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

The Mechanical and Aerospace Systems (MAS) group requires a 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 the design and manufacture of research facilities and test programmes.

A degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent is essential.

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 fixed term until 31 December 2027.

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.

Due to the nature of this post, all offers of employment will be subject to the appropriate level of security clearance and an independent verification of unspent convictions obtained by means of a Basic Disclosure Certificate obtained from Disclosure Scotland, or an overseas police check.

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

#LI-DNI

#INT

Closing Date: 14 Oct 2026
Category: Internal Only

Closing Date: 14 Oct 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)

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

We are looking for an organised and proactive Education and Student Experience (ESE) Manager to contribute to the continual review, monitoring and development of Faculty-wide activity to improve the student experience, and support for staff.   

You will work closely with the Senior Education and Student Experience Manager, and wider ESE team to lead activity in a number of key strategic areas, including Course representatives, Staff Student Forums and Student Societies and groups. You will convene and be a key member of relevant Faculty of Engineering student experience committees and groups (e.g. the Faculty Student Experience Action Group).  

You will lead the operational ESE management and support activity for teaching departments across the faculty, acting as the lead ESE Manager for two departments. You will have direct line management responsibility for a small team of ESE Initiatives Officers and will lead the team to ensure the successful delivery of key areas, such as welcome and arrival, student experience events and assessments/feedback.   

Candidates must have a degree or equivalent, demonstrable experience of managing a team, excellent change management skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.  Proven influencing and negotiation skills alongside working with stakeholders to gather feedback, propose and implement changes will also be essential. An understanding of the current challenges affecting students’ education and experience is also important. 

Your working hours will be 36.25 hours per week. If you are interested in part-time work (minimum 25.5 hours per week), we encourage you to apply. Please specify your preferred hours in your application. We may also consider job share arrangements. 

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.  Further information is available in the role profile. 

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 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. 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 Emma Hopkins (emma.hopkins@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: 11 Oct 2026
Category: Internal Only

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

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 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 (pro rata if applicable) 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 fixed term until 31 December 2027.

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.  

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.

Previous applicants in the last 6 months need not apply

Closing Date: 05 Oct 2026
Category: Administrative, Professional and Managerial (APM)

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