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

The Mechanical and Aerospace Systems (MAS) group requires a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to support a wide range of experimental research across the group through high-quality and precision design. The MAS group has a large and friendly intra-disciplinary team of researchers, engineers, technicians, support staff, and academics who work together to deliver research from fundamental to high level technology readiness level (TRL).  

The role will involve applying a wide range of professional engineering skills relating to the design, manufacture, commissioning, and use of test facilities in support of MAS research. The successful applicant will have experience in the design of machines as well as experimental setups, and they will have a track record of working with suppliers and sub-contractors to deliver precision engineered components, assemblies, and systems. The role holder will have a significant role in implementing and managing complex industrial research projects and will provide support and supervision to others within the team.

A degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent is essential. A PhD in mechanical engineering or similar, professional engineering qualifications, Chartered Engineer status and project management qualifications are desirable.

What we offer:

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
• Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year.
• 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 to our benefits website

Your working hours will be 36.25 hours per week. This role is not open to fractional or part time work and the successful candidate is expected to be primarily based in the lab and office on-site.

This role is full-time, fixed term until 31 December 2027.

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details.

Please contact Sarah Walker (s.walker@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.

#LI-DNI
#INT

Closing Date: 31 May 2026
Category: Internal Only

Funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, we endeavour to make technological advances with real national impact.

The UK holds significant volumes of nuclear graphite waste, and disposal options are currently limited pending the Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) opening after 2050. New technologies are needed to manage graphite – a key enabler for the dismantling of the first and second generation of UK Nuclear Reactors. Applied smouldering offers a promising solution to reduce the amount of material destined for the GDF: it is energy‑efficient, cost‑effective, and well‑suited to low‑volatility carbon‑based materials.

You will design and conduct laboratory experiments to assess graphite smoulderability, develop physics-based models to predict scalability, and perform techno‑economic analyses and life‑cycle assessments using machine-learning tools. This project will prepare you for starting a career in nuclear decommissioning or applying emerging technological and modelling approaches to facilitate circular economy innovation in the energy transition.

You will work closely with Tarek Rashwan, Oliver Fisher and Rachel L Gomes based in  the Food Water Waste Research Group in the Faculty of Engineering, which leads research in circular economy innovations. You will also liaise extensively with Nuclear Restoration Services, including a multi-month internship, and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority alongside a broader team of UK academics and industry partners from Canada addressing challenges with nuclear graphite.

Candidate requirements 

Essential:

• 1^st or 2:1 in Engineering or a science-related discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.

• Enthusiastic, self-motivated, resourceful, and strong willingness to learn.

Desirable:

Previous experimental and/or modelling experience with thermal treatment or combustion/smouldering is an advantage. Full research training will be provided.

Eligibility and funding 

This studentship is open to UK/home and international candidates. For funding reasons, we are particularly looking for UK applicants

PhD start date: October 2026

How to apply

Application deadline: June 1, 2026

To apply, please email your CV and supporting statement explaining your suitability for this PhD position and why you are interested to Dr Tarek Rashwan at tarek.rashwan@nottingham.ac.uk

The University of Nottingham actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We - the Faculty of Engineering - provide a thriving working environment for all our postgraduate researchers (PGRs) creating a strong sense of community across research disciplines. We understand that research culture is important to our PGRs so we work closely with our Postgraduate Engineering Society and PGR research group representatives to support and enhance the postgraduate research environment.

As a PGR at the University of Nottingham you will benefit from training through our Researcher Academy’s training programme. Based within the Faculty of Engineering you will have additional access to courses developed specifically for our engineering and architecture PGRs including sessions on how to write a paper, communicating your research, and research integrity. 

We offer dedicated postgraduate study spaces, have outstanding research facilities and work in partnership with leading industrial partners.

Closing Date: 01 Jun 2026
Category: Studentships

Applications are invited for a fully-funded Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award, offered in partnership with Rolls-Royce, to tackle key challenges in the design of aeroengine oil systems using multiphase Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research that supports the next generation of  sustainable aeroengines.

