Developing Next-Generation Laser Technologies for Advanced Materials

Atomic Layer Deposition; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK offers a fully funded PhD opportunity in next-generation laser technologies focused on advanced materials. Candidates with a 1st or high 2:1 degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences are encouraged to apply. The successful applicant will receive a tax-free stipend and additional support for research activities. Engage in cutting-edge research with significant publication opportunities in this field.

Benefits

Tax-free annual stipend of £25,000

Full tuition fees covered

£2,000 per annum for research consumables

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and self-motivated candidate.
• Degree in Engineering, Physical Sciences, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Work with academics and gain industrial experience.
• Conduct design, simulation, prototyping, and experimentation.

Skills

Self-motivated

Enthusiasm

Education

1st or high 2:1 degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences

MSc with merit or distinction

Job description

Overview

Developing Next-Generation Laser Technologies for Advanced Materials. This project offers an industrially linked PhD research opportunity in partnership with the Laser Processing Group at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). It is based within the Advanced Materials Research Group (AMRG) at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, with a focus on next-generation manufacturing technologies for advanced materials.

This 3-year fully funded PhD studentship is open to UK home students. The successful applicant will receive a tax-free annual stipend of £25,000 plus payment of full-time home tuition fees, and £2,000 per annum for consumables, travel to conferences, etc. Due to funding restrictions, this position is available to UK nationals. Sponsorship by the MTC requires passing the sponsor’s security checks prior to commencement.

Vision

This PhD project focuses on developing an innovative co-axial water-mist-assisted high-power laser processing system that could revolutionise the field. The research will involve design, simulation, prototyping, and experimentation utilising a newly developed nozzle assembly to advance next-generation laser processing technology.

Aim

The project aims to advance the next generation of laser technologies by designing, simulating, and developing a novel co-axial water-mist nozzle for high-power laser applications. The nozzle will be integrated into an experimental test rig to evaluate performance on a variety of advanced materials. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques will be used to analyse experimental data, enabling deeper insights and faster optimisation of the nozzle design/performance. Successful implementation is expected to significantly impact high-power laser material processing for advanced materials.

What you will do

As a PhD student, you will work with academics from the Advanced Materials Research Group at the University of Nottingham and the Laser Processing Group at MTC. You will gain real-world industrial experience and exposure to the workplace culture within an industrial partner.

The research is expected to yield high-impact journal publications, and opportunities to present at international conferences.

Who we are looking for

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

Eligibility and Support

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and provides a thriving environment for Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs). The FoE supports training and development for Engineering PGRs, with access to bespoke courses and facilities. The MTC is a government-supported independent RTO focused on de-risking and accelerating disruptive technologies in UK manufacturing. For more information, please visit the MTC website.

Contact

For further information on this PhD position please contact Dr Katy Voisey ([e-mail]), Priyanka Ghosh ([e-mail]), or Sundar Marimuthu ([e-mail]).

Closing Date: This advert will stay open until filled. Proposed PhD Start Date: 1st December 2025.