The University of Nottingham invites applications for a KTP Research Associate (Mathematics Learning) to join a unique collaboration with Maths Circle, the team behind Times Tables Rock Stars and NumBots. This is an opportunity to carry out rigorous applied research in a fast-moving EdTech environment, and to see your findings translate directly into product changes that can improve the experience of maths learning for children at scale.

Maths Circle’s ambition is simple: to help every child confidently say, “I am good at maths.”

Supported by academics within the University of Nottingham’s Human Development and Learning Research Group and Loughborough University’s Centre for Mathematical Cognition, you will lead a high-profile Knowledge Transfer Partnership exploring how psychological factors such as maths anxiety, attitudes and self-concept influence engagement and learning.

Why this role is different

What makes this role unusual is the closeness between research and implementation. You will not simply produce findings and hand them over. You will work alongside researchers, product teams, designers and engineers to turn evidence into practical changes, then help evaluate whether those changes improve engagement, confidence and learning outcomes. Based at Maths Circle in Bedford, your research could directly influence how questions are sequenced, how learners are supported when they disengage, the impact of confidence or anxiety, and what insights teachers receive about the children in their class.

You will have the opportunity to work with rich, large-scale learner data alongside newly collected psychological and qualitative data, creating a rare opportunity to connect what children do, how they feel, and how they learn.

You will have:

• A PhD (or close to completion) in Cognitive Development, Mathematical Cognition, Mathematics Education or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge and experience of a range of research methods and designs.
• Excellent advanced data analysis skills of large data sets.
• Experience carrying out research with child participants.
• Experience working in or with primary schools and understanding of the education sector.
• Ability to manage projects effectively and communicate progress clearly with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Prior industrial experience or commercial awareness are desirable.

This exciting opportunity is funded through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). KTP is a UK Government scheme promoting mutually beneficial relationships between universities and industry. You will have your own budget (£2,000 pa) for training and CPD, helping you develop your skillset and reach your personal/professional career goals. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We value different working styles and can offer reasonable adjustments during recruitment and in the workplace. 

This is a fixed-term position for 24 months, working full-time at 35 hours per week.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Hannah Prydderch, email address: hannah.prydderch@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent to this address will not be accepted.

Travel expenses for interviews cannot be reimbursed for this position.

Closing Date: 09 Oct 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)

Applications are invited for a PhD position at the University of Nottingham addressing the specific engineering details of the contact layer created during the Linear Friction Welding (LFW) of Titanium alloys. The successful candidate will have a first-class or upper second-class honours degree in mechanical engineering or a related subject.

This CASE studentship will attract a stipend of £25,000 per annum for four years. The position arises from a long-standing engineering research relationship between the University of Nottingham and Rolls-Royce plc. The University of Nottingham hosts two of the (~30) University Technology Centres (UTCs) used by the company as the main engines of its engineering research and development. Nottingham’s UTC in gas turbine transmissions systems will host this studentship and the candidate will sit within a community of ~20 PhD students at various stages of their study.

The attachment of blades to discs using solid-state joining is a key factor in achieving cost-effective, high performance and low-weight fan and compressor stages in aero-engines. LFW is an established joining process utilised by R-R to manufacture Titanium blisks across a range of engine types. R-Rs strategy requires the continued exploitation of this technology to a wider range of Titanium alloys, including dissimilar joints.   The LFW process has been developed to ensure high quality joints are produced over a broad range of welding conditions commensurate with manufacturing capability; however, the quality of joints made in more advanced Titanium alloys and dissimilar material joints is ensured by consistent flash extrusion and flow from the interface contact layer, which is in turn linked to the transient behaviour of the process, process stability and the interaction between the part and the tooling.

This project will develop the fundamental understanding of the thermo-mechanical effects and material flow within the high strain-rate/high temperature interface contact layer created during LFW of Titanium alloys and the links to key process variables and machine/tooling behaviour.  This study will be undertaken using computational simulation, supported by experimental investigations using test welds and novel material characterisation methods.

This project is available from 1st October 2026. Applications are accepted until post is filled.   Informal inquiries can be made via email to Dr James Rouse (james.rouse@nottingham.ac.uk).

Eligibility: Due to funding restrictions this position is only available to UK or EU candidates.