The successful candidate will join a supportive team of 50 researchers, technicians and academics within the Mechanical and Aerospace Systems Research Group, and will have the opportunity to apply their research during a placement within Rolls Royce.

Project Overview

The project focuses on developing and applying advanced CFD models for aeroengine oil systems. There will also be opportunities to integrate machine learning techniques for building lower-order predictive models. The student will gain hands-on experience in industrial applications, including practical aspects of aeroengine oil system design, spending part of their PhD based on-site at Rolls-Royce as well as receiving joint supervision and training from both the University and industry professionals.

Candidate Requirements

We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated researcher with a rigorous approach to problem-solving. Applicants should have, or be expected to gain, a high 2:1 (preferably 1st class) honours degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline with substantial background in fluid mechanics.

Essential skills:

• Strong knowledge of numerical methods
• Ability to work effectively in a team

Desirable skills / experience:

• Experience of applying CFD to a complex problem
• Knowledge of multiphase flows
• Experience with machine learning techniques

Funding

This studentship covers UK home tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend of up to £25,000 per year for 4 years. Please note that, due to funding restrictions, this studentship is only available to UK (home fees) citizens.

Start date – 1 October 2026

Application Process

Informal enquiries may be addressed to:
Dr Stephen Ambrose – Stephen.Ambrose3@nottingham.ac.uk  or

Dr Chris Ellis – Chris.Ellis@nottingham.ac.uk

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover letter
• Academic transcripts

Applications should be sent to IAT@nottingham.ac.uk

Candidates will be interviewed at the earliest possible convenience, and the position will close once a suitable candidate is found

Closing Date: 24 Jul 2026
Category: Studentships

Start date: 1 October 2026

Application deadline: 24/07/2026

Project type: Collaborative PhD studentship (joint Academic-Industry)

Industrial partner: BAE Systems plc       

Academic supervisor: Dr Sendy Phang and Dr. George Gordon

Industry supervisor: Dr Hassan Zaidi

We are seeking a Ph.D. student to develop next-generation AI systems for real-time 3D mapping on compact, low-power devices. The project will combine optical sensing, event-based vision, and radio-frequency (RF) data with advanced AI to build robust mapping systems for challenging environments, including poor visibility and GPS-denied settings.

This is a joint project with BAE Systems plc, offering access to industrially relevant datasets, equipment, and evaluation scenarios alongside academic research training. It would suit candidates interested in careers in academia or industry, especially in AI, sensing, autonomy, robotics, or embedded systems.

Background

Accurate 3D mapping is increasingly important for autonomy, navigation, inspection, and situational awareness across defence and other safety-critical applications. Yet many real-world deployments cannot depend on cloud computing or high-bandwidth communications. Instead, sensing and AI inference must operate directly at the edge, under tight constraints on power, bandwidth, and compute. This studentship addresses that challenge by developing a multimodal sensing and inference framework that can run on compact AI edge hardware while remaining reliable in complex, contested, or visually degraded environments.

Aim

You will design, build, and evaluate a hardware-aware AI framework for cognitive 3D mapping. The work will bring together three complementary sensing streams:

• structured illumination for active optical depth recovery and high-precision 3D sensing;
• event-based vision for low-latency, high-dynamic-range perception with reduced data rates;
• RF sensing and localisation, spanning radar-style observables and passive RF localisation using software-defined radio.

A central theme of the project is co-design across sensing, AI reconstruction, and embedded deployment. You will explore how multimodal models can generate consistent 3D scene representations with quantified uncertainty, and how these can be deployed efficiently on edge accelerators such as NVIDIA Jetson, Edge TPU, or neuromorphic hardware.

What we offer

Joining our team means gaining access to exceptional resources and opportunities to develop you into a leading researcher:

• A world-class research environment spanning research environment, spanning sensing, nanotechnology, AI, and clinical medicine
• A supportive and inclusive research culture, underpinned by the Researcher Development Concordat (http://www.vitae.ac.uk/policy/concordat).
• Close technical supervision from both academic and industrial partners to work on a real-world industry problem
• Excellent opportunities to publish in leading journals and conferences, and to present your work internationally and travel to conferences.
• Four years of funding, including tuition fees and stipend at the standard rate for eligible UK students.
• Consumables budget for purchasing state-of-the-art edge AI compute units and sensors.
• A project environment well suited to students interested in careers in academia, advanced R&D, or industry innovation.

