Research Degree Vacancies

Current Vacancies

Here are our latest vacancies, offering unique opportunities to join cutting-edge research projects that address today’s most pressing challenges.

We are recruiting ambitious, curious and passionate students into our exciting PhD, EngD, CDT and MSc by Research vacancies. We are looking for problem solvers and convergent thinkers to find solutions to issues which will change the future of industry.

You can register your interest here.

PhD in Energy Reduction Methodologies for High Volume Wafer Fabrication Tools, used in Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing

Funding source: Industry

Funding duration: 36 Months

Sponsor Company:Tokyo Electron Europe Limited

Stipend: £19,237

Eligibility: Bachelors 2.1 or Masters Degree – 65%

Available to all students

Start date: 3rd February 2025

Course: MPhil/PhD, EngD

Supervisors: Prof Richard McMahon, Dr Andrew McGordon

Project Overview

Tokyo Electron Ltd (TEL) is the leading supplier of manufacturing equipment for the global semiconductor industry. TEL is a Japanese headquartered company, with >750 staff in Europe located in 12 countries, including the UK. TEL equipment is used in the manufacture of advanced logic, AI accelerators memory, sensors, MEMS, photonics, power devices and AR/VR products by world leading brands across multiple industry verticals. One example is the TEL Lithius ProZ coater/developer tool, that in combination with ASML EUV lithography tools, applies and removes complex photoresist coatings used in formation of sub nm logic structures at the leading edge of semiconductor technology. The Lithius ProZ system is a large and complex tool which consumes a substantial quantity of electricity during operation. Furthermore, the electrical energy consumed is ultimately dissipated as heat which must be removed by the cooling systems of the clean room in which the tool is placed. As part of a global TEL Sustainability Initiative, the researcher will investigate electricity usage within several TEL tool types (Lithius ProZ, TELINDY batch oven tool, Tactras etch tool)to measure and model, how energy is consumed at a module and system level under various customer operating use cases. With this knowledge, the researcher will develop software / modelling tools to recommend commercially viable tool operating strategies to reduce energy consumption without detrimental effects on tool performance in a high volume manufacturing scenario for the >6,000 TEL tools installed at customer in Europe. The operational impact in terms of energy savings and reduced environmental impact and operating costs are to be assessed. A further novel objective is to consider the energy consumption of the tool in context of fabrication plant whole system energy use.

The researcher will be primarily based at University of Warwick, with planned travel to Ireland and potentially to semiconductor fabrication sites in which TEL tools are operational, particularly in Europe. The research will have a direct commercial purpose, and the final part of the research will be to validate the suggested modifications to reduce energy consumption.

You will work as part of a team at WMG and TEL, interacting at all levels of the business, defining the needs of the project and managing its progress and delivery.

As a minimum, we will need the following: enthusiasm for working in semiconductor processing, excellent analytical skills together with the ability to work with TEL staff, excellent oral and written communication skills, including a patient approach to research activities Ideally, the candidates would have knowledge of manufacturing or engineering, as well as an ability to pursue research both alone and as part of a multi-disciplinary team, a proven ability to problem solve, a passion for sustainability.

This is a unique opportunity to support the development of commercial Sustainability Technology in collaboration with a leading company in the Global Semiconductor Industry. The project is an ideal opportunity for an engineer with interests in complex system design, manufacturing, sustainability and energy efficiency.

About Tokyo Electron Limited see https://www.tel.com/corporatesummary/index.html

About TEL Lithius ProZ see https://www.tel.com/product/lithius.html

The Semiconductor Industry Global Semiconductor Industry Outlook. Link opens in a new window

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PhD in Thermal route optimization of predictive controls to improve BEV efficiency using AI & ML

Funding source: Industrial CASE (iCASE)

Sponsor Company: JLR

Stipend: £19,237

Available to eligible home fee status

Start date: September 2024

Thermal route optimization of predictive controls to improve BEV efficiency using AI & ML

Route information has significantly improved the optimization of hybrid vehicle propulsion by determining the most efficient power source for different parts of a journey. It's commonly used for eco-coaching by influencing driving behaviour for better fuel efficiency. However, the potential for leveraging route data to optimize energy consumption in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) has been less explored. This project introduces an innovative approach to enhance BEV Thermal Management using route-specific data, incorporating factors like vehicle speed, V2X, traffic, and weather details. This project aims to address the following challenges:

Utilizing Route Information & e-Horizon Integration: Exploring methods to optimize thermal management system (improving range, efficiency, and passenger comfort).
Applying Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: Investigating the use of AI and ML techniques to learn and adapt optimal settings for thermal management control systems based on varying route conditions.
Implementing Hierarchical Control: Developing and implementing hierarchical control strategies for multi-level thermal management systems to effectively regulate temperature and energy usage.

