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- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on functionally graded materials and their applications in additive manufacturing.
- Company: Join Lancaster University’s School of Engineering, a leader in innovative engineering research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fully-funded PhD opportunity with access to cutting-edge technology and resources.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of materials science, impacting industries like aerospace and nuclear energy.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant upper second class degree and programming skills; knowledge in metallurgy is a plus.
- Other info: Apply by 12th July 2025; informal enquiries welcome.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are a special branch of materials with smooth transitions in their microstructures and properties throughout the bulk. Compared to common composite materials with sharp interfaces (e.g. welding), FGMs exhibit evident advantages in their toughness and fatigue resistance. Recent developments in additive manufacturing (AM) technology also allow tailoring metallic FGM components by controlling the local printing parameters, which will significantly improve their performance in multi-function applications. Despite the high demand in key industries, e.g. nuclear energy and aerospace, the design of metallic AM-FGM components targeting specific applications has not been attempted yet.
The School of Engineering at Lancaster University is launching a PhD research project in collaboration with Southampton University, aiming to gain a predictive understanding of the Processing-Structure-Property-Performance (PSPP) relationships in metallic AM materials and develop a modelling protocol to assist the design of FGM components. This PhD research will combine physics-based mechanical models and data-driven methods, employing multiple simulation techniques to bridge AM processing with mechanical performance. Thereafter, the student will be expected to create a comprehensive database of the PSPP relationships of the target materials and provide valuable feedback to the FGM material design and AM process optimisation.
Qualifications and experience:
- The minimum academic requirement for admission is an upper second class UK honours degree at the level of MSci, MEng, MPhys, MChem etc, or a lower second with a good Master's, (or overseas equivalents) in a relevant subject.
- A good basis in computer programming is essential for the post.
- Knowledge in thermokinetics, physical metallurgy and dislocation theory is preferred.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to prepare presentations, reports and journal papers to the highest levels of quality.
- Excellent interpersonal skill to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary project area of research.
Informal enquiries and how to apply:
For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Wei Wen (w.wen2@lancaster.ac.uk). Candidates interested in applying should send a copy of their CV together with a personal statement/covering letter addressing their background and suitability for this project to Dr Wei Wen by the deadline date of 12th July 2025.
Fully-funded PhD Studentship in Design strategy for additively manufactured functionally graded[...] employer: University of Glasgow
Contact Detail:
University of Glasgow Recruiting Team
w.wen2@lancaster.ac.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fully-funded PhD Studentship in Design strategy for additively manufactured functionally graded[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in additive manufacturing and functionally graded materials. Understanding the current trends and challenges in these fields will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the research area.
✨Tip Number 2
Connect with professionals and researchers in the field through platforms like LinkedIn or academic conferences. Networking can provide you with insights into the industry and may even lead to valuable recommendations when applying for the PhD position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your programming skills and how they relate to the project. Be ready to share examples of past projects or coursework where you've applied these skills, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to Dr Wei Wen for informal enquiries about the project. This shows initiative and allows you to clarify any questions you might have, making you a more informed and attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Fully-funded PhD Studentship in Design strategy for additively manufactured functionally graded[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Project: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the specifics of the PhD project. Familiarise yourself with functionally graded materials and additive manufacturing, as well as the Processing-Structure-Property-Performance relationships.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your academic qualifications, particularly your degree and any relevant coursework or projects. Emphasise your programming skills and any experience in thermokinetics or physical metallurgy that aligns with the project requirements.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: In your personal statement, clearly articulate your motivation for applying, your relevant experiences, and how they make you a suitable candidate for this PhD position. Be specific about your interest in the research area and your long-term career goals.
Proofread and Submit: Before sending your application, proofread your CV and personal statement for clarity and grammatical accuracy. Ensure all documents are formatted correctly and submitted to Dr Wei Wen by the deadline of 12th July 2025.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Glasgow
✨Understand the Research Focus
Make sure you have a solid grasp of functionally graded materials and their applications, especially in additive manufacturing. Familiarise yourself with the Processing-Structure-Property-Performance (PSPP) relationships, as this will likely be a key topic during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Programming Skills
Since a good basis in computer programming is essential for this role, be prepared to discuss your programming experience. Highlight any relevant projects or coursework that demonstrate your ability to apply programming in a research context.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to thermokinetics, physical metallurgy, and dislocation theory. Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain how they relate to the design of metallic AM-FGM components.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills are crucial for this position. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex ideas in the past, whether through presentations, reports, or journal papers.