PhD Studentship in Solid Mechanics – Metal Manufacturing (EPSRC-IDLA, Tata Steel UK/Constellium UK) Imperial College London in United Kingdom

[Fully funded by EPSRC-IDLA with Tata Steel UK or Constellium UK, covering tuition fees at home student level (£5,006 per year), a stipend of £25,000 per year, and additional travel and consumables support.]

This fully funded PhD studentship at Imperial College London, supported by EPSRC-IDLA in partnership with Tata Steel UK or Constellium UK, offers an exciting opportunity to advance research in solid mechanics and metal manufacturing. The position is based in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and supervised by Dr Jun Jiang (Reader). The successful candidate will explore the relationships between processing, microstructure, and properties of metals using a combination of macro- and micro-mechanical experimentation and finite-element modelling.

Research themes are flexible and may include green steel formability under the EPSRC ADAPT-EAF programme for automotive and packaging applications, micromechanical studies of aluminium precipitate evolution during forming, or the development of solid-state joining techniques for dissimilar lightweight metals. The project is ideal for candidates interested in materials processing, computational modelling, and the development of advanced manufacturing techniques for sustainable and lightweight metal applications.

The studentship is open to UK candidates and exceptionally strong overseas applicants (such as those top-ranked in their department with a strong publication record). Applicants should hold a first class undergraduate degree or a Distinction in a Materials or Mechanical Engineering master’s programme. Prior research experience in materials processing or computational modelling is desirable but not essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong academic performance, resilience, a proactive attitude to learning, and ideally an initial publication record.

Funding covers full tuition fees at the home student rate (£5,006 per year), a generous stipend of £25,000 per year, and additional support for travel and consumables. The start date is July 2026, and early application is encouraged. To apply, candidates should prepare a CV (including academic transcript and publication list), a cover letter outlining research interests and preferred project theme, and provide the names and contact details of two academic referees.

For further information on research in mechanical engineering at Imperial College London, visit the department’s research page. Details of the EPSRC ADAPT-EAF Green Steel programme are also available online. Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Jun Jiang at [email protected].