Closing Date: 21 Sep 2026
Category: Studentships

Research will include biochemical experiments using established methods, such as enzyme activity assays and cell culture. The role will also include analyses of the data generated and contributing to the drafting of reports. 

The candidate will also be experienced in literature searches, presentations and will support the preparation of manuscripts.

This is a 7-month post with the starting date provisionally as 17^th November 2026.

Any enquires should be directed to Professor Victoria Chapman victoria.chapman@nottingham.ac.uk Please note that applications sent to this email will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 12 Oct 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)

You will work closely with the ORBIT project team, led by Principal Investigator, Dr Charlotte Hall and co-investigators Kelly-Marie Prentice, Dr Camilla Babbage and Dr Bethan Davies. You will help to develop the content of the intervention, support with end user testing and create implementation resources. You will also support our patient and public involvement activities which will involve working closely with very closely with children and adolescents with tic disorders and their families. 

Candidates must hold a degree or equivalent in psychology or health sciences, have experience of health research methodologies and techniques. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential and experience of working with children/adolescents in mental health or research settings is desirable. This role would be ideally suited to someone wishing to pursue a PhD or Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. We have an excellent track record of supporting research assistants to successfully secure places on doctoral programmes and are committed to providing mentorship and career development support. 

This is a full-time post (36.25 hours) and will be offered on a fixed term contract for 2 years. The expected usual working pattern is Monday to Friday however there is potential for flexibility. The post also requires the ability to work out of hours on occasion to support involvement activities.  

This role will involve some contact with young people and their families and therefore the post holder will be required to obtain satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), in line with the University’s code of research conduct and research ethics. 

We offer: 

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment 
• A hybrid working arrangement with a blend of home and office working each week 
• Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year. 
• Access to training, continued support, and career development opportunities 
• A range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and much more (see our  benefits website for details)

MindTech is committed to ensuring that the perspectives of those with lived experience are at the heart of everything we do, and we welcome applications from people with personal lived experience of mental health problems.  We offer a friendly, diverse and supportive working environment and the opportunity for flexible and hybrid working arrangements.  

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Charlotte Hall, Charlotte.Hall@nottingham.ac.uk (Principal Investigator) or Kelly-Marie Prentice, KELLY-MARIE.Prentice1@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note applications sent directly to these email addresses will not be accepted. 

Closing Date: 15 Oct 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)

PGTA roles are offered to PGR students in Law (or if their supervisor sits within Law) and who have expressed interest via the School’s internal PGTA recruitment process.

Roles are offered in the following packages:

• Public Law, S1 only [0.2 for 1 semester]
• Criminal Law, Tort Law & internet law options all year [up to 0.2 all year]
• Creation of the Common Law [0.1 S1 only]
• Public Law, all year [0.2 all year]
• Criminal & EU, S2 [up to 0.2 S2 only]

Please contact Sheenagh Bloomfield if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

#LI-DNI
 #INT

Closing Date: 02 Oct 2026
Category: Internal Only

INTERNAL VACANCY

This vacancy is open to employees of the University of Nottingham only.

We are seeking a motivated and proactive Senior Administrator to join the Assessments Team within Registry and Academic Affairs. Please see further details about the work we do.

What will you be doing?

As a key contact in your area, you will: 

• Provide senior administrative support to processes with minimal day-to-day supervision.
• Play a vital role in coordinating crucial processes.
• Manage relevant process and timelines within your team.
• Identify solutions to queries and suggest improvements to processes.  
• Communicate timelines to ensure each process is managed and completed within the timeframes set by the department.

We are looking for passionate individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment and take pride in delivering service.

What qualities are we looking for?

• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Excellent organisation and problem-solving skills. 
• Strong attention to detail and efficiency.
• Commitment to delivering services to the highest standard.
• Ability to manage a busy workload and handle competing priorities effectively.
• Confidence in knowing when to provide feedback and escalate matters appropriately. 
• The ability to build strong working relationships across the University.

This is a full-time role (36.25 hours per week); however, applications from candidates wishing to work less than full time (to a minimum of 29 hours/ 0.8 FTE per week) will be considered. Job share applications may also be considered. Please specify in your application if you wish to work less than full time and the number of preferred hours.  

You will be based at our University Park and/or Jubilee Campus (dependant on the role), and your work could involve working across different campuses. 

