PhD Position in Chemical Engineering
University of Nottingham
United Kingdom

Area: Engineering
Location: UK Other
Closing Date: Thursday 29 January 2026
Reference: ENG288


EngD Project: Double Diaphragm Forming for Sustainable Composites Manufacturing

CDT for Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering (launched 2024)
Sponsored by: Syensqo
Supervisors: Prof Lee Harper and Dr Davide De Focatiis


Research Focus Areas:

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Civil Engineering

  • Aerospace Engineering

  • Design Engineering

  • Materials Science


Scholarship Details:

  • Enhanced stipend of £26,780 for 2026/27

  • Home tuition fees

  • Generous financial support for research and training

Duration: 4 years
Eligibility: Home/permanent UK residents
Start Date: September 2026


Candidate Requirements:

  • Minimum 2:1 MEng or merit at Master’s level (or equivalent) in engineering, physics, or chemistry, depending on the project

  • Applicants without a master’s may be considered exceptionally with a first-class undergraduate degree

  • Acceptance depends on readiness for research and interview performance


Project Description (EngD):

Double diaphragm forming (DDF) is a promising technique for manufacturing sustainable fibre-reinforced composites. It offers advantages over traditional autoclave processing, such as reduced labour and shorter cycles—key factors in sustainable and efficient production.

However, challenges persist in preventing defects like fibre misalignment and localised wrinkling due to complex, interdependent parameters. This project seeks to:

  • Develop deployable tools and predictive models

  • Optimise polymer film and prepreg chemistry combinations

  • Support defect-free production across diverse manufacturing conditions

You will:

  • Spend ~75% of your time immersed at Syensqo, gaining rare industry experience

  • Work hands-on with advanced composite materials and machinery

  • Build expertise in sustainable automation processes

  • Undergo doctoral-level training at the University of Bristol


How to Apply:

Submit a personal statement explaining your experience and interest in this EngD project, along with your CV and transcript, to:
???? lee.harper@nottingham.ac.uk


Closing Date: 29th January 2026
View All Vacancie


If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

Apply

All Jobs

FACEBOOK
TWITTER
LINKEDIN

Chinese University of Hong Kong

Harvard University Academic Positions

Kuwait University Current Faculty Openings

Osaka University Academic Opportunities

Purdue University Job Postings for Faculty Positions

Texas Tech University Faculty Openings

Tsinghua University Job Postings

University of Cambridge Job Openings

University of Geneva Faculty Opportunities

University of New South Wales Job Openings

University of Nottingham Research Positions

University of Oslo Academic Jobs

University of Saskatchewan Faculty Positions

University of Southampton Research Vacancies

University of Zurich Job Postings