Essential and desirable criteria

Background: engineering
Essential knowledge - skills – experience: analytical skills, ability to demonstrate good knowledge in system modelling – simulation, control theories and applications with evidence
Desirable knowledge - skills – experience : electrification technology, knowledge and experience in automotive/transport sectors, energy storages (battery), advanced control techniques (optimisation / adaptive / robust / intelligent control)

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PhD in Evaluating the Influence of Tangible 3D Printed Replicas on the Museum Experience

Funding Source: AHRC

Stipend:£19,237

Supporting company: Oxford University of Natural History (MNH)

Supervisors:

Prof. Mark Williams

Dr. Paul Wilson

Prof. M Paul Smith

Mrs. Janet Stott

Available to Home fee status

Start date: Ongoing

Project overview

The University of Warwick, and Oxford University Museum of Natural History, are pleased to announce the availability of a fully-funded four-year (full-time) doctoral grant under the AHRC’sCollaborative Doctoral Partnership Scheme.

The project seeks to leverage user experience methods from industry to explore the use of tangible 3D printed replicas within museums. The main aims of the project are to understand how such replicas affect the museum experience and how they influence both the interpretation and behaviour of visitors.

This project will be jointly supervised by researchers inWMGat the University of Warwick and Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the doctoral researcher will be expected to spend time in both institutions, as well as becoming part of the wider cohort of CDP-funded doctoral students across the UK.

The studentship will focus on the impact of tangible 3D printed replicas, models produced via the process of additive manufacturing, on the museum experience of visitors. The primary purpose of this is to investigate the feasibility of employing such replicas in museums and how visitors interact with and learn from such objects.

A number of articles on the subject have been published regarding the effectiveness of tangible 3D printed replicas, with little consensus emerging to date. One issue is that studies into this method of interpretation have often used small sample sizes and inconsistent methods, making it difficult to generalise their findings. The novelty of this project will be in the application of user experience (UX) techniques from industry, building a holistic view of the research problem using a number of cutting-edge, data-rich methods.

The student will employ a range of rigorous methodologies, including Content Analysis, Factor Analysis and other statistical methodologies, whilst ensuring that the methods employed are suitable for the task, reliable and valid. A range of statistical approaches will be combined with well-documented qualitative research approaches to provide a holistic view of how visitors interact with, and learn from, tangible 3D printed replicas. This will use and build on previous research efforts within the WMG–OUMNH group to attempt to answer this research problem.

The outcomes of the project will be a completed thesis project, which will in turn have a number of peer-reviewed publications published over the course of the project. These research articles will help to inform practice in the wider community in relation to employing tangible 3D printed replicas within exhibition galleries, and will provide the student with a good foot-hold within academia. The student will also be encouraged to attend conferences and to network at academic events across the UK and internationally, developing key contacts within the museum sector and disseminating findings.

Research questions Include:

How do tangible 3D printed replicas shape the museum experience?
What impact do tangible 3D printed replicas have on the interpretation of exhibition content?
How can museums best use tangible 3D printed replicas to support existing display techniques?
How can museums best measure the impact of tangible 3D printed replicas on the museum experience?
How does the inclusion of such replicas affect the behaviour of visitors both in-gallery and around the museum?

Essential and Desirable criteria

We are looking for an excellent, highly promising and appropriately qualified student who will embrace the opportunity to bring together academic research in museum studies with experience and training in a leading UK cultural organisation.
Applicants should ideally have, or expect to receive, a relevant Masters-level qualification of Merit grade or higher or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience in a professional setting. Suitable disciplinary backgrounds are flexible, but might include archaeology, anthropology, geology, palaeobiology, history, heritage studies, natural history, history and philosophy of science, museum studies, archive and information studies, geography, or cultural studies.
AHRC also recognises that research students approach a doctorate from various different routes, and that not all research students complete a research preparation Master’s-level degree first. Doctoral applicants who have not completed a research preparation Master’s-level degree are therefore eligible to apply for AHRC funding providing they can demonstrate that they have equivalent experience that has prepared them for doctoral research and provided that their HEI allows it.^[1]Equivalent experience might include experience working within a public engagement role or any other role within in a cultural heritage institution for several years.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate an interest in the museum sector and potential and enthusiasm for developing skills more widely in related areas. Candidates showing some effort in outlining how they would go about answering the research questions would be favoured.
As a collaborative award, students will be expected to spend time at both the University and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
We would especially encourage people from UK Black and minority ethnic backgrounds to apply for this studentship and we will guarantee an interview to all applicants from UK Black and minority ethnic backgrounds who meet the essential eligibility criteria under the positive action methods outlined in the Equality Act 2010.