The University offers Agile working arrangements with a blended approach of home and office working each week.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Sarah.Seeley@nottingham.ac.uk, Rebecca.May@nottingham.ac.uk or Lorraine.Hewson@nottingham.ac.uk.  Please note that applications sent directly to these email addresses will not be accepted. 

#INT
#LI-DNI

Closing Date: 04 Oct 2026
Category: Internal Only

Through a multidisciplinary research approach the aim is to establish fully integrated motor drives as a key enabling technology for sustainable electricity generation, high-efficiency industrial systems, lightweight transport applications, and significant reductions in manufacturing-related CO₂ emissions. The ambition is to develop innovative technological solutions that reduce energy losses and minimise environmental impact throughout the product life cycle by:

• Reducing material usage during manufacture.
• Improving electrical system efficiency and power-to-weight ratios during operation.
• Enhancing recyclability and resource recovery at end of life.

Two PhD studentships are available to address one or more of the following scientific challenges:

1. Mechanical Integration

Structural and functional integration requires the development of novel joining technologies, motor winding arrangements, and 3D-printed structures capable of mounting semiconductor devices within the motor architecture.

2. Thermal Management

The harsh thermal environment within integrated motor drives demands innovative design and manufacturing solutions. Advanced additive manufacturing techniques will be explored to improve thermal management across the entire system.

3. Electromagnetic Management

The use of wide-bandgap semiconductor devices can significantly reduce the size of passive components within power electronic converters. However, their high switching speeds can introduce challenges related to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and motor winding degradation. Novel converter topologies, EMI mitigation strategies, and advanced winding technologies will therefore be investigated.

4. Advanced Control and Modelling

Multi-modular distributed motor-drive architectures and ultra-fast semiconductor devices present significant control challenges. Research may involve FPGA-based control platforms, advanced microcontrollers, distributed control algorithms, and artificial intelligence techniques, including neural networks and evolutionary optimisation methods, to enable the efficient operation of integrated converter-motor systems.

Research environment

Applications are invited to join the Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) Research Group at the University of Nottingham. Based within a recently established £18 million research facility on Jubilee Campus, PEMC is internationally recognised as a leading centre for research in power electronics, electrical machines, and control engineering.

Entry requirements

Applicants should possess:

• A Bachelor degree (2:1 or above) or a Master's degree (MSc, MEng, MPhys, MRes, or equivalent) in a relevant engineering or physical sciences discipline such as electrical and electronic engineering, mechatronics, physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related subject.
• A strong background or relevant experience in electrical machines, power electronics, control systems, thermal management, or related fields (desirable).
• Experience using simulation software such as COMSOL Multiphysics, MATLAB, and/or Ansys.
• Programming, coding, and experimental hardware skills (desirable).
• Strong analytical and mathematical capabilities.
• A passion for research and a willingness to learn.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and scientific writing skills.

Application process

To apply, please email the following documents to liliana.delillo@nottingham.ac.uk:

• A cover letter outlining your motivation for applying to this project.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your academic background, research experience, and relevant technical skills.
• Academic transcripts from all qualifying degree programmes.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. The successful applicant must subsequently complete a formal online application through the University of Nottingham admissions portal.

Eligibility

Due to funding restrictions, this studentship is available only to UK applicants.

Closing Date: 30 Nov 2026
Category: Studentships

The successful candidate will play a leading role in developing and implementing computational pipelines for MRI, clinical and sensor data processing, quantitative image analysis and machine learning. They will establish and maintain robust research databases and FAIR-compliant data management processes for large, multi-site datasets collected across international collaborators. The role will involve working closely with MRI physicists, clinicians, computer scientists, engineers and mathematicians to ensure high-quality, reproducible research that supports the development of new biomarkers for placental health.

About the team:
You will join a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment bringing together expertise in MRI physics, obstetrics, placental biology, biomedical engineering, mathematics, computer science and artificial intelligence. The team includes researchers from the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University and international collaborators working together to improve the understanding of pregnancy and placental function. 

About you:

•    A PhD (or close to completion) in medical imaging, computer science, physics, data science or a closely related discipline. 

•    Experience in MRI image analysis and scientific programming, preferably using Python and modern computational libraries. 

•    Experience applying machine learning or artificial intelligence to biomedical data. 

•    Experience managing large research datasets, databases and implementing FAIR research data management principles. 

•    Excellent communication and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and international research teams. 

What we offer

•    A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment

•    A hybrid working arrangement with the blended approach of home and office working each week

•    Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year.

•    Our reward scheme grants bonuses of numerous values for excellent work

•    We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities

•    You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link below to our benefits website 

This role is full time (36.25 hours), fixed term for 1 year. Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.  

Please contact Grazziela Figueredo, g.figueredo@nottingham.ac.uk if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 09 Oct 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)

About the Role/Team:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and customer focused Building Attendant to work at the Medical School within the Queens Medical Centre. Duties will include setting up classrooms and meeting rooms and carrying out general portering duties to meet customer requirements. 

You will be the first point of contact for visitors, providing information and assistance where required and will be responsible for locking and unlocking buildings and testing fire alarms. Other duties include the collection and delivery of internal mail, identifying and reporting maintenance issues, disposal of waste, inspecting fixtures and fittings ensuring that excellent customer service is provided at all times.

It is essential for this role that candidates have experience of working in a similar customer facing environment and have some supervisory experience. Ideally you will also have experience of setting up meeting rooms, knowledge of testing fire and security alarm systems and have cleaning experience gained within a similar environment.

Further details regarding the duties for the post can be found on the attached job role profile 

Hours of Work:

• 36.25 hours per week, 5 days out of 7 to be arranged working between the hours of 6.00am and 6.00pm, mainly 9.00am and 5.15pm Monday to Friday. Flexibility will be required.

This position is offered on a rolling/permanent open-ended contract based on working the full calendar 52-weeks of the year to include student vacation periods. This post attracts 15% pay uplift allowance for any hours worked over the weekend. 

What we offer:

• Excellent holiday allowance of 27 days (pro rota), plus additional university closure days and bank holidays.
• Employee Assistance Programme/Counselling Service- 24/7 support. 
• Uniform provide plus the tools you need to do a great job. 
• We are committed to staff development/provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities. 
• Our reward scheme grants bonuses of numerous values for excellent work 
• Access to all range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more see our benefits website

Successful candidates will be expected to attend induction training courses which will run each month, Monday to Friday on University Park Campus. Further details will be given at interview.

For general queries please contact our Estates Recruitment email at bw-estatesrecruit@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted. 

Closing Date: 10 Sep 2026
Category: Operations and Facilities

About the Role/Team:

We are looking for enthusiastic, reliable, and hardworking people, who have a keen eye for detail and take pride in their work and who enjoy cleaning in a variety of areas to join our team of cleaners at the Jubilee Campus.  

Main duties will include: cleaning a wide range of areas/spaces and providing general and specialised cleaning within the buildings (laboratories, classrooms/meeting rooms, carpeted areas, refuse disposal, toilets/bathrooms, changing areas, corridors, stairwells etc) and providing excellent customer service at all times, working either independently or as a part of a team. 

This position entails providing both planned and reactive cleaning service across the building and supporting the local cleaning team covering holidays, sickness, deep cleaning, any urgent requests/inquiries assigned by the Line Manager.    

Previous cleaning experience within similar environment and ability to work independently and as part of a team are desirable but not essential as full training will be given. 

The role can be physically demanding but lifting aids and full training will be provided.

Further details regarding the duties for the role can be found on the attached job role profile. 

Hours of Work:

• 15 hours per week, 5 days out of 7 to be arranged (Monday to Friday working between 6.00-9.00am) Flexibility will be required.  

This position is offered on a permanent basis on a rolling/permanent open-ended contract working the full calendar 52-weeks of the year to include student vacation periods.

What we offer:

• Excellent holiday allowance of 27 days (pro rota), plus additional university closure days and bank holidays.
• Employee Assistance Programme/Counselling Service- 24/7 support. 
• Uniform provide plus the tools you need to do a great job. 
• We are committed to staff development/provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities. 
• Our reward scheme grants bonuses of numerous values for excellent work 
• Access to all range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more see our benefits website

Successful candidates will be expected to attend induction training courses which will run each month, Monday to Friday on University Park Campus. Further details will be given at interview.

The interviews for these posts are informal and will take no longer than 20 minutes.

