PhD Studentship: Smart Manufacturing and Digital Twin Modelling for Remanufacturing Systems University of Exeter in United Kingdom

[UK and International tuition fees covered and an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 per year.]

This funded PhD studentship at the University of Exeter offers an exciting opportunity to join the Exeter Digital Enterprise Systems (ExDES) research group and contribute to the advancement of smart manufacturing and digital twin modelling for remanufacturing systems. Remanufacturing is a cornerstone of sustainable and circular production, enabling the recovery of value from end-of-use products and components. The project addresses the critical stage of product recovery and material separation, which significantly impacts system performance, cost efficiency, and environmental outcomes. Conventional approaches often struggle with the uncertainties inherent in remanufacturing, making planning and decision-making complex.

The successful candidate will develop advanced modelling and simulation frameworks to support decision-making in smart remanufacturing systems. This includes creating a conceptual modelling and digital twin framework to enhance decision-making under uncertainty, designing and implementing simulation models using tools such as AnyLogic, Simio, Siemens Plant Sim, Python, MATLAB, or other relevant platforms, and evaluating the proposed framework's impact on operational efficiency and sustainability. The research aims to enable improved operational performance, resource efficiency, and sustainability outcomes in remanufacturing contexts.

Applicants should have a strong background in Engineering or a closely related discipline, with interests in manufacturing systems, operations research, and simulation modelling. Prior experience in discrete-event simulation, agent-based modelling, systems modelling, digital twins, optimisation, or decision-support systems is highly valued. Candidates should hold or expect to obtain a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Management, Computer Science, or a related field. A master's degree in a relevant area is desirable but not essential.

The studentship covers UK and International tuition fees and provides an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805. The application deadline is 14 April 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the University of Exeter funding portal. This opportunity is ideal for motivated individuals seeking to advance their expertise in smart manufacturing, digital twins, and sustainable production systems within a leading UK research environment.