What you should have

We are seeking a motivated candidate with the enthusiasm and technical foundation to contribute to ambitious interdisciplinary research. You should ideally have:

• A first-class or upper second-class degree, or a master’s degree, in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Robotics, or a related discipline.
• A strong interest in one or more of the following areas: AI and machine learning, computer vision, signal processing, sensing, robotics, or embedded systems.
• Programming experience in at least one language such as Python, MATLAB, or C/C++.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary academic–industry team.
• Eligibility for Home fee status.

Project environment

The project will be based in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham, with Dr. Sendy Phang and Dr. George Gordon as the academic supervisors. The student will benefit from a research culture that combines hands-on systems development with advanced AI methods, alongside co-supervision and strategic input from BAE Systems through industry supervisor Dr Hassan Zaidi.

How to apply

Start date: 1 October 2026. For informal enquiries and details on how to apply, please contact Dr Sendy Phang at sendy.phang@nottingham.ac.uk with your CV, a cover letter outlining your research interests and motivation to do this PhD project, and all academic transcripts and any publications.

Closing Date: 24 Jul 2026
Category: Studentships

As Research Portfolio and Operations Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the Faculty of Engineering’s research and knowledge exchange (RKE) activity. Based in the Faculty’s APM Hub, you will manage a diverse portfolio of live research projects and proposals, providing expert advice to academic colleagues from bid development through to project delivery and close‑out.

You will oversee project finances and resources, ensure compliance with University and funder requirements, support audits and reporting, and contribute to strategic decision‑making through high‑quality data and analysis. Working closely with academics, Faculty Operations, and central Research & Innovation teams, you will help deliver a professional, efficient, and forward‑thinking research support service.

About the team

You will join the Engineering Research and Knowledge Exchange (ERKE) team, a collaborative and supportive group of research professionals embedded within the Faculty of Engineering. The team works closely with Faculty Operations, academic staff, and central University functions to support the full research lifecycle and to help the Faculty deliver against its strategic RKE objectives and KPIs.

The team values professionalism, inclusivity, shared expertise, and continuous improvement, and plays a vital role in enabling world‑class research at the University.

About you

You will be an experienced research or project management professional with strong financial and organisational skills, and a proven ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment. You will be confident working with budgets, systems, and data, and comfortable advising and collaborating with academic and professional colleagues at all levels.

With excellent communication skills and a proactive, solutions‑focused approach, you will take pride in delivering high‑quality support, maintaining robust processes, and continuously improving ways of working. Experience of research management systems (such as RIS and UniCore) and working within a higher education or research environment will enable you to succeed in this role.

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.
• 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 to our benefits website

What next-

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details.

This is a permanent, full-time role (36.25 hours per week). 

Please contact Hamzah Sikander (hamzah.sikander@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: 20 May 2026
Category: Administrative, Professional and Managerial (APM)

Start Date: 1 October 2026   

This PhD offers an exciting opportunity to explore reservoir computing, a new approach towards artificial intelligence that uses the natural dynamic behaviour of physical systems (such as light and electronics) to process information efficiently.

You will work at the intersection of mathematics, physics, electrical engineering and AI, helping to develop a theory that explains how and why these systems work — and how to design better ones. 

Why apply for this PhD?

• Work on the next-generation AI hardware beyond traditional computing architectures. 
• Gain a unique combination of skills in mathematics, machine learning, and photonics.
• Be part of a multidisciplinary research team spanning science and engineering.
• Access state-of-the-art laboratories and high-performance computing facilities. 

• Gain experience by attending international conferences and training events.
• Develop skills highly valued in both academia and industry.