For general queries please contact our Estates Recruitment email at bw-estatesrecruit@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 10 Sep 2026
Category: Operations and Facilities

Your work will be underpinned by proactive engagement with critical inquiry into the processes of learning in higher education contexts which is evidence-driven in order to enhance student learning and the quality of assessments.

You will make a contribution to the Education Centre via leadership, administrative management and co-ordination of specific initiatives.

The School of Medicine recognises the importance of continuous professional development and the importance of providing opportunities, structured support and encouragement to engage in professional development.

This permanent post is offered at 0.5 FTE. Whilst no clinical component is offered with this role, it is a requirement that you have a regular clinical commitment, maintain your GMC Registration with a licence to practice, your registration on the GMC Specialist or GP Register.

For informal inquiries, please contact Tom Evans tom.evans1@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this e-mail will not be considered.

Closing Date: 30 Sep 2026
Category: Clinical Academic

The post holder will provide high-quality, timely support for the Anatomy Suite facilities, operating with a degree of autonomy. They will take primary responsibility for preparing and overseeing practical anatomy classes, working in close collaboration with academic and technical staff. Key responsibilities will include the handling, movement, and care of human cadaveric specimens, as well as the maintenance of additional teaching resources, such as anatomical models and IT equipment. The role also involves supporting the daily operation and upkeep of the Anatomy Suite, including the monitoring and maintenance of cadaveric material (comprising whole cadavers, prosections, and museum specimens) and ensuring accurate and compliant documentation. All activities must be carried out in full compliance with the Human Tissue Act (2004) and relevant health and safety regulations governing laboratory practices.

Applicants should have experience in a relevant role, demonstrating strong organisational abilities, excellent interpersonal skills, and proficiency in IT. Ideally, candidates will also have an understanding of the Human Tissue Act and prior experience working in an Anatomy Suite (dissecting room) or a comparable setting.

The 2 positions are offered on a permanent basis. Hours are full-time (36.25 hour per week) and Part-time (26 hours). Job share arrangements may be considered.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Mrs Kathy Britnell:  katherine.britnell@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this Email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 02 Oct 2026
Category: Technical (TS)

Ready for your first step into kitchen leadership?

We're looking for experienced chefs and Chef de Parties who are ready to progress into a Second Chef role at the University of Nottingham. We're not looking for the finished article. If you've got strong cooking skills, experience in a busy kitchen and have some experience of  leading others, we'll support you to develop through our Catering Pathways Academy.

Your role as Second Chef 

Based at the stunning University Park campus, you’ll be at the heart of one of our busy student Halls of Residence — supporting and deputising for the Head Chef in running one of our halls kitchens, developing your experience in leadership, stock management and large-scale catering while still being hands-on with food.

About the role 

This is a fantastic opportunity for a chef who is passionate about fresh, quality food and looking to take the next step in their career. Within the role you will:

• Prepare and serve consistent, high-quality meals for our resident students during term time 
• Cater for a variety of events, conferences, and weddings (up to 350 guests) during vacation periods 
• Step up in the Head Chef’s absence to lead the team and ensure smooth operations 
• Get involved in everything from formal banquets to lively student dining 

This is a hands-on role that involves leadership, creativity, and a genuine love for food. 

What’s in it for you? 

• Great work-life balance – sociable hours compared to most hospitality roles 
• Job security – a permanent, year-round contract with one of the UK’s top universities 
• Career development – structured training, support, and industry-recognised qualifications to help you grow 
• Generous holiday allowance – 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional university closure days 
• Excellent staff benefits – including Employee Assistance Programme, supplier discounts, travel schemes, and access to state-of-the-art sports facilities 
• Supportive environment – join a professional, friendly team with regular staff events and networks 
• Tools & perks – uniform provided and everything you need to do your job well 

Further information on the benefits available can be found at the link below. https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/home.aspx

We’re seeking someone who is: 

• Passionate about food
• Qualified to 706 1/2 or NVQ 1/2 in Food Production, or has relevant experience in a busy kitchen environment 

Further information on the skills and knowledge required for the role can be found on the attached Role profile.

