Studentship: EngD cin EPSRC Centre in Doctoral Training; CDT in Innovation Sustainable

Studentship:
EngD in the EPSRC Centre in Doctoral Training (CDT) in Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering

Apply for the EngD studentship in the EPSRC Centre in Doctoral Training (CDT) in Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering at University of Nottingham. This opportunity is part of the new CDT launched in 2024.

Area: Engineering

Location: UK, Other

Closing Date: Thursday 29 January 2026

Reference: ENG
295

Research focus areas: Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Design Engineering, Materials Science

Scholarship Details: Stipend £26,780 for 2026/27, home tuition fees and generous financial support.

Duration: 4 years

Eligibility: Home/permanent UK residents; subject to security clearance

Start Date: September 2026

Candidate Requirements: Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum 2:1 MEng or merit at Masters level or equivalent in engineering, physics or chemistry. Applicants without a master's may be considered on an exceptional basis if holding a first‑class undergraduate. Acceptance depends on evidence of readiness for research and interview performance.

Project Description (EngD): EngD on Multi‑Stage Simulation of Aerospace Out‑of‑Autoclave Composite Manufacture sponsored by GKN Aerospace, supervised by Dr Mikhail Mateev and Prof Lee Harper.

• Investigate the multi‑stage modelling approach for dry fibre forming and RTM manufacturing.
• Assess if a modelling approach can inform process control and optimisation, reducing scrap rate.
• Build simulation tools that support the understanding of defect generation during forming.
• Identify state‑of‑the‑art software and methodologies for modelling composite manufacturing processes and demonstrate integration within production facilities.
• Excite interest in creating manufacturing process models to produce more sustainable aircraft parts.

Benefits include:

• Immersed in GKN Aerospace’s leading composite manufacturing, ~75% on‑site, real‑world experience.
• Hands‑on experience with state‑of‑the‑art composite materials and cutting‑edge manufacturing techniques.
• Advance passion for automated manufacturing processes driving sustainable composite structures.
• Undertake doctoral‑level training at University of Bristol, a global leader in composites research.

To apply, please submit a personal statement outlining your experience and interests, and your CV and transcript to mikh