At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and create innovative nanoscale magnetic metamaterials for real-world applications.
- Company: Join the University of Exeter's cutting-edge Centre for Metamaterials Research & Innovation.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD with tuition fees, training budget, and a tax-free stipend of at least £22,805 per year.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence and security through groundbreaking research and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Must be a UK National/UK Dual-National with a strong background in Physical Science or Engineering.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
PhD Opportunity Title: Magnetic Metamaterials and Millimetre-Wave Devices – Industrial PhD in Physics (Fully-Funded Studentship) – UK Nationals/UK Dual-Nationals ONLY
University of Exeter - ESE
Qualification type: PhD
Location: Exeter
Funding for: UK Students
Funding amount: UK tuition fees, training budget, and an annual tax-free uplifted stipend
Hours: Full Time
Placed On: 7th July 2026
Closes: 4th August 2026
Reference: 5852
Join us in the University of Exeter’s Centre for Metamaterials Research & Innovation – the heart of the UK Metamaterials community. You’ll be part of the £20 million EPSRC MetaHUB – the UK’s largest investment yet in the vibrant and strategically important field of Metamaterials research.
Explore a career and grow your experience of research and professional life in and around the Physical Sciences with this industrial PhD studentship in Physics – fully funded by the University of Exeter and Leonardo UK. We’re looking for a student who has a passion for science, with ambition to learn and apply their own ideas, perspectives, and their personal skillset to the discovery, development, and commercial translation of new 3D nanoscale magnetic metamaterials.
What You’ll Do In This Project:
- Size, weight, and power: the future is small but mighty.
- Working together with Leonardo UK towards immediate real-world applications in an operational environment, you’ll design and create intricate nanoscale geometries and combine common materials in new ways to build bespoke, miniaturised antennas using magnetic nanoparticle structures.
- Your designs will make it possible to integrate digital technology platforms in previously unrealised ways and places, enhancing device communication and functionality in the defence and security domain.
The Studentship:
Starting October 2026. This scholarship covers postgraduate tuition fees, a training budget, and an uplifted personal tax-free stipend of at least £22,805 per year for 4 years full-time study. Based in the University of Exeter Department of Physics & Astronomy on our Streatham Campus overlooking the beautiful green City of Exeter, with views out over the rolling Devon hills and down the river to the sea.
About You:
- You must be a UK National/UK Dual-National to apply.
- You must have obtained, or be about to obtain (graduated before August 2026), a First (1:1) or Upper Second-Class (2:1) UK Honours degree (e.g. BSc, MSc, MPhys, etc.), or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant area of Physical Science, Materials Science, or Engineering.
- You should be able to demonstrate some computational capabilities (e.g. evidencing a 2:1 or higher in relevant computational modules, or through examples of projects where you have applied your computational skills & knowledge).
- This is an experimental and computational project where you will use a variety of methodologies to produce hierarchal 3D lattice structures.
- You will receive training in all necessary techniques, AI and programming languages throughout the PhD, but should be willing and able to learn micro and nanofabrication, electromagnetic and micromagnetic computational modelling, theoretical and experimental analysis of electromagnetic properties of metamaterials, as well as the fundamentals of microwave technologies and communication devices.
- MetaHUB is a multi-institution research collective, with projects shared across partner universities and companies, so you must be willing and able to work collaboratively, including with colleagues from the defence and security sector.
- You will be based in Exeter’s Centre for Metamaterials Research & Innovation and will work closely with our industrial partners, including principally, Leonardo UK.
PhD Studentship: PhD Opportunity TitleMagnetic Metamaterials and Millimetre-Wave Devices – Indu[...] in Exeter employer: Emerging Scholars Council
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to research excellence and professional development, employees benefit from access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities for growth in the field of implementation science. Located in a dynamic city known for its rich cultural heritage and supportive community, Newcastle University provides a unique setting for meaningful and impactful work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: PhD Opportunity TitleMagnetic Metamaterials and Millimetre-Wave Devices – Indu[...] in Exeter
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Emerging Scholars Council, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
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We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: PhD Opportunity TitleMagnetic Metamaterials and Millimetre-Wave Devices – Indu[...] in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Emerging Scholars Council. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Emerging Scholars Council. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Emerging Scholars Council
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Emerging Scholars Council. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Emerging Scholars Council to drive research projects forward.