Project description

Modern AI computing systems require large amounts of energy and computational power. Reservoir computing offers a promising alternative by using complex physical systems to perform tasks such as prediction, classification, and signal processing.

However, one major challenge remains: We still do not fully understand what makes a reservoir computing system perform well.

This PhD project aims to answer this question.

You will develop a unified mathematical theory and framework to study and explain how different reservoir systems work and how to design them for specific tasks. The project will combine:

1. Mathematical modelling of dynamical systems;
2. Computational photonics simulations;
3. Comparison with real physical systems (especially photonic systems using light).

Facilities and research environment:

1. High-performance computing facilities;
2. Photonics and electromagnetics laboratories;
3. Experimental platforms for optical (light-based) computing;
4. A collaborative research environment across mathematics and engineering.

Candidate profile

You do not need experience in all the areas below; additional training will be provided. Enthusiasm and willingness to learn are essential.

Essential:

1. A first-class undergraduate degree or a master’s degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mathematical Sciences, or a closely related subject from a recognised institution.
2. A background in at least one of the following:
3. Dynamical systems
4. Photonics/Electromagnetics theory, design and simulations
5. Machine learning mathematics and algorithms
6. Numerical methods
7. Programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
8. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
9. Good written and spoken English.

Desirable:

• Experience with photonic/electromagnetics design software.
• Familiarity with deep learning platforms (e.g. TensorFlow, PyTorch).

Funding and eligibility

The project is fully funded by DSTL, due to funding requirement this studentship is only available for UK (home) candidates.

An UKRI rate studentship is available for this project, covering home tuition fees plus a tax-free stipend. 

How to apply

Send the following documents to sendy.phang@nottingham.ac.uk

1. CV
2. Cover letter explaining your research interests, relevant skills and experience, and why you are interested in this PhD project
3. Academic transcripts (for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, if applicable)
4. Copies of any publications (if applicable) 

Please use “PhD-RC-Framework application – [Your Full Name]” as email subject matter.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview to assess their suitability. 

Supervisors:

Professor Gregor Tanner – School of Mathematical Sciences, gregor.tanner@nottingham.ac.uk 

Dr Sendy Phang – Faculty of Engineering, sendy.phang@nottingham.ac.uk

Closing Date: 22 Jul 2026
Category: Studentships

This project offers an exciting opportunity to undertake industrially linked research with engineering teams of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and academics within the Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) Research Institute, University of Nottingham. The project will be supported by the state-of-the-art electric motor manufacturing platforms at both locations.

Project Description

Electrification is a main enabler for decarbonised transportation. Ambitious roadmaps to achieve the “Net Zero” target by 2050 in the UK require step-change performance of electrical motors from a state-of-the-art continuous power density of 2-5 kW/kg to 10-25 kW/kg by 2035. Incremental improvements in electrical machines built from simple stacks of 2D laminations will not suffice to bridge the power density gap required for next generation electric vehicle traction or aerospace propulsion. A radical approach to how electrical machines can be designed and built with 3D architectures that enable significantly boosted electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal performance is yet to be developed.

The project will motivate the PhD student to revolutionise electrical machine design and development based on programmable 3D electrical steel technology enabled by advanced manufacturing processes and emerging magnetic materials for applications across automotive, aerospace, and power generation. Starting from modelling and parametric design of complex 3D laminated and hybrid cores, the PhD student will design and develop new motor topologies and experimentally characterise their magnetic, mechanical and thermal performance. The optimised design for manufacturing workflow will be demonstrated on application-relevant prototypes, evidencing improvements in power density, efficiency and manufacturability over conventional 2D solutions.

Funding:

• A three-year fully funded studentship
• A generous tax-free annual stipend of £25,000 plus full-time home tuition fees paid.
• An additional £2,000 per annum for consumables and travel.

Requirements: 

• The candidate should have a 1st or high 2:1 degree in electrical/mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics, or related scientific disciplines.
• Skills in numerical tools and programming are desirable (MATLAB, python, C++ etc).
• Any experience or capabilities in engineering design or manufacturing methods would be advantageous.

