PhD Scholarship : In Adaptive, Bioinspired Telescopic Mechanisms

This is an exciting 3-year PhD opportunity within the Mechanical Intelligence (MI) Research Group at LSBU. The successful candidate will receive tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate for the duration of the project. The project is set to begin in April 2025.

Project Overview
The global market for telescopic mechanisms—integral to robotics, aerospace, and consumer electronics—is projected to exceed £13 billion by 2027, growing at over 10% annually. Despite this growth, current systems are hindered by weight, complex actuation mechanisms, and limited adaptability, which restrict their use in dynamic environments.

This project aims to revolutionise these systems by developing Telescopic Mechanisms, inspired by the remarkable mechanics of foldable biological systems. The goal is to deliver lightweight telescopic structures with interesting properties, such as multistability and high folding ratios, setting new standards in adaptive engineering.

Training and Development Opportunities
The PhD candidate will benefit from a wide range of training and skill development opportunities, designed to equip them for a successful career in academia, industry, or research-intensive roles. The candidate will also engage in team-based research, contributing to collaborative projects and gaining skills in managing and mentoring other students. This holistic training experience will uniquely position the candidate to play a leading role in the translation and application of research in critical emerging technology areas.

About the MI Lab
The Mechanical Intelligence (MI) Research Group at LSBU provides a uniquely diverse and interdisciplinary environment, fostering collaboration between experts in engineering, biomechanics, materials science, and robotics. The group specialises in translating bioinspired principles into innovative engineering solutions, focusing on lightweight, adaptive designs inspired by the natural world.

The MI Lab is equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including a range of advanced 3D printers, imagine tools, and state-of-the-art testing devices. It is a hub for innovation and high-impact research, attracting collaboration with leading institutions globally.

As part of LSBU, the MI Lab contributes to the university’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and inclusion in research. LSBU was ranked third in the world for reducing inequality in the 2024 Times Higher Impact Rankings, reflecting its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive research culture.

How to Apply
Before applying, please contact the supervisor, Dr. Hamed Rajabi (rajabijh@lsbu.ac.uk). In your email, include:

• Details of your current level of study and academic background.
• A summary of any relevant experience.
• A brief paragraph about your motivation for pursuing this PhD project.

This advert will remain open until the position is filled, but we encourage applicants to apply early to avoid missing this exciting opportunity.

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