Engineering Additive Manufacturing Processes for the Design and Fabrication of Resilient Fusion Reactor Components University of Bristol in United Kingdom

This PhD opportunity at the University of Bristol focuses on the engineering of additive manufacturing (AM) processes for the design and fabrication of resilient fusion reactor components. The project is part of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme, which aims to deliver reliable and economically viable fusion power by developing reactor systems capable of operating safely under extreme thermal and mechanical conditions.

The research will address one of the major challenges in fusion reactor development: creating manufacturing techniques that produce complex, high-integrity, and scalable components. Additive manufacturing technologies offer highly precise, modular, and geometrically flexible fabrication methods, making them ideal for the structural and functional requirements of fusion devices. Their adoption can reduce lead times, simplify assembly, and enhance reliability in the construction of reactor systems for power generation.

Working in collaboration with industrial partners, the student will deliver applied engineering solutions that directly contribute to the design and build of future fusion power plants. The project emphasizes practical manufacturing methodologies, validated engineering data, and digital process tools to support the scalable production of resilient, build-ready reactor components.

The position is part-funded by a Community Studentship provided by the Fusion Engineering CDT. The student will be based at the University of Bristol and will participate in a 3-month full-time training programme at the start of the course (October to December), delivered across CDT partner universities at Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool. This training requires weekly travel to attend in-person sessions at these universities.

Funding includes a minimum tax-free stipend at the current UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), tuition fees, and a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £12,500 for four years. Applicants should have a strong academic background in engineering or a related discipline, ideally with experience or interest in additive manufacturing, mechanical engineering, materials science, or structural engineering. A minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree or equivalent is typically required, and international applicants may need to meet English language requirements set by the University of Bristol.

For further information about the project, contact Dr Kai Zhang ([email protected]). Details about the CDT programme can be found at http://www.fusion-engineering-cdt.ac.uk. Applications are accepted year round.