Developing Next-Generation Laser Technologies for Advanced Materials

We are pleased to present an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated individual to pursue a fully funded 3-year PhD studentship at the forefront of advanced manufacturing research. This project offers a unique blend of academic rigor and industrial application, conducted in partnership with the esteemed Laser Processing Group at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and based within the Advanced Materials Research Group (AMRG) at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham.

This studentship is designed for UK home students, offering a generous annual stipend of £25,000 (tax-free), along with full payment of home tuition fees. An additional £2,000 per annum is allocated for consumables, conference travel, and other essential research expenses.

Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Cutting-Edge Research: Immerse yourself in groundbreaking research focused on developing an innovative co-axial water-mist-assisted high-power laser processing system. This project has the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing of advanced materials, including ceramics, composites, and coated alloys, which are currently challenging for conventional laser processing.
• Industrial Collaboration: Gain invaluable real-world experience by working directly with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), a leading independent Research and Technology Organisation (RTO). This partnership provides exposure to industrial challenges, cutting-edge facilities, and the opportunity to understand workplace culture within a pioneering manufacturing environment.
• Academic Excellence: Benefit from the extensive expertise and state-of-the-art materials characterisation facilities at the University of Nottingham's Advanced Materials Research Group.
• Career Advancement: This PhD is structured to foster your professional development. You will have opportunities for high-impact journal publications and presentations at international conferences, directly sharing your findings with the global research community. The Researcher Academy's training programme, including bespoke courses for engineering PGRs on topics like paper writing, networking, and career development, will further enhance your skills.
• Financial Security: A substantial, tax-free stipend ensures financial stability throughout your doctoral studies, allowing you to focus entirely on your research.
• Impactful Contribution: Your research will have transformative implications for critical industries such as motorsports, space exploration, and aerospace, contributing to the advancement of next-generation manufacturing technologies.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Eligibility: This studentship is exclusively open to UK home students who are UK nationals due to funding restrictions.
• Security Clearance: As the position is sponsored by the MTC, successful candidates will be required to pass the sponsor's internal security checks prior to commencing the PhD.
• Academic Background: We are seeking enthusiastic and self-motivated individuals with a 1st or high 2:1 degree (or an MSc with merit or distinction) in Engineering, Physical Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• Research Focus: The project involves design, simulation, prototyping, and experimentation. A strong aptitude for these areas, along with an interest in utilizing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for data analysis and optimization, will be highly advantageous.
• Collaboration Skills: The ability to work effectively within both academic and industrial settings is crucial for the success of this interdisciplinary project.

This PhD represents a significant opportunity to contribute to a vital area of technological advancement, offering a strong foundation for a career in cutting-edge research and development within industry or academia. If you are passionate about innovation and eager to make a tangible impact on future manufacturing processes, we encourage you to explore this exciting prospect.