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 offers an exciting opportunity to conduct advanced research in solid mechanics and metal manufacturing, supported by EPSRC-IDLA in partnership with Tata Steel UK or Constellium UK. The position is based in the Mechanical Engineering Department and supervised by Dr Jun Jiang (Reader). The successful candidate will explore the intricate 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 ADAP-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 designed to address key challenges in sustainable metal manufacturing and materials innovation, with direct industrial relevance and collaboration.

The studentship provides comprehensive funding: full tuition fees at the home student rate (£5,006 per year), a generous annual stipend of £25,000, and additional support for travel and consumables. This ensures that the successful applicant can focus fully on their research and professional development.

Eligibility is open to UK candidates and exceptionally strong overseas applicants (such as those top-ranked in their department with a proven publication record). Ideal candidates will hold a first-class undergraduate degree or a Distinction in a Materials or Mechanical Engineering master’s programme. While prior research experience in materials processing or computational modelling is desirable, it is not essential. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance, resilience, a proactive attitude to learning, and a willingness to grow. An initial publication record is advantageous.

To apply, candidates must submit a curriculum vitae (including academic transcript and publication list), a cover letter outlining research interests and preferred project theme, and the names and contact details of two academic referees. Applications should be made via the Imperial College London Mechanical Engineering PhD application portal, selecting 'PhD in Mechanical Engineering – Materials and Manufacturing.' Early submission is encouraged, with a final deadline of 30 April 2026. The studentship is expected to start in July 2026.

For informal enquiries, prospective applicants are invited to contact Dr Jun Jiang at [email protected]. Further information about research in mechanical engineering at Imperial College London can be found at this link, and details of the EPSRC ADAPT-EAF Green Steel programme are available here.

This studentship is ideal for motivated individuals seeking to advance their expertise in solid mechanics, materials science, and sustainable metal manufacturing within a world-leading research environment.