At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform waste leather into low-carbon composite textiles using digital design and data-driven modelling.
- Company: Imperial College London, in collaboration with Gen Phoenix Ltd and the National Physical Laboratory.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, training in advanced materials, and contribute to sustainable innovation.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable fashion and circular economy through cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: Passion for sustainable materials, composites, and data science; relevant academic background preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This project, primarily based at Imperial College London, is part of cohort 3 of the EPSRC CDT in Developing National Capability for Materials 4.0, with the Henry Royce Institute. Leather and fashion supply chains generate large volumes of waste, much of which is still downcycled, incinerated, or sent to landfill. At the same time, leather is a remarkable natural material, with a complex fibrous structure that gives it strength, flexibility, durability and a distinctive feel. This PhD will explore how waste leather can be transformed into the next generation of low‑carbon composite textiles using digital design, advanced characterisation and data‑driven modelling.
The project will be carried out in collaboration with Gen Phoenix Ltd, a leader in leather waste upcycling, and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), with world‑leading expertise in surface characterisation. Gen Phoenix already re‑manufactures leather waste into new sheet materials, but designing products with the right balance of strength, flexibility, surface quality and durability still requires significant trial and error. This project will develop a smarter, more predictive approach, helping to understand how different waste streams and processing routes influence the final material performance.
The PhD candidate will investigate the structure and properties of recycled leather materials, build useful datasets, and use digital tools to guide the design of improved products. The aim is to create a framework that can suggest promising material formulations and processing conditions more quickly, reducing waste, accelerating product development and supporting more circular manufacturing.
Candidate interested in sustainable materials, composites, circular economy, digital manufacturing, materials characterisation and/or data science. Will receive training in materials testing, imaging, data analysis, modelling and industrial translation, while working at the interface between academic research, national measurement capability and industrial innovation. Project focuses on waste leather but the broader approach could be applied to many other recycled fibrous materials, offering an opportunity to contribute to low‑carbon materials innovation and shape the future of sustainable composite manufacturing.
NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
PhD - Digital Design of Low-Carbon Leather Composite Textiles from Fashion and Industrial Waste in London employer: National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
At Imperial College London, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters innovation and sustainability in the heart of one of the world's leading research institutions. Our collaborative work culture encourages creativity and diversity, providing PhD candidates with unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development in cutting-edge materials science. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the future of low-carbon textiles while benefiting from comprehensive training and support in a vibrant academic environment.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD - Digital Design of Low-Carbon Leather Composite Textiles from Fashion and Industrial Waste in London
✨Get Knitted into the Scene
Fashion is all about connections, so dive into local fashion events and trade shows. Don’t be shy – introduce yourself to people in the industry. Networking like this can help you find out about trainee positions before they even go public!
✨Craft Your Visual Portfolio
For a trainee role in fashion, a strong visual portfolio is crucial. Curate your designs, sketches, or even mood boards and showcase your style. This will not only impress potential employers but also demonstrate your passion for fashion, setting you apart from the crowd.
✨Follow The Trendsetters
Keep an eye on social media and blogs related to fashion apparel – this can include established designers or up-and-coming brands. Comment, engage, and share your thoughts. This way, you’ll stay updated on industry trends, and you might just catch the eye of someone looking for trainees!
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for trainee positions at National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Applying directly through our site boosts your chances, as we often prioritise candidates who take that extra step. Be sure to showcase your passion for fashion in your application!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD - Digital Design of Low-Carbon Leather Composite Textiles from Fashion and Industrial Waste in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Creative Flair:When applying for a trainee role in fashion-apparel like at National Physical Laboratory (NPL), don’t hold back on showcasing your creativity! Attach a portfolio highlighting your designs, sketches, or even fashion projects you've worked on. It’s a great way to let your unique style shine through!
Tailor Your CV to the Fashion World:In the fashion industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience, even if it’s just work experience or volunteer gigs. Make sure your CV includes any fashion courses or workshops you’ve attended, plus skills like trend analysis, fabric knowledge, and any software you know (like Adobe Creative Suite) that makes you fit for the role.
Craft a Passionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter should scream passion for fashion! Talk about why you're excited to join National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and what you hope to learn as a trainee. This is your chance to connect your background with the company's vision, so don’t shy away from sharing your fashion inspirations!
Get Social and Network:Don’t forget, fashion is as much about connections as it is about creativity. Mention any industry events, workshops, or fairs you’ve attended in your application. It shows your commitment to immersing yourself in the field and learning from others, which is super important as a trainee.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
✨Dress the Part
In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style can speak volumes about your understanding of trends and aesthetics. So, why not showcase your creativity during the interview? Wear an outfit that reflects the brand's style, but also adds your unique twist to demonstrate your fashion sense.
✨Show Off Your Passion Project
As a trainee, you’re expected to be eager to learn and grow. Bring along a small portfolio or lookbook of your fashion-related projects—maybe some designs, mood boards, or even styling you've done. This will not only highlight your skills but also show your genuine enthusiasm for the industry and willingness to develop your abilities.
✨Be Ready for Trend Talks
Expect to be asked about current trends and your thoughts on them. Stay clued up on what's hot (and what's not) in the fashion world before the interview—hint: following fashion blogs or Instagram accounts of industry leaders can help. This shows that you’re not just interested in getting a foot in the door but have a finger on the pulse of the industry.
✨Highlight Your Collaboration Skills
Fashion is all about teamwork! Be prepared to discuss experiences where you’ve worked in a group—whether it’s a school project, an event, or a collaboration with friends. The interviewers at National Physical Laboratory (NPL) will want to see that you not only have great ideas but also the ability to work well with others to bring those ideas to life.
