At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore and develop innovative 4D-printed morphing structures using electroactive materials.
- Company: Join a leading consortium advancing 4D printing technology across the UK and France.
- Benefits: Gain networking opportunities, attend workshops, and participate in international conferences.
- Other info: Start your journey in September 2026 with a 3-year funded PhD position.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in engineering with cutting-edge research and technology.
- Qualifications: Strong background in engineering, materials science, or applied physics; programming skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
4D printing is emerging as a transformative manufacturing paradigm in which 3D-printed structures are engineered to change shape over time in response to external stimuli. In an engineering context, this enables a new generation of morphing structures that are lightweight, compactly stowed, and capable of autonomous reconfiguration—offering major advantages for applications where conventional mechanisms are the opposite. This PhD will explore electroactive shape-memory polymer (SMP) morphing structures activated by Joule heating, aiming to achieve large, rapid, and repeatable motion without reliance on motors or complex assemblies. A central scientific opportunity is to exploit structural instabilities—where non-linear mechanics can amplify motion via snap-through (non-linear snap-back)—so that relatively small, localised actuation produces large, global shape change.
The project will investigate how to encode and control these instabilities in additively manufactured architectures, enabling robust “motion amplification” while maintaining structural integrity and repeatability.
Research objectives
- The PhD student will develop and test electroactive morphing structures that deliberately exploit mechanical instabilities to enhance actuation authority.
- The work will combine design, modelling, fabrication, and experiments to deliver design principles for instability-enabled electroactive morphing.
Responsibilities
- Design and modelling of instability-enabled morphing architectures, including bistable and snap-through structures (e.g., shells, arches, lattices, hinge-inspired unit cells) to achieve motion amplification and controlled deployment paths.
- Development and fabrication of electroactive 4D-printed specimens (single- and multi-material), integrating conductive pathways and actuation zones compatible with Joule heating.
- Experimental characterisation of actuation and instability behaviour, including kinematics (fold angle/displacement), force/energy landscape, repeatability over cycles, and failure modes under repeated snap-through events.
- Electro-thermal diagnostics and actuation control, including resistance monitoring, Joule-heating strategies, and thermal-field measurement to manage hotspots and enable repeatable triggering.
Ideal candidate profile
We welcome applicants with a strong background in one or more of: Mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, materials science, mechatronics, robotics, or applied physics. Additive manufacturing / 3D printing and experimental mechanics. Numerical modelling (FEA) and/or programming (Python/Matlab). Experience with 4D printing or SMPs is helpful but not essential—the project is suitable for a motivated candidate keen to develop expertise at the intersection of mechanics, materials, and manufacturing.
Further information
Why join this project? This PhD project is part of HORUS 4D, a £2.2M consortium comprising six academic institutions in the UK and France dedicated to advancing 4D printing. The position offers numerous networking opportunities, including participation in workshops and international conferences. Additionally, three-month secondments at partner institutions will be incorporated into the work plan. The successful candidate will be expected to start their position in September 2026 (duration 3 years).
How to apply
Please submit: CV (including relevant projects and technical skills), Cover letter / personal statement (max 300 words), Academic transcripts (or interim transcript).
Supervisors
Principal Supervisor: Dr Francisca Martinez-Hergueta, Assistant Supervisor: Dr Matteo Taffetani.
Eligibility
Minimum criteria: A 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). The University’s English language requirements.
Funding
Tuition fees + stipend are available for Home students only. To qualify as a Home student, you must fulfil one of the following criteria: You are a UK student or You are an EU student with settled/pre-settled status who also has 3 years residency in the UK/EEA/Gibraltar/Switzerland immediately before the start of your Programme. (International students not eligible.)
Informal Enquiries
Enquiries:
Contact Details:
The University of Edinburgh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Electroactive 4D-Printed Morphing Structures via Mechanical Instabilities
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We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Electroactive 4D-Printed Morphing Structures via Mechanical Instabilities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:When applying for a trainee role in mechanical engineering, we want to see any projects or design work you've done. Share details about your university projects or any internships you've had. Highlight your hands-on experience with tools, software, or any simulations you’ve tackled. It’s all about showing your passion and practical skills!
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Highlight Your Learning Enthusiasm:As a trainee, your eagerness to learn matters a lot! In your cover letter, express your excitement about the mechanical engineering field and what you hope to gain from this experience at The University of Edinburgh. Mention how the trainee role aligns with your career goals, and don’t hesitate to share anything specific you're looking forward to learning!
Craft a Relevant Portfolio:While a portfolio isn’t always common for engineering roles, if you have one, use it to showcase your designs, reports, or any CAD drawings you've completed. It’s an excellent way to give us at The University of Edinburgh a sneak peek into your creative brain. And if you don’t have a portfolio yet, think about putting one together with your best work – it’ll pay off!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Basics
As a trainee in mechanical engineering, you'll likely face technical questions about core concepts. Make sure you’re comfortable with topics like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science. Reviewing your university notes or textbooks can really help you shine.
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