Physics Electrical Engineering Materials: Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Next-Generation Strain Gauge Materials

Flintec is a global Load/Force sensor company, that is responsible for manufacturing 6 million+ strain gauges per year. It is rapidly growing into industry 4.0, where sensor-based technology will be integral in the future of automated products.  

Strain gauges measure material deformation by detecting resistance changes, traditionally using Nickel-Copper alloys and photolithography techniques with 10–50 µm grid structures. Despite their widespread use, material advancements have been minimal for decades.

This PhD project aims to develop next-generation strain gauges by exploring novel materials like oxides, advanced alloys, graphene, and organic conductors to improve sensitivity, manufacturability, and cost-efficiency.

This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to pioneer the development of next-generation strain gauge materials. The focus will be on exploring novel materials, such as oxides, advanced alloys, graphene, and organic conductors, to enhance the sensitivity, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness of strain gauges. 

This project will be focused on delivering: 

• Higher gauge factors (3+) and therefore increased sensitivity  
• Thermal Coefficient of Resistivity (TCR) properties that are easily matched to base sensor materials
• Easy to manufacture – printable, dry etched etc
• Low cost
• Repeatable and Reproducible

Advancements in these areas will give a competitive edge when designing next generation sensors – allowing for greater sensitivity and improved safety factors, while maintaining electrical signal integrity. 

This PhD studentship offers access to Swansea University’s cutting-edge CISM facilities and is part of the UK-SIFS Doctoral Training Initiative, supporting careers in semiconductors, optoelectronics, and clean energy. Students will collaborate with industry partners, gaining hands-on training, co-supervision, and secondment opportunities.

Based at Swansea’s Bay Campus, the role includes visits to Flintec’s Cardiff R&D site and annual travel to its Sri Lanka facility. The Faculty of Science and Engineering, an Athena SWAN silver award holder, encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

Funding Details

currently £20,780 for 2025/26

Funding Comment

Scholarship open to UK and international fee eligible applicants

UK Students: This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £20,780 for 2025/26). 

Additional research expenses of up to £3,000 per year will also be available.

International: This scholarship will cover the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend if the applicant is successful in being offered a SUIPRES Scholarship as outlined below.

Swansea University is pleased to offer the Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES). This is a competitively awarded Scholarship open to overseas PhD and Professional Doctorate applicants eligible for the international rate of tuition fees who can demonstrate excellence in academic achievement.  

The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme. Successful candidates will be charged fees aligned to the UK rate per year. The scholarship will be offset against your tuition fee liability. 

All International applications will be considered for a SUIPRES Scholarship. You will be informed whether a SUIPRES Scholarship will be offered within your offer letter. 

Advert information