Funding and Eligibility

Any prospective doctoral student wishing to study at a UK research organisation, including prospective international students, can apply for a UKRI studentship. All UKRI-funded doctoral students will be eligible for the full award - both the stipend to support living costs, and fees at the UK research organisation rate. However, international student will be requires to contribute the difference between the Home and International fees. All candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for the UKRI studentships.(https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/before-you-apply/your-responsibilities-if-you-get-funding/meeting-ukri-terms-and-conditions-for-funding)

Studentships funded under the third Collaborative Doctoral Partnership call (CDP3) will receive four years of funding. The four-year duration is to enable students to undertake development activities as part of their doctoral study. Three years and six to nine months is for the doctoral research (42-45 months); three to six months is for professional development opportunities (‘Student Development Activity’). If preferred, up to 3 months of funding may be used to pay for the costs the student might incur in taking up professional development opportunities, this would reduce the total funded duration by the equivalent up to three months.

The award pays tuition fees up to the value of the full-time UKRI rate for PhD degrees.Research Councils UK Indicative Fee Level for 2023/24 is £4,596.

The award also pays full maintenance for all students. The National Minimum Doctoral Stipend for 2024/25 is £19,237

Further details can be found on the UKRI website:https://www.ukri.org/skills/funding-for-research-training

The student is also eligible to receive an additional travel and related expenses grant from OUMNH during the course of the project worth up to £2,000 per year for the four years.

The project can be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis.

NB. All applicants must meet the AHRC’s academic criteria and residency requirements. See:

https://www.ukri.org/funding/information-for-award-holders/grant-terms-and-conditions

To apply

To apply please complete ouronline enquiry formand upload your CV, transcripts and certificates of previous studies to allow us to assess your suitability for this specific PhD.

Please ensure you meet the minimum requirements before filling in the online form.

Apply Now

EngD in AI Assurance and Verification

Key Information

Funding Source: Company Sponsor

Stipend:£15,285

Supporting company: Fraser-Nash Consulting

Supervisor: Professor Carsten Maple

Available to Home fee status and UK domicile EU students

Start date: June 2024

Project Overview

Artificial Intelligence plays a significant role in modern society and business, and this is only set to grow. The technology features in the electronic games we play, the cars we drive and the chatbots we engage with. The UK recently hosted leaders around the world for a Global AI Safety Summit, highlighting the importance of understanding and controlling how AI operates and is deployed. The UK has one of the strongest AI markets globally with continuing government support and a thriving academic and innovative technology industry. To successfully bring AI-based systems to the general public and ensure adoption and sufficient trust, there is a need for AI assurance. We are seeking applications from motivated individuals with the potential to contribute to this important scientific effort. The AI Assurance EngD will provide the successful applicant with key skills to unlocking this potential. This EngD studentship aims to train the first generation of technical leaders that will specialise in the area of AI assurance. This will be delivered through Frazer-Nash, Digital Systems Assurance group in partnership with the University of Warwick’s WMG centre. The expected duration of this program and funding is available for 4 years The EngD student will be office based in Bristol (hybrid), in a team of professional engineers and scientists and other recent graduates working on industry interesting and diverse AI and autonomy projects.

WMG, University of Warwick and Frazer-Nash Consultancy WMG is an academic department at the University of Warwick and is the leading international role model for successful collaboration between academia and the public and private sectors, driving innovation in science, technology and engineering, to develop the brightest ideas and talent that will shape our future. Frazer-Nash is a systems-engineering and technology solutions consultancy, supporting key UK and international organisations and sectors such as energy, defence, space, transport and healthcare (https://www.fnc.co.uk/). We are seeing high interest and rapid growth in the area of AI assurance and see this as a major growth area. Research Objectives The assurance of AI-based systems is a complex challenge that will require specialist skills to understand; the specific risks that AI pose, the values and principles that we should be aiming to meet, the tools and techniques needed to assess such systems and an awareness of the current standards and regulations that developers will need to meet. The research objectives are Critical analysis of current research in verification and assurance of AI systems, including tools and techniques for verification of complex systems and techniques for assessing AI systems Develop a framework for risk assessment for AI-based systems Develop and test methods for runtime monitoring of AI systems Analysis of latest AI standards and verification tools or techniques Develop an application mapping strategy that links verification techniques to AI technology and relevant standards.

Essential and Desirable Criteria

Good BSc or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, Cyber Security, Mathematics, Statistics or similar. Experience of working in teams and meeting deadlines.

Funding and Eligibility

Funding is available to eligible Home fee status

To apply

To apply please complete our online enquiry form and upload your CV, transcripts and certificates of previous studies to allow us to assess your suitability for this specific PhD.

Please ensure you meet the minimum requirements before filling in the online form.

