MATERIAL SCIENCE & MECHANICAL ENG: FULLY FUNDED EPSRC PHD SCHOLARSHIP: MULTI-FUNCTIONAL MATERIA[...]

Organisation/Company: Swansea University

Department: Central Research

Field: Engineering » Materials engineering, Engineering » Mechanical engineering

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions

PhD Positions

Country: United Kingdom

Application Deadline: 13 Jan 2025 - 11:59 (Europe/London)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Offer Starting Date: 1 Oct 2025

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

• Research on magnetic and shape memory materials.
• System Design and Manufacturing: Employing a unique multi-material 3D printing technique (jetting or direct ink writing) to integrate magneto-shape memory materials with embedded electronics for controllable actuation and sensing. This phase will focus on creating actuator/morphing and sensor elements responsive to magnetic fields and heat.
• Characterisation and Device Development and Testing: Characterisation of printed materials using advanced techniques including but not limited to viscoelasticity (rheometry, DMA), thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), mechanical testing (tensile, compression), and morphological analysis (SEM). Finally, actuator and sensor prototypes will be fabricated with optimum properties of printed materials and demonstrate combined responsiveness of magnetic and shape memory materials with improved dexterity and DoF for soft robotics.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for the emerging field of smart materials and 3D printing, aiming to develop new approaches in soft robotics research. They should have a background in materials science and engineering, 3D printing, or a related field, and be willing to collaborate with and explore other disciplines, including physics. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with experts in smart materials and structures, focusing on both manufacturing and simulation. They will also have access to state-of-the-art facilities at the Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute (M2RI) at Swansea University.

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees for UK and International students and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

EPSRC DTP studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students; once the limit has been reached, we are unable to make offers to international students.

We are still accepting applications from international applicants. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a UK Bachelor degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or a similar relevant science discipline, or an overseas Bachelor degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or a similar relevant science discipline – see country specific qualifications.

ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process. Successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with a scholarship course offer.