Working hours 

• 36.25 hours per week, across 5 days out of 7 (mainly 11.15am–7.30pm), including regular weekends 
• Occasional early shifts (6.00am–2.15pm) or late finishes (up to 10.00pm) during special events 
• Flexibility is required — and job share arrangements may be considered 

The recruitment process 

We will ask you to attend a short interview and then a practical skills test (around 2 hours). Full details will be provided to shortlisted candidates  

Closing Date: 06 Jul 2026
Category: Operations and Facilities

Supervisor: Dr Hannah Cooper (UoN)

Secondary Supervisor: Dr Nicholas Girkin (UoN), Dr Georgina Barratt (BBRO)

Subject Area: Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Resilience

Research Title: Nutrient Dynamics in Cover Crops and Their Implications for Sugar Beet Nutrition, Soil Health, and Climate Resilience

Research Description

The Opportunity

The UK sugar beet industry spends £12–18 million annually on nitrogen fertiliser alone, yet in some instances it has been shown that cover crops can provide 30–60 kg N/ha to the following sugar beet crop. Cover crops are often used ahead of sugar beet, but a lack of evidence about the nitrogen they provide and the factors that affect it means very few growers adapt their nitrogen application rates after using a cover crop, potentially missing out on savings of £30-70 ha. Some species immobilise nitrogen and suppress beet growth; others create a "green bridge" for virus-carrying aphids during the critical establishment period. This PhD will deliver the first evidence-based framework for integrating cover crops profitably into UK sugar beet rotations, with the potential to unlock £3–7 million per year in industry-wide fertiliser savings. Funded jointly by BBRO, the Morley Agricultural Foundation, and the Lugden Hill Trust, this is an applied, industry-facing project: you will work closely with BBRO and the grower community throughout, ensuring research questions are grounded in real farming challenges and that outputs reach the people who need them.

What You Will Do

Working across agronomy, soil science, and microbial ecology, you will:

• Run controlled decomposition experiments to quantify N, P, and K release from key cover crop species (cereals, brassicas, legumes, and mixtures) under UK conditions.
• Establish multi-year field trials on contrasting soils at commercial BBRO sites and the University of Nottingham farm, measuring beet yield, sugar content, and pest/disease incidence.
• Analyse soil microbial communities (PLFA, 16S/ITS sequencing) to understand how residues drive nutrient cycling and soil health.
• Parameterise predictive models and translate outputs into practical grower tools, including a fertiliser credit calculator and species selection guide.

Training

You will be based at the University of Nottingham's Sutton Bonington Campus, with access to world-class facilities including the Hounsfield X-ray CT Facility for root architecture studies and advanced soil and plant analytical capabilities. You will receive expert supervision at the interface of agronomy, soil science, and sugar beet production, with hands-on industry experience through BBRO field trials, open days, and grower engagement events. The project will train a researcher with specialist skills in nutrient cycling, microbial community profiling, and crop modelling, a combination in high demand across UK agricultural research and advisory sectors.

Keyword Search: Cover crops, sugar beet, nutrient cycling, climate resilience, soil health, agronomy

Award Start Date: 01/02/2027

Duration of Award: 48 months

Terms and Conditions

This research studentship is only available to UK citizens and includes payment of tuition fees and a tax-free stipend based on current BBSRC rates.

Applicant Qualification Requirements

A 2:1 or higher in environmental science / agriculture / plant science or related degree. Modelling experience is a bonus but not essential.

How to Apply

Please email a one page cover letter and a CV to hannah.cooper@nottingham.ac.uk

Closing Date: 30/09/2026

Closing Date: 30 Sep 2026
Category: Studentships

Programme Length: Four years 

Contract Type: Full-time 

Prospective Start Date: October 2026

The positions are filled in a first-in, first-served basis therefore we encourage early expression of interest. 

Net²Zero Centre for Doctoral Training 

The EPSRC and BBSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Negative Emission Technologies for Net Zero (CDT in Net²Zero) is an equal partnership between Aston University (lead), University of Nottingham, Queen’s University Belfast, and University of Warwick. Through cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration, this CDT aims to tackle global challenges related to climate change and sustainability.  

Our four-year doctoral programme is training the next generation of research leaders tasked to remove greenhouse gases from the environment.  The CDT in Net²Zero focuses on the use of biomass to replace fossil fuels and removal (or capture) of CO₂ from the atmosphere, with the potential to create new sources of fuels and chemicals. The centre’s expertise covers Direct Air Capture and CO₂ Storage (DACCS), CO₂ utilisation, biochar synthesis and utilisation, biomass transition to materials and chemicals, and biomass to energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) etc. 

