PhD Position in Chemical Engineering

University of Nottingham

Area: Engineering
Location: UK Other
Closing Date: Thursday 29 January 2026
Reference: ENG288

EngD Project: Double Diaphragm Forming for Sustainable Composites Manufacturing

CDT for Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering (launched 2024)
Sponsored by: Syensqo
Supervisors: Prof Lee Harper and Dr Davide De Focatiis

Research Focus Areas:

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Civil Engineering

  • Aerospace Engineering

  • Design Engineering

  • Materials Science

Scholarship Details:

  • Enhanced stipend of £26,780 for 2026/27

  • Home tuition fees

  • Generous financial support for research and training

Duration: 4 years
Eligibility: Home/permanent UK residents
Start Date: September 2026

Candidate Requirements:

  • Minimum 2:1 MEng or merit at Master’s level (or equivalent) in engineering, physics, or chemistry, depending on the project

  • Applicants without a master’s may be considered exceptionally with a first-class undergraduate degree

  • Acceptance depends on readiness for research and interview performance

Project Description (EngD):

Double diaphragm forming (DDF) is a promising technique for manufacturing sustainable fibre-reinforced composites. It offers advantages over traditional autoclave processing, such as reduced labour and shorter cycles—key factors in sustainable and efficient production.

However, challenges persist in preventing defects like fibre misalignment and localised wrinkling due to complex, interdependent parameters. This project seeks to:

  • Develop deployable tools and predictive models

  • Optimise polymer film and prepreg chemistry combinations

  • Support defect-free production across diverse manufacturing conditions

You will:

  • Spend ~75% of your time immersed at Syensqo, gaining rare industry experience

  • Work hands-on with advanced composite materials and machinery

  • Build expertise in sustainable automation processes

  • Undergo doctoral-level training at the University of Bristol

How to Apply:

Submit a personal statement explaining your experience and interest in this EngD project, along with your CV and transcript, to:
???? lee.harper@nottingham.ac.uk

Closing Date: 29th January 2026
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