Eligibility and Application

• Due to funding restrictions, the position is only available for UK home candidates.
• As sponsored by MTC, the successful candidate would need to pass the sponsors own security checks before starting the PhD.
• Start date: 10 April 2026
• Closing date: 15 May 2026

For further information please email Professor Chris Gerada (University of Nottingham) and Will Pollitt (MTC).

Facilities

The MTC is an independent Research and Technology Organisation 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.

The PEMC Institute is home to Driving the Electric Revolution Midlands Industrialisation Centre and the UK Electrification of Aerospace Propulsion Facilities, which have received over £20m of funding in the last three years. This 5000m² institute with state-of-the-art facilities for research into electrification technologies, hosting 21 academics, 60 post-doctoral researchers and over 80 PhD students, will be made available for this project. The university actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.  

Closing Date: 15 May 2026
Category: Studentships

This project offers an exciting opportunity to undertake industrially linked research with engineering teams of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and academics within the Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) Research Institute, University of Nottingham. The project will be supported by the state-of-the-art electric motor manufacturing platforms at both locations.

Project Description

Electrification is a main enabler for decarbonised transportation. Ambitious roadmaps to achieve the “Net Zero” target by 2050 in the UK require step-change performance of electrical motors from a state-of-the-art continuous power density of 2-5 kW/kg to 10-25 kW/kg by 2035. The highest power dense motors today rely on unsustainable materials and on carbon-intensive manufacturing processes. Incremental improvements in electrical motor technologies will not suffice to bridge the power density gap required for aerospace propulsion, nor sustain the widespread adoption of electrical vehicles in an environmentally friendly and ethical way. A radical approach to how electrical motors is developed, combined with emerging material technology, is needed.

The project will motivate the PhD student to develop next generation electric motors with advanced CNT windings for electric vehicle traction and aerospace propulsion, featuring improved performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. It will start with capability characterisation of the emerging CNT wire technology. After quantifying the superior properties of CNT against copper and aluminium windings in specific high-performance applications, the PhD work will be focused on developing novel motor topologies featuring CNT windings, including designing and testing of optimised prototypes for validation. 

Funding:

• A three-year fully funded studentship
• A generous tax-free annual stipend of £25,000 plus payment of their full-time home tuition fees
• An additional £2,000 per annum for consumables and travel.

Requirements: 

• The candidate should have a 1st or high 2:1 degree in electrical/mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics, or related scientific disciplines.
• Skills in numerical tools and programming are desirable (MATLAB, python, C++ etc).
• Any experience or capabilities in engineering design or manufacturing methods would be advantageous.

Eligibility and Application

• Due to funding restrictions, the position is only available for UK home candidates.
• As sponsored by MTC, the successful candidate would need to pass the sponsors own security checks before starting the PhD.
• Start date: 5 October 2026 
• Closing date: 15 May 2026

For further information please email Professor Chris Gerada (University of Nottingham) and Dan Walton (MTC).

Facilities

The MTC is an independent Research and Technology Organisation 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.

The PEMC Institute is home to Driving the Electric Revolution Midlands Industrialisation Centre and the UK Electrification of Aerospace Propulsion Facilities, which have received over £20m of funding in the last three years. This 5000m² institute with state-of-the-art facilities for research into electrification technologies, hosting 21 academics, 60 post-doctoral researchers and over 80 PhD students, will be made available for this project. The university actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.  

Closing Date: 15 May 2026
Category: Studentships

University of Nottingham in collaboration with SHD Composites 

Start date: 1 October 2026

The University of Nottingham is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated candidate for a fully funded PhD studentship focused on the development of next‑generation bio‑based composite materials. This exciting project is delivered in partnership with SHD Composite Materials Ltd, a leading UK prepreg manufacturer, and offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of advanced materials engineering, sustainable manufacturing, and industrial innovation.