Training and Development

Through our research training programme, you will be able to: 

• Develop a network with doctoral researchers, academia, government and industry. 
• Access to cutting-edge facilities and opportunities for international collaboration, preparing you for a successful career in academia, industry, or policymaking. 
• Carry out a training programme covering practical engineering, communication, entrepreneurship, and business skills to prepare students for diverse sectors. 
• The CDT facilitates direct contact between students, industrial partners, policy makers, and third sector organisations to support future careers. You will have the opportunity of a three-month placement with industry, research collaborators or policymakers. 

Project Overview and Background

As global energy demand rises, reducing carbon emissions has become increasingly challenging. Gas‑turbine‑based power generation continues to play a central role in electricity supply, yet it is also a major source of CO₂ emissions and contributes to grid instability as renewable penetration increases. Achieving national net zero targets require integrated solutions that simultaneously decarbonise existing infrastructure, enhance grid flexibility and enable the production of sustainable energy carriers.

Hybrid energy systems offer a promising pathway, but current designs face important limitations. Many studies depend heavily on electricity‑intensive Power‑to‑X routes while underutilising thermochemical biomass conversion and advanced solar‑thermal technologies. Emerging carbon‑capture approaches such as electrochemically mediated amine regeneration show strong potential for flexible, low‑temperature operation, yet they remain largely unexplored within fully integrated hybrid systems. Additionally, current techno-economic feasibility studies rely on steady‑state modelling and overlook the dynamic behaviour under variable grid and weather conditions. These gaps restrict the deployment of high‑efficiency, multi‑source energy platforms capable of adaptive and resilient performance.

This PhD project aims to develop and evaluate a novel hybrid system that integrates gas turbines, low-temperature carbon capture, biomass gasification, and advanced solar thermal applications to enable carbon-negative fuel production and grid support. The research will involve thermodynamic modelling, transient simulation under UK climate and grid demand profiles, economic assessment, life‑cycle analysis, and AI‑driven multi‑objective optimisation. Although the initial focus will be on gas turbines, the hybridisation framework developed in the project will be designed to be transferable to other industrial and power‑generation applications, including industrial furnaces (e.g. steel, cement) and waste‑to‑energy plants. The overarching objective is to design intelligent control strategies that coordinate energy flows across the hybrid system, maximise CO₂ utilisation, and demonstrate the technical and economic viability of a closed‑loop carbon platform suitable for large‑scale deployment.

Person Specification

•   Motivation, creativity, and resourcefulness
•  A mature approach to learning
•  Candidates should have been awarded, or expect to achieve:
  1.  A Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline with an award of First Class or 2.1 
•  Experience in, or willingness to learn modelling and simulation tools such as:
  1.  MATLAB
  2.  Python
  3.  Engineering Equation Solver
  4.  Aspen Plus
  5.  TRNSYS
•  A solid foundation in thermodynamics, process modelling, programming or energy systems

Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential, as the successful candidate will collaborate closely with other researchers, contribute to high‑quality journal publications, and present findings at international conferences. We welcome applicants who are enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research and eager to develop advanced technical and analytical capabilities.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of the Net²Zero CDT and we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in a higher education setting.  These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ people, and women.

Financial Support

• Four-year studentships with a tax-free stipend at UKRI rate (£21,805 per year for 2026/27) 
• Paid tuition fees
• A generous research training support grant. 

Overseas Applicants 

This opportunity is currently open for home fee status candidates only. You can find the rules for home fee eligibility here.

How to Apply 

All applicants should first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form here (you only need to submit one Expression of Interest regardless of the number of projects you are interested in). Successful applicants will be invited to submit a formal application via the NottinghamHub. 

When submitting an EOI form, please include the following information: 

1. Your personal details for processing the application.  
2. A copy of your passport and, where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status. 
3. Your personal characteristics, for monitoring purposes only. 
4. Your Academic background.  We will require English language copies (or screen captures) of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any bachelor's degrees. 
5. If English is not your first language, you will be required to present evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. You can submit the evidence at a later stage. the evidence at a later stage. 
6. Your research background and experience.  
7. Expressions of Interest will be assessed against the following criteria:

       A. Candidate’s motivation and experience: The extent to which the candidate’s expertise, experience, and ambitions align with the goals of the Net2Zero CDT programme. 

