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- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge PhD program to design a snake robot for fusion power plant inspections.
- Company: Collaborate with UKAEA and the University of Nottingham, leaders in fusion energy research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a tax-free stipend, tuition coverage, and a generous study package.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of robotics and AI, impacting sustainable energy solutions.
- Qualifications: Must have a degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical, or Computer Science.
- Other info: Ideal for driven candidates eager to innovate in challenging environments.
The predicted salary is between 14400 - 14400 £ per year.
UK Atomic Energy Authority and University of Nottingham sponsored PhD scholarship – Extra-long compliant snake robot capable of self-localization for inspection in fusion power plants
Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology, The University of Nottingham.
Applicants are invited to undertake a 3-year PhD program in partnership with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to address key challenges in robotic deployment systems enabling repair automation. The successful candidate will be primarily based at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology, Department of Mechanical, Material and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering. The department has an excellent international reputation for high-quality theoretical and experimental research funded by EPSRC, IUK, EU and the manufacturing industry. There is an opportunity to be hosted by UKAEA’s Culham Campus for part of the project.
UKAEA runs the UK’s fusion research programme and has until recently operated Joint European Torus (JET) fusion experiment on behalf of scientists from 28 European countries; now it is leading the decommissioning of the JET machine. UKAEA’s wider mission is to lead the commercial development of fusion power and related technology and position the UK as a leader in sustainable nuclear energy. UKAEA is keeping the UK at the forefront of fusion as the world comes together to build the first powerplant-scale experiment, ITER – one step away from the realisation of nuclear fusion as a low carbon energy source. UKAEA is involved in future fusion demonstration powerplant design activities such as DEMO and UK’s own future STEP powerplant.
This specific project will be part funded by RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments, ). RACE was founded in 2014 as part of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) fusion research and development programme – to create robots for operating in some of the most challenging environments imaginable. The main research focus of this PhD program is the intelligent design and control of an extra-long compliant snake robot capable of self-localization for inspection in fusion power plants. In this role, you will be at the forefront of research that offers robotics and AI technological innovations with an aim to improve the quality of inspection for fusion power plants.
This project is related to the development of robots and AI-based localisation strategies to support the aforementioned tasks with the following actions:
- Literature review of robots for working in confined spaces and their localisation strategies.
- Design and manufacture of an extra-long compliant snake robot for reaching deep inside confined spaces, such as pipes and vessels.
- Kinematics, static and dynamic models of the snake robot.
- Localisation of the snake robot with various sensory feedback, including vision and Fibre Bragg sensors.
- Demonstration for evaluating the developed snake robot and its navigation and localisation strategies.
We are seeking talented candidates with:
- First or upper second-class degree in Mechatronics/ Robotics/ Mechanical/ Computer Science or related scientific discipline.
- Outstanding analytical and numerical skills, with a well-rounded academic background.
- Demonstrated ability to develop precision Mechatronics systems and algorithms.
- Ability to develop kinematic and/or dynamic analysis of Mechanical/Robotic systems.
- Ability to implement control and kinematics with hardware-in-the-loop.
- Background with relevant packages (e.g., MATLAB, SolidWorks/Creo, ROS/ OpenCV/ python, LabVIEW/C languages).
- A driven, professional and self-dependent work attitude is essential.
- Experience working within the industry will be an advantage.
- The ability to produce high-quality presentations and written reports.
This is an excellent opportunity to work on Robotics and AI with strong links to industrial applications and key skills and knowledge in preparation for a high-impact, high-technology research or industrial career.
Funding Notes: The scholarship on offer (to eligible students) comprises a tax-free stipend (£14,400 a year), tuition fees paid, and a generous study package.
Eligibility: Only UK Higher Education “Home Fee” status applicants and EU residents satisfying the three-year residency requirement are eligible.
Please contact Dr Xin Dong for further information.
In your application, please refer to Polytechnicpositions.com
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PhD Scholarship in Material Engineering employer: Polytechnicpositions
Contact Detail:
Polytechnicpositions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Scholarship in Material Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest advancements in robotics and AI, especially those related to inspection technologies in confined spaces. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current research and publications from UKAEA and the University of Nottingham. Understanding their ongoing projects and challenges can give you a competitive edge and allow you to tailor your discussions during the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field of robotics and fusion energy. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with researchers and industry experts, which could lead to valuable insights and recommendations for your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with Mechatronics systems and any relevant software tools like MATLAB or ROS. Be ready to share specific examples of projects you've worked on that showcase your skills and problem-solving abilities.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Scholarship in Material Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Project: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description and understand the specific research focus of the PhD program. Familiarize yourself with the key challenges in robotic deployment systems and how they relate to fusion power plants.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant academic background, particularly in Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science. Emphasize any experience you have with precision Mechatronics systems, kinematic analysis, and relevant software packages like MATLAB or SolidWorks.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for robotics and AI, and explain why you are interested in this specific PhD scholarship. Mention any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to work independently.
Prepare for Potential Interviews: Be ready to discuss your previous work, especially any industry experience related to robotics or automation. Prepare to answer questions about your technical skills and how they apply to the project, as well as your motivation for pursuing this PhD.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polytechnicpositions
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with relevant software and tools like MATLAB, SolidWorks, and ROS. Highlight specific projects where you developed Mechatronics systems or algorithms, as this will demonstrate your hands-on expertise.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Expect questions that assess your analytical and numerical skills. Prepare examples from your academic or project work where you tackled complex problems, particularly in kinematics or dynamic analysis of robotic systems.
✨Discuss Your Research Interests
Since the PhD focuses on robotics and AI for fusion power plants, express your enthusiasm for these fields. Share any relevant literature you've reviewed or projects you've worked on that align with the scholarship's objectives.
✨Prepare for Behavioral Questions
Be ready to discuss your work attitude and how you handle challenges. Provide examples of how you've worked independently or in teams, especially in high-pressure environments, to show that you're a driven and professional candidate.
