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 25000 - 35000 € 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.
About You
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.
Diversity & Inclusion
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 Teddington 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 personal and professional growth, offering PhD candidates unique opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research while contributing to meaningful projects that address global challenges in waste reduction and sustainable materials. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, ensuring a supportive environment where every voice is valued.
Contact Detail:
National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Recruiting 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 Teddington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow researchers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or collaborations.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to sustainable materials and digital design. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your background in low-carbon materials and data-driven modelling aligns with their goals. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who want to make a difference in sustainable manufacturing. Your dream job could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD - Digital Design of Low-Carbon Leather Composite Textiles from Fashion and Industrial Waste in Teddington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your interest in sustainable materials and digital design. We want to see how your background aligns with the project’s focus on low-carbon composite textiles.
Showcase Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any experience you have with materials testing, data analysis, or digital manufacturing. We’re keen to see how your skills can contribute to our innovative approach at StudySmarter.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations for applying.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
✨Know Your Materials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of sustainable materials and composites. Familiarise yourself with the properties of leather and how it can be transformed into low-carbon textiles. This will show your passion for the subject and your understanding of the project.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with digital design, data analysis, and materials characterisation. Be ready to provide examples of how you've applied these skills in previous projects or studies, especially in relation to sustainability and circular economy.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the project and its collaboration with Gen Phoenix Ltd and NPL. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your ability to work in interdisciplinary teams. Since this project involves collaboration between academia and industry, showcasing your teamwork skills and adaptability will make you a strong candidate.