Apply Now

PhD in Digital Solutions for Optimizing the Hydrogen Supply Chain

Key Information:

Funding Source: EPSRC DTP

Stipend: Yes

Supporting Company:N/A

Supervisor: Prof Alok Choudhary and Sube Singh

Eligibility: Available to all students

Start date: December 2024

Project Overview

This research aims to address the significant challenges within the hydrogen supply chain by exploring its needs and developing digital supply chain solutions, including digital twins. Key areas of focus include understanding the requirements for hydrogen production, storage, transportation, distribution, and consumption across various applications such as industrial use, transportation, residential heating, and power generation. By analyzing these components, the research will identify critical supply chain challenges, resource availabilities, and opportunities to enhance efficiency and reduce costs while effectively meeting demand. The project will then develop digital solutions for supply chain optimization alongside creating digital twins for comprehensive modeling and simulation. These digital twins will enable detailed scenario analysis and predictive capabilities, providing insights into potential bottlenecks and enabling proactive management of the supply chain. The ultimate goal is to improve the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of the hydrogen supply chain, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and paving the way for the broader adoption of hydrogen as a key energy source.

Your PhD will be a part of the HI-Act (Hydrogen Integration for Accelerated Energy Transition) national hydrogen research hub project funded by UKRI.

This prestigious opportunity invites applicants to contribute to a national Hub of excellence, which fosters a collaborative ecosystem that drives world-leading research with actionable outcomes and sustainable, long-term impacts. As a PhD candidate, you will collaborate with and receive support from esteemed academics across 10 leading UK universities, ensuring a rich, interdisciplinary research environment.

For more information, visit HI-Act.

Essential and Desirable Criteria

A 2:1 Bachelors or a Masters Degree in Business, Engineering , computer science or relevant discipline

To apply

Please ensure you meet the minimum requirements before filling in the online form.

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Fundamental understanding on biomass application in net-zero EAF steelmaking

Funding Source: EPSRC Industrial CASE (iCASE)

Stipend:£19,237 per annum for 4 year

Supporting Company:Tata Steel UK

Supervisor: University of Warwick: Professor Zushu Li, Dr Zhiming Yan

Available to Home fee status and UK domicile EU students

Start date: October 2024

Project Overview

An enthusiastic individual is being invited to join a team of researchers to work on the EPSRC (Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council) Industrial Case funded project with industrial partner Tata Steel UK. The aim of this project is to create fundamental knowledge of biomass application in EAF (Electric Arc Furnace) steelmaking, supporting the transition to net-zero steel manufacturing.

Steel is an irreplaceable material in our modern life, while steel industry accounts for 7% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions. A variety of low emission steel manufacturing processes, including the proven EAF route, are being developed to convert the currently dominating Blast Furnace – Basic Oxygen Furnace (BF-BOF) steelmaking route to low CO2 or CO2 free steelmaking route. In conventional EAF steelmaking, significant amount of fossil fuel such as anthracite is charged or injected into the bath to provide chemical energy and create slag foaming, which will not be possible in future scrap-based net-zero EAF steelmaking. In the scrap-based, net-zero EAF steelmaking, carbon neutral biomass could be the major carbon source to provide chemical energy and create slag foaming for the EAF process. In EAF steelmaking, foamy slag plays a critical role in covering/stabilising the arc, increasing energy efficiency, shielding the refractories from the arc plasma, and reducing the pick-up of nitrogen (N2) and other impurities, so appropriate slag foaming is extremely important to ensure the EAF increase productivity and quality at competitive costs.

Therefore, to enable CO2 free green steelmaking, this PhD project will thoroughly investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of different carbonaceous materials for the EAF Steelmaking process, with a focus on reaction mechanisms and kinetics between biomass and FeO-containing slag. The project will advance our understanding on carbon behaviour in EAF steelmaking process and provide information on physical and chemical properties required for biomass to ensure appropriate slag foaming in the net-zero EAF steelmaking.

The research will be carried out by using the world-leading research facilities (high temperature experiment, advanced characterisation and modelling) at the Advanced Steel Research Centre (ASRC) of WMG, the University of Warwick. This PhD studentship also offers a unique opportunity to work with the leading scientists at Tata Steel UK.

Essential and Desirable Criteria

We are actively seeking an enthusiastic individual to join the Advanced Steel Research Centre (ASRC) at WMG, the University of Warwick with the following entry requirements and expectations:

A 1st or 2.1 undergraduate (BEng, BSc, MEng) and/or postgraduate masters’ qualification (MSc) in a science and technology field such as Metallurgy, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, Manufacturing.

A passion and enthusiasm to challenge the state-of-the-art and to apply the world leading research facilities for the creation of critical knowledge and its industrial applications.

Funding and Eligibility

Funding of £19,237 per annum for 4 years.

Funding is available to eligible Home fee status and UK domicile EU students.

To apply please complete our online enquiry form and upload your CV, transcripts and certificates of previous studies to allow us to assess your suitability for this specific PhD.

* Please ensure you meet the minimum requirements before filling in the online form.

Apply Now

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