Poly‑furfuryl alcohol (PFA) resins, derived from agricultural by‑products, are emerging as one of the most promising sustainable alternatives to conventional epoxy systems. Their excellent thermal stability and favourable fire, smoke and toxicity performance make them strong candidates for safety‑critical applications in aerospace, rail, automotive and battery technologies. However, current PFA systems suffer from brittleness, moisture‑related defects and narrow processing windows, limiting their wider adoption. This PhD will address these challenges through a combination of experimental materials science, advanced characterisation and AI‑assisted modelling.

Working within the Composites Research Group, you will develop a digital twin of the PFA cure process, combining mechanistic modelling with neural‑network‑based prediction of complex behaviours such as void formation and brittleness. In parallel, you will explore formulation and processing strategies to improve toughness, reduce embodied energy and eliminate the need for cold‑storage. The project includes four integrated work packages spanning moisture‑management strategies, toughening mechanisms, resin ageing and tack behaviour, and AI‑driven cure‑kinetics optimisation.

You will have access to world‑class facilities, including advanced imaging at the Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, bespoke tack‑testing equipment, and state‑of‑the‑art composite manufacturing laboratories. A three‑month placement at SHD Composite Materials will provide hands‑on experience with industrial prepreg production, specialist polymer characterisation equipment and direct involvement in manufacturing trials. 

The successful applicant will have a strong background in engineering, materials science, chemistry or a related discipline, with enthusiasm for experimental research and computational modelling. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with academic and industrial partners are essential.

This studentship offers an enhanced stipend of £26,780 per year for Home students, plus full tuition fees and additional support for placement travel. Applications from exceptional International students with strong research track records are welcome, but funding restrictions apply. This opportunity provides an exceptional platform for a career in advanced composites.

Please send your CV and supporting statement to: lee.harper@nottingham.ac.uk 

Closing Date: 08 May 2026
Category: Studentships

This exciting opportunity is based within the EPSRC's Centre for Doctoral Training in DigitalMetal in the Faculty of Engineering, which conducts cutting edge research into cutting-edge technologies and AI to revolutionise metals manufacturing.

Vision

We are seeking a PhD student who is motivated and capable of driving a largely experimental project to develop new techniques and knowledge. This project involves the development of a novel torsion test method to measure how oxidation and creep may interact at high temperatures / or long times, thereby aiding the safe design, operation and lifing of plant designed for long-term high-temperature service in oxidizing conditions. Moreover, the method will be used to characterise the beneficial effects of coatings aimed at increasing component lifetimes; and in future could be developed to study the effect of more damaging surface phenomena.

Motivation 

The maximum temperature that metallic materials may be used in power generation is generally determined by their creep strength. That strength is determined by creep tests on round-section test pieces.  It is also well accepted that materials subject to air, steam, combustion products etc. will also suffer from oxidation and corrosion damage, which in many cases causes metal wastage and hence increased stresses, leading to faster creep rates / shorter lives.  Oxidation forms fastest on newly created fresh surfaces, for example as the specimen tapers and begins to neck. Several other surface / environment interactions may also reduce lifetimes, including decarburisation, ingress of hydrogen, erosion by debris containing liquid metals; and susceptibility to oxidation at grain boundaries piercing the surface.

It is not surprising to consider oxidation and creep working in synergy. This is especially true when the creep strain is sufficient to cause the oxide to crack (allowing rapid supply of oxygen to the metal surface), or if the oxide spalls off altogether. Generally, creep samples with round sections will have longer lives than those with the same cross-sectional area, but in strip form or hollow tube. It is understood that specimens having higher surface area to volume ratios demonstrate that metal wastage by oxidation will reduce creep lives. The same is likely to be true for small specimen test techniques.

Power generation has always required long-term life of key components including tubes and pipework containing steam that is expanded in the steam turbine coupled to a generator to generate electricity. Typical lifetimes of 200kh are declared by the plant manufacturer. More recently the requirement of 500kh lifetimes has been mooted for the new generation of nuclear plant essential to combat climate change. Reliable declarations of such lifetimes can only be made if the combined effects of surface / environment interactions are understood and calculable. Such calculations are necessary not only to describe the increase in creep rate by air or steam oxidation, but also for, for example, the similar damaging effect of reactor coolants on fuel cladding.

