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- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research in laser additive manufacturing to enhance productivity and reduce carbon emissions.
- Company: University of Manchester, a leading institution in advanced manufacturing research.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD with a tax-free stipend of ÂŁ20,780 and tuition coverage.
- Other info: Collaborate with top researchers and gain valuable skills in a dynamic research environment.
- Why this job: Join a pioneering project that combines innovation with sustainability in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Experience in additive manufacturing or welding is a plus; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 20780 - 20780 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
This 3.5-year PhD is funded by the University of Manchester and is open to UK students. The funding covers the cost of tuition fees and a standard tax-free stipend (based on the UKVI rate which is ÂŁ20,780 for 2025/26).
Direct energy deposition with a laser beam (DED-LB) additive manufacturing has generated substantial interest in diverse industrial applications due to its potential for fabricating complex metal structures. This opportunity is centred around improving manufacturing productivity with advanced laser-matter interactions control and optimisation. The PhD will advance our comprehension of the mechanisms that lead to defect formation in DED-LB, and improve process control measures to either prevent or mitigate the defects.
The additionality of external controls over the laser-matter interactions could increase the process build rate, and thus reduce carbon emissions, and uptake for this process across a wide range of sectors, offering solutions not possible by conventional manufacturing methods. However, there are significant challenges to a broad proof of concept that would be addressed in this PhD project. Laser beam sources, process development and control to enable better control of mass transfer and laser-matter interactions.
The “design-manufacture-inspect-model-test” approach of this project will equip the successful PhD candidate with a wide range of valuable and transferable skills. More specifically, to (1) identify the advanced laser-matter interaction controls by achieving an understanding of the underlying mechanisms, (2) optimise the process with online monitoring to ensure high consistency of quality, (3) use the knowledge gained to understand the opportunities and limitations of the process when extended to a wide range of wire and powder materials.
The PhD studentship is based at The Laser Processing Research Laboratory (LPRL) at The University of Manchester (UoM). The Laser Processing Research Centre was established on 1 April 2020 by Professor Lin Li as its director. The Centre sits within the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering at UoM and performs advanced modelling and technical innovations in the field of laser-based advanced manufacturing and synthesis of new materials. For the DED-LB additive manufacturing, the lab has a house-developed Laser-Kuka cell with a 16kW IPG laser and wire/powder feeding systems. The lead supervisor, Dr Yuze Huang, specialises in laser-matter interactions of metal additive manufacturing, and the co-supervisor, Professor Paul Mativenga (UoM), has extensive expertise in laser materials processing. Dr Chu Lun Alex Leung (Mechanical Engineering at UCL) will also collaborate. he specialises in imaging of additive manufacturing and will support the project by assisting with the in-process monitoring. We expect that the PhD candidate will also work closely with academic and industrial collaborators and research institutes, including the Photon Science Institute, BP International Centre for Advanced Materials (BP-ICAM), The University of Manchester at Harwell, and the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council-funded Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials.
- Prior experience in additive manufacturing, welding, and magnetic-assisted or ultrasonic-assisted manufacturing would be advantageous.
- Good oral and written communication skills with the ability to prepare presentations, reports and journal papers to the highest levels of quality.
- Good interpersonal skills are required to work effectively in a team consisting of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
To apply, please contact Dr Yuze Huang (yuze.huang@manchester.ac.uk). Please enclose the following documents:
- A one-page statement addressing your background and suitability for this project.
- A two pages CV
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PhD Studentship: High Build Rate and Low Carbon Emissions Laser Direct Energy Deposition Additi[...] employer: The University of Manchester
Contact Detail:
The University of Manchester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: High Build Rate and Low Carbon Emissions Laser Direct Energy Deposition Additi[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty members at the University of Manchester. They can give you insider info about the programme and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the specifics of laser direct energy deposition. Show us that you’re not just interested in the project, but that you understand the challenges and opportunities it presents.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your communication skills! Whether it’s through presentations or discussions, make sure you demonstrate how well you can convey complex ideas clearly and effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: High Build Rate and Low Carbon Emissions Laser Direct Energy Deposition Additi[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Statement: Your one-page statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to clearly outline your background and how it aligns with the PhD project. Highlight any relevant experience in additive manufacturing or related fields to grab our attention.
Tailor Your CV: When putting together your two-page CV, focus on showcasing skills and experiences that are directly relevant to the role. We want to see how your past work prepares you for this exciting opportunity, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: In both your statement and CV, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's necessary. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your documents properly. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of laser direct energy deposition and additive manufacturing. Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in the field, especially those related to defect formation and process optimisation. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also show your genuine interest in the project.
✨Showcase Your Experience
If you've got prior experience in additive manufacturing or related fields like welding, make sure to highlight it during the interview. Prepare specific examples of projects you've worked on, focusing on your role and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your practical skills and how they align with the PhD's objectives.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the research project, the lab environment, or the collaboration with other institutions. This shows that you're not just interested in the position but are also keen to engage with the research community and understand the broader implications of your work.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since good communication skills are essential for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Whether it's discussing your background or explaining complex concepts, being able to communicate effectively will set you apart from other candidates.