Society (PGES) and our PGR Research Group Reps to enhance the research environment for PGRs. PGRs benefit from training through the Researcher Academy’s Training Programme, those based within the Faculty of Engineering have access to bespoke courses developed for Engineering PGRs. including sessions on paper writing, networking and career development after the PhD. The Faculty has outstanding facilities and works in partnership with leading industrial partners. 

Informal enquiries can be addressed to katy.voisey@nottingham.ac.uk