Aim

At present there is no standard test method to understand the synergy between oxidation and creep. This is because several other damaging mechanisms: dislocation cell size increase, particle coarsening, embrittling precipitates or the formation of voids at grain boundaries, and other phenomena, may also cause an increase in creep rate over the long duration of a creep test. In standard creep tests a constant uniaxial tensile load is applied to a round section sample which results in the sample thinning as it is extended, and which could be due to any one or more of the mechanisms mentioned above, as well as due to oxidation. That complicates the interpretation of data. What is needed, therefore, is a test method in which creep strain is developed without changing the cross-sectional area.

This PhD proposal seeks to concentrate on the formation of oxide scale and the behaviour of coatings and their consequence on creep properties. It will develop methods in which creep strain is applied without local thinning caused by creep and instead seeks to characterise the behaviour of the oxide layer and any coating. It will seek to provide as much information as possible on these phenomena using a test piece with multiple gauge-length sections, with different cross-sectional areas and hence stress.

Candidate requirements 

This position is only open to UK students. The candidate must have at least an equivalent of a UK 2.1 class degree in materials/mechanical/ manufacturing/physics or any related discipline. This is a largely experimental research project based at the University of Nottingham, with some aspects of material modelling and development of machine learning to aid rapid modelling capabilities. We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated and resourceful student to undertake this challenging project.

Essentials

• Materials/ mechanical behaviour understanding
• Engineering laboratory practical skills
• 1^st or a 2:1 class undergraduate degree in materials/mechanical/manufacturing/physics or any related discipline.

Desirables

• Basic programming skills
• Basic machine learning knowledge

Eligibility and funding 

This studentship is open to UK/home candidates. 

Funding is provided by the EPSRC's Centre for Doctoral Training in DigitalMetal and the UK High Temperature Power Plant Forum (HTPPF) and covers home tuition fees, UKRI stipend and research & training costs.

PhD start date: October 2026

Main University Supervisor: Dr Chris Hyde

Secondary University Supervisor: Prof. Tanvir Hussain

Industrial Supervisor (if applicable): Dr Chris Bullough

Programme Length: Four years

Industry Sponsor Information

The UK High Temperature Power Plant Forum (UKHTPPF) is an organisation that brings together industry, academia, and researchers to focus on the structural integrity, creep, and fatigue issues of materials used in high-temperature power plant components. Its aim is to help the power Sector to ensure the reliability and safety of high-temperature industrial materials and components.

How to apply

Application deadline: 31-May-2026

To apply, please email your CV and supporting statement to Dr Christopher Hyde at christopher.hyde@nottingham.ac.uk

Interview date: June 2026

The University of Nottingham actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We - the Faculty of Engineering - provide a thriving working environment for all our postgraduate researchers (PGRs) creating a strong sense of community across research disciplines. We understand that research culture is important to our PGRs so we work closely with our Postgraduate Engineering Society and PGR research group representatives to support and enhance the postgraduate research environment.

As a PGR at the University of Nottingham you will benefit from training through our Researcher Academy’s training programme. Based within the Faculty of Engineering you will have additional access to courses developed specifically for our engineering and architecture PGRs including sessions on how to write a paper, communicating your research, and research integrity. 

We offer dedicated postgraduate study spaces, have outstanding research facilities and work in partnership with leading industrial partners.

Closing Date: 31 May 2026
Category: Studentships

Enhanced Stipend PhD Studentship (UK) funded by the UK government

Thermally Sprayed Coatings for ablation and high heat flux conditions

Background

UK applicants are invited to undertake a 3-4 year, fully-funded PhD studentship (fees and enhanced stipend) within the Centre of Excellence in Coatings and Surface Engineering (CE-CSE) at the University of Nottingham, funded by the UK government. There is a critical need to develop materials and coatings that can withstand ultra-high temperature (UHT) conditions while maintaining structural integrity and functional performance. 