       B. If you are shortlisted, you will have the opportunity to meet the potential supervisors.

These studentships are open until filled, and hence early applications are strongly encouraged. 

Contact Information 

For general application or process enquiries, please contact: 

• Md Ashif Chy (Senior CDT Administrator) at Ashif.chy2@nottingham.ac.uk  

For academic enquiries, please contact:

• Dr Ioanna Dimitriou (main supervisor) at Ioanna.Dimitriou@nottingham.ac.uk
• Prof. Hao Liu (Co-Director of Net2Zero CDT) at liu.hao@nottingham.ac.uk  
• Prof. Eleanor Binner (Co-Director of Net2Zero CDT) at eleanor.binner@nottingham.ac.uk

Closing Date: 30 Sep 2026
Category: Studentships

This exciting opportunity is based within the thriving Optics and Photonics Research Group in Faculty of Engineering which conducts cutting edge research spanning exploration to translation, with curiosity driven projects all the way through to application in the clinic.   

Vision

We are seeking PhD student that is motivated and enthusiastic and keen to push the boundaries of what is currently possible when imaging with an optical microscope. Combing the latest in optical developments with the recent surge in AI, this project aims image the centre of a live intact root for the first time. Something that is currently not possible.

Motivation 

This project will address a long-standing issue in plant biology: the inability to image the centre of live, intact, plant roots. The ability to observe dynamic cellular processes at the centre of a live root for the first time will unlock entirely new lines of biological inquiry, crucial for areas such as sustainable agriculture and food security. Such an imaging system would allow for studies of a plant’s resilience to drought, salinity, and water logging, as well as responses to fungal infections and nanoparticle uptake. It is very common that new optical microscopy techniques are developed to image mammalian tissue, and that these approaches are very slow to translate across to plant biosciences where the impact could be huge and as a result exciting opportunities get missed.  

When we use light to image deep into complex samples there is a common problem that occurs – the light gets distorted and scattered by the structures present in the sample and as a result a nice quality focus and hence a nice image cannot be produced at depth into the sample. At Nottingham we have been working on this problem for several years and have developed methods that shape the incoming light with the equal but opposite distortion to that imposed by the sample to produce a high-quality image deep into the sample of interest. Recently we have been using AI and machine learning to predict the distortion present and significantly speed up this correction process.

This PhD project will take the latest in AI-informed wavefront correction techniques and tailor them to imaging deep into plant roots. It will use a range of state-of-the-art optical microscopes based in the Optics and Photonics Research Group in the Faculty of Engineering, plus those housed in Plant Biosciences at the Sutton Bonnington campus. Data sets will be generated using simulated and experimental data and these will be used to train networks to predict the common distortions that occur when imaging into plant roots. From here we can either correct for these distortions using the hardware in the microscope or in software using reconstruction algorithms. This is an exciting multidisciplinary PhD project that promises to make cutting-edge advances in all research areas involved.

Aim

This project combines practical hands-on optics experimentation with training neural networks to develop the next generation of optical microscopes. You will have the opportunity gain skills in optical instrumentation and imaging, AI and machine learning, and in plant biology and sample handling.

Your base will be in the Optics and Photonics Group in the Faculty of Engineering and from here you will work with a team of academics and researchers across Engineering, Computer Science and the Biosciences.

You will be supervised by Amanda Wright (Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering), Mike Somekh (Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering), Mike Pound (Computer Vision, Computer Science Department), and Darren Wells (Plant and Crop Biophysics, School of Biosciences).

Who we are looking for

An enthusiastic, self-motivated, resourceful student, who likes working as part of a team and is keen to take on a new challenge. An understanding of optics and/or machine learning is desirable but not essential, along with general coding skills.

1^st or a 2:1 in a relevant field (for example Physics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or Biosciences).

Funding support

After a suitable candidate is found, funding is then sought from the University of Nottingham as part of a competitive process (this will cover home tuition fees and UKRI stipend)

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. 

Please contact Amanda Wright with your CV and supporting statement to apply for this project – amanda.wright@nottingham.ac.uk 

Closing Date: 02 Feb 2026
Category: Studentships