At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research on energy-efficient composite manufacturing processes and materials.
- Company: Join the University of Warwick, a leading institution in innovative research and sustainability.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, access state-of-the-art facilities, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team.
- Why this job: Contribute to sustainable manufacturing with real-world impact and potential for academic publication.
- Qualifications: Open to UK, EU, and international students with relevant experience and motivation.
- Other info: Flexible start date in Oct/Nov 2025; submit a CV and personal statement to apply.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
University of Warwick
Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Coventry, University of Warwick, Warwick
Funding for: UK Students, EU Students, International Students
Eligibility: Available to UK Home fee status and UK-domiciled EU students. International applicants are welcome to apply if they can cover the difference between home and overseas tuition fees.
Start Date: Oct/Nov 2025 (flexible and can be adjusted upon agreement with the successful candidate).
Project Overview
The drive for net-zero and sustainable manufacturing is reshaping the future of advanced materials. Traditional composite manufacturing methods, such as autoclave or oven curing, are energy-intensive, costly, and often impractical for large-scale or complex structures. This PhD project aims to develop next-generation, energy-efficient processes for fabricating high-performance composite materials, supporting lightweighting and sustainability targets in key sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy.
The project will explore novel approaches to out-of-autoclave and out-of-oven composite curing, with a focus on advanced localised heating methods that enable precise, rapid, and scalable processing. Key areas of investigation include electromagnetic and light-driven heating techniques, and the influence of materials formulation and fibre architectures on process control, heating efficiency, and final material properties.
The candidate will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge composite processing, materials characterisation, and sustainability assessment, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and an interdisciplinary supervisory team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the scientific and technological foundations of sustainable manufacturing, with strong potential for academic publication, industrial collaboration, and real-world impact.
Applicants are required to submit a 2-page CV and a personal statement outlining their relevant experience and motivation for this position.
Contact Detail:
UK Energy Research Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Energy Efficient Composite Manufacturing
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in energy-efficient composite manufacturing. Understanding current trends and technologies will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals and academics in the field of composite materials. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, or webinars to connect with potential supervisors or collaborators who can provide insights and possibly support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with ongoing research projects at the University of Warwick related to sustainable manufacturing. This could involve reaching out to faculty members or current PhD students to learn more about their work and how it aligns with your interests.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous research experience and how it relates to the project. Be ready to articulate your understanding of composite materials and any hands-on experience you have, as this will be crucial in interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Energy Efficient Composite Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Project: Read the project overview carefully to grasp the key areas of investigation and the skills required. Tailor your personal statement to reflect your understanding of energy-efficient composite manufacturing and how your background aligns with the project's goals.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Your personal statement should clearly outline your relevant experience, motivation for applying, and how you can contribute to the project. Be specific about your skills in composite materials, sustainability, and any related research or practical experience.
Prepare Your CV: Ensure your CV is concise and highlights your academic achievements, relevant projects, and any publications or presentations. Focus on experiences that demonstrate your capability in materials science, engineering, or related fields.
Check Eligibility and Funding: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for UK Home fee status or are prepared to cover the difference in tuition fees if you're an international applicant. Mention any funding sources or scholarships you may be applying for in your personal statement.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Energy Research Centre
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the latest advancements in energy-efficient composite manufacturing. Familiarise yourself with the specific techniques mentioned in the job description, such as electromagnetic and light-driven heating methods, as well as their applications in industries like aerospace and automotive.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous research or projects that relate to composite materials or sustainable manufacturing. Highlight any hands-on experience you have with materials characterisation or processing techniques, as this will demonstrate your practical knowledge and suitability for the role.
✨Express Your Motivation
In your personal statement and during the interview, clearly articulate why you are passionate about this PhD project. Discuss your long-term career goals and how this opportunity aligns with your aspirations in the field of sustainable manufacturing and advanced materials.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could include inquiries about the interdisciplinary supervisory team, potential collaborations, or the facilities available for research. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.