PhD Studentship in Design for Smart Production Systems Imperial College London in United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD studentship at Imperial College London's Dyson School of Design Engineering offers an outstanding opportunity to contribute to the development of smart production systems for high-performance vehicle components. The project is motivated by net zero and circular economy goals, focusing on the adoption of recycled materials in manufacturing. Through collaboration with industrial partners, the research aims to integrate digital twin technology with inline sensing and process tuning, enabling real-time optimisation of manufacturing settings based on material property variations.

The core challenge is to pioneer a high-fidelity digital twin model using advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques and physics-based material and process modelling. This interdisciplinary project spans materials and manufacturing, AI and data science, and system sensing and control, providing a rich environment for innovative research with significant real-world impact on sustainability.

The Design Engineering PhD Scholarships (DEPS) will fully fund the successful candidate, covering tuition fees for both home and overseas students, subject to competition. The successful applicant will join a vibrant research community and benefit from close collaboration with industry and academic experts.

Eligibility requires a first class or equivalent undergraduate or integrated Masters degree in Engineering, Physics, Computing, or other relevant STEM subjects. Alternatively, a distinction in a standalone Master’s qualification is acceptable, or a high 2:1 degree with substantial industrial or research experience. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in innovation, interdisciplinary and translational research, and possess excellent communication, teamwork, and management skills.

The application deadline is January 9, 2026, with interviews scheduled for mid-January and the expected start date in early October 2026. Interested applicants should send an up-to-date CV, including GPAs, to Dr Nan Li ([email protected]). For further queries regarding the application process, contact [email protected]. For more details, visit the FindAPhD project page.