The PhD Project

This exciting research project is actively seeking ultra-high temperature (UHT) ceramic materials capable of surviving short-duration exposure (on the order of seconds to minutes) under extreme conditions. These environments are characterised by temperatures up to 3000 K, pressures up to 10 MPa, mass fluxes up to 6500 kg/m²·s (including particulate fluxes up to 300 kg/m²·s), gas velocities up to 1000 m/s, and heat transfer coefficients up to 35,000 W/m²·K. Under such conditions, conventional ceramic materials undergo rapid degradation through oxidation, particulate erosion, thermal shock, and phase instability, significantly limiting their performance and service life.

This PhD project will focus on the design and development of UHT ceramics in the form of coatings, ablation and high-heat-flux testing rigs, and characterisation using secondary electron imaging, X-ray diffractometry, electron backscattered diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. This is a hugely exciting project for an enthusiastic researcher who wishes to forge an academic or industry career in the materials sector. 

Qualification:

This position will only cover home/UK tuition fees. The candidate must have at least an equivalent of a UK 2.1 class degree in materials/mechanical/chemical/physics/chemistry, or any related discipline. This is an experimental research project, and the candidate is expected to spend the majority of the time at the University of Nottingham.

Funding: 

The PhD studentship will cover full home/UK University tuition fees and a tax-free stipend of up to £27 k per annum for the duration of the project. 

Applications, with a detailed CV and a cover letter, together with the names and addresses of two referees, should be sent directly to Prof. Tanvir Hussain (tanvir.hussain@nottingham.ac.uk).  

Closing date: Until Filled

Closing Date: 15 Jul 2026
Category: Studentships

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

Are you ready to take on a key role in a vibrant, busy and exciting team, which helps to deliver the University’s zero carbon research strategic programme?  We are seeking 2 passionate and dedicated Senior Administrators to support the efficient and organised functioning of zero carbon engineering projects, providing general administrative support, finance administration and coordination of services required to deliver multiple, high value industry projects. 

The role holder will also have opportunities to support wider team activities and will be key to helping the overall operations thrive, working closely with project and quality managers, resource managements, alongside engineering and technical teams delivering the industry projects.

We are looking for a person who is enthusiastic and motivated by giving excellent administrative support to the team, is able to organise their own time and feels confident in prioritising their workload when supporting multiple projects. 

In return the University offers: 

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
• Flexible working opportunities
• Generous holiday entitlement of 27 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 to our benefits website

What next: 

We hope to hold first round interviews w/c 18^th May, followed by a shorter 2^nd interview.

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details.

Your working hours will be (36.25). If you are interested in part-time work (minimum 29 hours per week), we encourage you to apply. Please specify your preferred hours in your application. We may also consider job share arrangements. Please note this role is for a 2 year fixed term.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates will 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 Debra Fearnshaw  (debra.fearnshaw@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

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Closing Date: 05 May 2026
Category: Internal Only

Applications are invited for an EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Awards (IDLA) PhD position at the University of Nottingham addressing the specific engineering details of the wear of articulating splines for aeroengine applications.  The successful candidate will have a first-class or upper second-class honours degree in mechanical engineering or a related subject.

This studentship will attract a stipend up to £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. Nottingham’s UTC in Gas Turbine Transmissions Systems will host this studentship and the candidate will sit within a community of PhD students at various stages of their study.

Spline couplings are key power-transmission components which allow torque to be transmitted between two shafts while also allowing for assembly/disassembly.  Building on a long history of work within the Transmissions UTC into the performance of spline couplings, this project will seek to further the fundamental understanding the wear behaviour of such components through both experimental and numerical studies.  Experimental work will be carried out using a recently commissioned rig facility in the UTC allowing the validation of modelling tools.

This project has applications in creating more power dense systems which will facilitate increased use and efficiency of high power electrical systems, and also conventional mechanical power offtakes. Reducing the size and weight of these systems, while boosting power extraction is important to continuing to improve the efficiency of aeroengines

This project is available from 1st October 2026. Applications accepted until post is filled.  Informal inquiries can be made via email to Prof. Chris Bennett (c.bennett@nottingham.ac.uk).

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

Closing Date: 17 Jun 2026
Category: Studentships