At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on next-gen electric machines for defence and aerospace.
- Company: Collaborate with Ricardo UK and the University of Nottingham in a dynamic research environment.
- Benefits: Receive home tuition fees and a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate.
- Other info: Access world-class facilities and extensive industrial collaboration opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge project that shapes the future of electrified propulsion technologies.
- Qualifications: First Class or high Upper Second-Class degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to undertake cutting-edge research in partnership with Ricardo UK. The PhD project will focus on developing next-generation combined axial–radial flux electric machines for future defence and aerospace propulsion systems. The research will explore innovative machine topologies and advanced multi-physics design methodologies to enable electric machines with unprecedented power density and efficiency.
Funding and Eligibility: The studentship covers home tuition fees together with an annual tax-free stipend at the current UKRI rate. The scholarship is primarily intended for home applicants. Outstanding international candidates may also be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Lead supervisors:
- Chris Gerada (University of Nottingham)
- Jay Al-Tayie (Ricardo)
Vision: Future defence and aerospace propulsion systems require electric machines with substantially higher power density than current technologies while maintaining exceptional efficiency, reliability and compact packaging. This PhD will establish a requirement-driven design methodology for next-generation extreme-power-density electric machines by investigating combined axial–radial flux machine architectures and enabling technologies for three-dimensional electromagnetic design.
Motivation: As electrification expands beyond automotive applications, conventional radial and axial flux machines are approaching their performance limits. Combined axial–radial flux machines provide a promising route towards more effective utilisation of machine volume through three-dimensional magnetic circuits. However, key challenges remain in topology selection, magnetic material utilisation, winding technologies and multi-physics optimisation. Addressing these challenges will support the development of future high-performance electrification technologies with broad industrial impact.
Aim: The project will investigate application requirements for future defence and aerospace propulsion systems before developing and optimising combined axial–radial flux machine concepts. The research will explore three-dimensional magnetic circuits, advanced magnetic materials, innovative winding configurations and multi-physics optimisation, ultimately delivering prototype-oriented design methodologies for future industrial applications.
Who we are looking for: We are seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated candidate with a First Class or high Upper Second-Class degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
Desirable experience includes:
- Electrical machines or electric drives;
- Electromagnetic finite element analysis;
- MATLAB or Python programming;
- An interest in electrified propulsion and industrially relevant research.
Experience in electromagnetic design, thermal analysis, optimisation or electric machine testing would be advantageous, but is not essential.
Research environment: The successful candidate will join the Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) Research Institute at the University of Nottingham and work closely with Ricardo's PEMD team. The project will benefit from world-leading research facilities, extensive industrial collaboration and access to the UK's Electrification of Aerospace Propulsion facilities, providing an outstanding environment for developing next-generation electrified propulsion technologies.
For further information, please contact Dr Linnan Sun at linnan.sun@nottingham.ac.uk
Proposed start date: Earliest 1st October 2026
PhD Studentship on Development of Next-Generation Combined Axial-Radial Flux Electric Machines [...] in Nottingham employer: University Of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and individual contributions. Employees benefit from flexible working hours, access to health facilities, and a generous holiday allowance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful part-time employment while contributing to a vibrant academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship on Development of Next-Generation Combined Axial-Radial Flux Electric Machines [...] in Nottingham
✨Connect with University Networks
Let’s leverage your university connections! Many universities have aerospace engineering societies or workshops where major companies often scout for talent. Give those events a go, and don’t hesitate to chat with guest lecturers or industry professionals — they might just know about upcoming internships!
✨Get Involved in Relevant Projects
Hands-on experience is key in aerospace engineering! Look for summer projects, competitions, or even university research roles that showcase your skills. The more you can demonstrate practical experience, the better your chances at landing that internship!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Aerospace
Join online communities focused on aerospace engineering, like forums or LinkedIn groups. Participate in discussions and share your projects or insights. This visibility can set you apart and get you noticed by recruiters looking for passionate interns like you!
✨Consider Local Aerospace Events
Keep an eye out for aerospace expos or job fairs in your area. These are excellent opportunities to network face-to-face with potential employers. Bring some copies of your CV, and don't forget to mention that you're eyeing an internship with companies like University Of Nottingham!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship on Development of Next-Generation Combined Axial-Radial Flux Electric Machines [...] in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Skills:In aerospace engineering, it's key to highlight your technical skills upfront. Make sure to mention any design software you’ve used, like CATIA or SolidWorks, and detail any projects you’ve worked on, whether in university or personal endeavours. It shows you're ready to hit the ground running!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Since this is an internship, we want to see your learning potential. Focus on relevant coursework, projects, and any hands-on experience in aerospace or engineering. Don't forget to include extracurricular activities like joining engineering clubs or competitions that can showcase your passion for the field!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Here’s your chance to tell your story! Explain why aerospace engineering excites you and what you hope to learn from University Of Nottingham. Be genuine about your motivation and don’t shy away from sharing specific goals you have for the internship — it helps us see your enthusiasm and how you could fit our team!
Include Academic Achievements:Your academic record can make a real difference, especially for an internship. Highlight any relevant courses you excelled in and include your grades, particularly in maths and physics. If you’ve participated in research or published any papers, be sure to mention them as well — it gives us an insight into your technical background!
How to prepare for a job interview at University Of Nottingham
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Fundamentals
Since we're diving into the world of aerospace engineering, make sure you're solid on the core concepts. Expect questions on aerodynamics, materials science, and propulsion systems. It’ll give you a great chance to showcase your knowledge and passion for the field!
✨Showcase Your Projects
As an intern, what they want to see is your potential and enthusiasm! Prepare a portfolio of relevant projects or coursework. Even if they’re just uni assignments, if you got into the nitty-gritty details, it shows you’ve got the skills we need to develop further.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Aerospace engineering often involves tackling complex problems, so be ready for some situational questions. You might be asked to solve a hypothetical engineering challenge on the spot, so think through your problem-solving process and be clear in your explanations.
✨Convey Your Learning Mindset
As this is an internship, they'll be looking for candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Be prepared to talk about what you want to achieve during your internship at University Of Nottingham. Show them that you’re keen to absorb knowledge from their expertise in the industry, and how those experiences will shape your career.
