PhD Studentship: Advanced Additive Manufacturing For Radiofrequency System Design

This project will focus on investigating and developing novel antenna systems to address future industrial challenges, particularly in the defence and space industries. Together, we will make technological advances in fabricating antennas and RF systems using low loss dielectrics combined with high conductivity metals; enabling 3D geometries; and improving resolutions. There is also scope to investigate laser cutting for optically transparent materials.

This exciting project will develop the successful candidate into an expert in both electromagnetic (EM) antennas and metamaterials design and measurement, and also additive manufacturing (AM). The project may evolve to be 50:50, 20:80, or 80:20 in terms of the EM-AM split.

This project will be based at Loughborough University, but we expect the applicant to spend significant time at the MTC to gain expertise using their extensive fabrication facilities.

The WiCR Group has a wide research portfolio, conducts cutting edge research into the development of future antennas, metamaterials, and radiofrequency (RF) materials. The facilities at Loughborough include EM software, vector network analysers, an anechoic chamber, conductivity and dielectric measurement capability, and scanning electron microscopes. Loughborough University has an applied research culture. In REF 2021, 94% of the work submitted was judged to be top-rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'. We are proud of our mutual support and collaborative inclusive environment for research, with a thriving doctoral community. Doctoral Researchers can receive generous additional funds to support individual development, including opportunity to attend conferences, and training programs.

The MTC is an independent Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) aimed at de-risking and accelerating the adoption of disruptive technologies within the UK manufacturing sphere. Supported by the UK government, the MTC works closely with industrial partners and other research organisations to deliver world leading innovation across all levels of the UK’s industrial landscape, from SMEs and start-ups to OEMs and large-scale global manufacturers.

Facilities at the MTC include an extensive range of equipment for additive manufacturing (AM), inkjet printing, laser surface texturing and cutting, and electrical inspection and analysis. Working within the MTC will give you real-world experience of working within in an industrial company, as well as experiencing the workplace and culture within it. For more information, please visit the MTC website: https://www.the-mtc.org/ 

How to Apply:

Applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select ‘Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering/Electronic, Electrical & Systems Engineering’ and quote the advert reference number FP-WW-2025/MTC002 in your application.   

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit your CV and the minimum supporting documents.  

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

Entry requirements:

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated candidate, with a 1st or high 2:1 degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subject. Expertise in additive manufacturing (AM) or (EM) is preferred but is not essential.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

The studentship is for 3 years and provides an enhanced tax-free stipend of £25,000 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those eligible for UK fees.

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