At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop mathematical models for high energy laser interactions and implement numerical solutions.
- Company: University of Manchester, collaborating with MBDA on cutting-edge defence research.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD with a tax-free stipend and paid tuition fees.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive cohort with excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a pioneering project shaping the future of defence technology.
- Qualifications: 2.1 honours degree or master's in a relevant field; UK Nationals only.
The predicted salary is between 20780 - 20780 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 30.09.26
Research Theme: Applied Mathematics, Thermal-Fluid-Dynamics, Multi-Physics
Project Overview: This 4 year PhD project is fully funded for home students. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026. Only UK Nationals with a British passport can apply. The project is sponsored by MBDA and requires security clearance for the candidate. The project will contribute to a major Ministry of Defence research programme intended to develop generation after next technologies for applications in defence and security, and this project will be co-funded by MBDA.
Responsibilities:
- Build upon novel mathematical frameworks developed at Manchester to describe complex laser-substrate interactions.
- Understand how laser beams propagate through, and are absorbed by, metallic vapour plumes and describe this mathematically/numerically.
- Implement the mathematical descriptions into finite-volume numerical implementations for the general predictions of laser interactions with substrate materials.
The PhD student will be based at the University of Manchester but will be part of a cohort of approximately 12 PhD students per year across a number of UK institutions. The Skills and Training Hub will run online and face-to-face activities to facilitate cohort building and group learning exercises throughout the PhD programme.
Qualifications: Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline. Candidates must be UK Nationals and be willing to apply for and able to obtain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.
Benefits: £20,780 annual tax‑free stipend and tuition fees will be paid.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
