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- Tasks: Develop innovative models for complex structures using machine learning and advanced techniques.
- Company: Swansea University in partnership with The Dyson Institute, renowned for engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Generous stipend, career development funds, networking opportunities, and a 3-month industrial placement.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact across industries like aerospace, civil engineering, and renewable energy.
- Qualifications: Outstanding engineering background with practical or experimental experience preferred.
- Other info: Join a prestigious research group with access to excellent lab facilities and expert supervision.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
Identifying and validating models for complex structures featuring nonlinearity remains a cutting-edge challenge in structural dynamics, with applications spanning civil structures, microelectronics, and space hardware. This PhD research aims to develop a comprehensive Mode Selection Framework for Reduced Order Modelling (ROM) in Structural Dynamics—using machine learning to build robust, interpretable models from experimental and operational data. The core goal is to balance model accuracy with computational efficiency, while meeting the needs of experimental validation.
The framework will harness advanced techniques such as machine learning, optimization algorithms, and sensitivity analysis to automate and enhance the mode selection process. The result will be a scalable methodology that improves the performance of ROMs, making them more applicable to real-time structural health monitoring, vibration analysis, and control design. This research offers real-world impact across several industries, including:
- Aerospace: Faster, more efficient design and real-time condition monitoring for safer aircraft and spacecraft.
- Civil Engineering: Real-time health monitoring for bridges and skyscrapers, enabling early detection of damage.
- Renewable Energy: Rapid, optimized design of wind turbine blades and structures for greener energy.
- Microstructures: Accurate, efficient analysis of devices like MEMS, with minimal computational cost.
By developing an advanced reduced order modelling framework, this project will empower engineers and designers to achieve more with less—delivering high-impact decisions quicker, with greater confidence, and at much lower cost. The position is based at Swansea University and supervised in partnership with The Dyson Institute, funded by an EPSRC IDLA award allowing a generous stipend. It comes with substantial career development opportunities including funds for networking, research costs and training, and a placement at the Dyson Institute of at least 3 months.
This placement would provide the candidate with great opportunities for engaging with industrial experts through real-life problems, presenting to industrial audiences in annual Dyson Institute conference week, and gaining practical experience. At Swansea, supervisors Dr Alexander Shaw and Dr Hadi Madinei have an extensive publication record in the area of nonlinear structural dynamics, and are part of Swansea’s prestigious Structural Dynamics research group within the Zienkiewicz Institute for Modelling Data and AI, and have access to excellent laboratory facilities. This is complemented by the experience of Dr Javad Taghipour and Dr Ugur Efem at the Dyson Institute. The ideal candidate will have an outstanding engineering or related background, preferably with some experimental or practical experience.
PhD Studentship: Mechanics, Structural Vibration: Digital approaches to nonlinear structural dy[...] in Swansea employer: Swansea University
Contact Detail:
Swansea University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Mechanics, Structural Vibration: Digital approaches to nonlinear structural dy[...] in Swansea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty at Swansea University and The Dyson Institute. They can give you insider info about the programme and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing any relevant projects or research you've done, especially those involving machine learning or structural dynamics. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on explaining complex concepts simply, as you'll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Swansea and The Dyson Institute.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Mechanics, Structural Vibration: Digital approaches to nonlinear structural dy[...] in Swansea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the PhD project. We want to see how your background in engineering or related fields can contribute to our research on nonlinear structural dynamics.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this PhD opportunity and how your goals align with our mission at StudySmarter. Be specific about your interest in machine learning and structural health monitoring.
Showcase Your Research Experience: If you've got any hands-on experience or projects related to structural dynamics, make sure to highlight them. We love seeing practical applications of your skills, especially if they relate to real-world problems in aerospace or civil engineering.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Swansea University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of nonlinear structural dynamics and reduced order modelling. Brush up on the latest machine learning techniques and how they apply to structural health monitoring. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Experience
If you've worked on any relevant projects or have practical experience, be ready to share specific examples. Discuss how you approached challenges and what results you achieved. This will help demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the PhD project, the research group, and potential collaborations with the Dyson Institute. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with your interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see if you'll fit into their team. Be honest about your motivations and aspirations, and don't hesitate to express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research.