PhD Studentship : Developing Next-Generation Laser Technologies for Advanced Materials

This is an exciting opportunity to undertake industrially linked research with the Laser Processing Group at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the Advanced Materials Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham.

This 3-year fully funded studentship is only open to UK home students. There is a generous tax-free annual stipend of £25,000 plus payment of full-time home tuition fees. Additionally, £2,000 per annum is provided for consumables, travel to conferences, etc. Due to funding restrictions this PhD position is only available to UK nationals. As this position is sponsored by the MTC, any successful candidate would need to pass the sponsors own security checks prior to the commencement of the PhD.

Motivation 

This project will develop an innovative co-axial water-mist-assisted high-power laser processing system. The research will involve design, simulation, prototyping, and experimentation utilising a newly developed nozzle assembly.

Laser-based manufacturing is used across industries ranging from motorsports to space. However, advanced materials such as ceramics, composites, and coated alloys often have low thermal conductivity or internal interfaces that introduce unique thermally induced damage mechanisms.

This project utilises a precisely controlled mist film to minimise thermally induced damage, enabling efficient processing of advanced materials.

As a PhD student, you will work with academics from the Advanced Materials Research Group, University of Nottingham, supported by their state-of-the-art materials characterisation facilities, and also have the opportunity to work with the Laser Processing Group at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). This will provide real-world experience in working within in an industrial environment.

You will have the opportunity to present your work at international conferences and the research is expected to produce several high-impact journal publications.

Who we are looking for

We seek an enthusiastic, self-motivated candidate, with a 1^st or high 2:1 degree (or MSc with merit or distinction) in Engineering or Physical Sciences or a related discipline.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The Faculty of Engineering (FoE) provides a thriving working environment for all Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) creating a strong sense of community across research disciplines. Community and research culture is important to our PGRs and the FoE support this by working closely with our Postgraduate Research Society (PGES) and our PGR Research Group Reps to enhance the research environment for PGRs. PGRs benefit from training through the Researcher Academy’s Training Programme, those based within the Faculty of Engineering have access to bespoke courses developed for Engineering PGRs. including sessions on paper writing, networking, and career development after the PhD. The faculty has outstanding facilities and works in partnership with leading industrial partners.

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. For more information, please visit the MTC website. 

Contact

For further information please contact Katy Voisey (katy.voisey@nottingham.ac.uk) or Priyanka Ghosh (Priyanka.Ghosh@the-mtc.org) or Sundar Marimuthu (Sundar.Marimuthu@the-mtc.org).

Proposed Start Date: 1st October 2025.

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