PhD Studentship - Process Industries: Net Zero - Process Systems Engineering Net Zero Polym

Project Aim

To develop quantitative process systems engineering methods and models to identify, evaluate, and enable step‑change reductions in energy consumption in industrial polymer manufacturing through system‑level process redesign.

You will develop and apply advanced modelling and analysis tools to:

• Construct high‑resolution energy and mass balance models of industrial polymer processes
• Identify key sources of thermodynamic and operational inefficiency
• Quantify opportunities for heat integration, energy recovery, and process optimisation
• Develop and evaluate alternative process configurations and plant architectures
• Investigate process intensification and advanced separations for reduced‑energy operation
• Assess techno‑economic trade‑offs: energy vs cost vs operability vs scalability

You will work closely with Victrex engineering teams, including access to the Hillhouse manufacturing site.

This provides exposure to:

• Real industrial process data
• Large‑scale polymer production systems
• Operational constraints and engineering decision‑making
• Direct pathways for translation of research into industrial practice

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project. Due to the nature of this project, the candidate should have a strong background in Engineering, especially chemical engineering or another closely related engineering subject. Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.

Number of awards: 1

Start date:

1 October 2026
Award duration: 4 years
Final date to receive applications: 22 July 2026

EPSRC

Richard Law ();
Adam Harvey ()

General enquiries: