At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop advanced computational tools for safe and efficient material manufacturing.
- Company: University of Birmingham, collaborating with a UK-based defence company.
- Benefits: Tax-free annual income of £25k, covered fees, and funding for travel.
- Other info: Gain unique skills in simulation and experimental validation with cutting-edge facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical national security through innovative technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in CFD, multiphysics modelling, and AI-driven optimisation.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 25000 £ per year.
This project will develop advanced computational and experimental tools to support the safe, efficient, and scalable manufacture of materials critical to UK and European security, with a particular focus on resonant acoustic mixing (RAM) - a relatively novel and increasingly important class of process equipment attracting growing industrial interest across multiple sectors.
At its core, the project will focus on the development and application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), multiphysics modelling, and AI-driven optimisation for RAM systems. These approaches will be used to better understand, predict, and improve the behaviour of complex material formulations under RAM conditions, helping to establish a more rigorous scientific and engineering basis for this emerging technology in demanding industrial settings.
The student will explore a number of interconnected research strands, including:
- Advanced CFD and multiphysics modelling
Development of high-fidelity numerical models of RAM processes, combining fluid and particulate mechanics with relevant physical and chemical phenomena such as temperature evolution, rheological change, and cure behaviour. These models will generate new insight into a class of equipment that remains comparatively underexplored from a modelling perspective, while helping identify operating conditions that improve safety, robustness, and performance. - AI-enabled process and equipment optimisation
Application of artificial intelligence, surrogate modelling, and optimisation methods to accelerate exploration of RAM design and operating space. By coupling simulation with AI, the project will support smarter process design, reduce reliance on empirical trial-and-error approaches, and open a route toward more efficient and more readily optimised RAM-based manufacturing systems. The student will also gain access to proprietary AI optimisation workflows developed at the University of Birmingham. - Scale-up modelling and experimental validation
Translation of modelling insight from laboratory to industrially relevant RAM systems, supported by access to Birmingham’s National RAM facility, including the world’s only publicly accessible pilot-scale OmniRAM system. This will enable the development and validation of predictive digital frameworks for scale-up, reducing the cost, time, and risk associated with experimental iteration.
A particular strength of the project is the opportunity to combine advanced modelling with unique experimental validation capabilities at Birmingham, including its unique-in-Europe Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) facility. This will provide uniquely high-resolution ground-truth data on particle and flow behaviour within RAM systems, supporting validation of CFD and multiphysics simulations and, where appropriate, training of AI-based predictive models.
The successful candidate will develop a highly valuable combination of advanced simulation, AI, and experimental validation skills. On the computational side, they will gain expertise spanning CFD, multiphysics simulation, reduced-order and surrogate modelling, symbolic regression, and AI-driven optimisation. On the experimental side, they will gain experience in characterisation and process diagnostics relevant to complex formulations and process monitoring.
The project will be conducted in close collaboration with a UK-based defence company, ensuring strong industrial relevance and a clear route to impact. The candidate will contribute to challenges of critical national and international importance, while helping advance the modelling, optimisation, and industrial deployment of an increasingly important emerging process technology.
Funding notes:
The successful candidate will receive a full EPSRC stipend, plus an additional £5k top-up from the industrial sponsor, equating to a tax-free annual income of £25k. All fees for the PhD will also be covered by the sponsor, with additional funding to support travel and other expenses.
Advanced CFD, Multiphysics Modelling, and AI for Energetics Processing in Birmingham employer: Postgraduate Studentships
Postgraduate Studentships provides unique opportunities for students to engage in groundbreaking research projects. The collaborative environment fosters professional growth and encourages contributions to significant advancements in various fields.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced CFD, Multiphysics Modelling, and AI for Energetics Processing in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Engineering Societies
Join local engineering societies or student chapters; they often have networking events and workshops tailored for internship seekers. It's a great way to meet professionals and get insider tips on which companies, like Postgraduate Studentships, are hiring!
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Make the most of your university's career fairs! These events often feature companies looking specifically for interns, and they give us the chance to make a direct impression on recruiters from places like Postgraduate Studentships. Bring your best elevator pitch and showcase your enthusiasm!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure to create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing any relevant projects you’ve worked on, whether it's uni assignments or personal projects. This visual representation will help you stand out during interviews or casual chats with engineers from Postgraduate Studentships!
✨Leverage Internships to Build Skills
Don't just aim for any internship; seek out those that allow you to learn and grow. Even roles at startups can offer hands-on experience that's invaluable. We should focus on companies like Postgraduate Studentships that may have rotational internship programmes, providing us with diverse experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced CFD, Multiphysics Modelling, and AI for Energetics Processing in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the engineering world, we want to see your technical skills front and centre. When you’re crafting your CV, highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or software you’ve used. If you’ve got experience with CAD programs or any engineering software, make sure to mention that to grab our attention!
Tailor Your Motivation in the Cover Letter:This internship is all about learning and growth, so let us know why you're excited about this opportunity at Postgraduate Studentships. Your cover letter should reflect your passion for engineering and willingness to learn — share what makes us the perfect place for you to dip your toes into the industry!
Include Relevant Academic Projects:If you've completed any engineering projects, whether in class or on your own time, showcase those in your application. We love to see practical experience, even if it’s from school! Detail what you did, what techniques you used, and any challenges you faced. This shows us you can apply your knowledge in real-world situations.
Keep it Clear and Concise:When you're applying for an internship, we know it can be tempting to cram every detail into your CV or cover letter. But keep it clear and to the point! One page for your CV is usually enough — highlight the most relevant bits and make sure your passion for engineering shines through without any fluff.
How to prepare for a job interview at Postgraduate Studentships
✨Brush Up on Technical Fundamentals
For an engineering internship like the one at Postgraduate Studentships, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of core principles. Expect technical questions that test your understanding of basic engineering concepts. We recommend revising key topics relevant to the role and finding some example problems to solve ahead of time.
✨Show Your Passion for Engineering
During the interview, we should communicate our enthusiasm for engineering and the specific area you're applying to. Share any projects, coursework, or experiences that fuelled your interest. Companies like Postgraduate Studentships often look for candidates who not only have the skills but also a genuine passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Be ready for situational questions that probe your problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. You might be asked how you would approach a specific engineering challenge or design a solution to a hypothetical problem relevant to the industry. Think through a few scenarios before going in, as these can really demonstrate your thought process.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Internships often involve collaboration, so we should be prepared to discuss our experiences working in teams. Have examples ready where you've worked as part of a group on projects, whether in a school setting or during co-curricular activities. This will show Postgraduate Studentships that we understand the importance of collaboration in engineering.
