Linda Newnes

The Centre for People-Led Net Zero (P-LNZ) at the University of Bath is offering three fully funded PhD positions focused on accelerating the UK's transition to Net Zero through systems approaches. This particular PhD project centers on the University of Bath's campus infrastructure, aiming to create whole system models that assess the impact of achieving Net Zero goals. The research will be conducted in partnership with the University Infrastructure team, allowing the successful candidate to identify and evaluate current and future plans for campus sustainability. During the first six months, the PhD student will select a specific infrastructure focus for their research, ensuring alignment with the P-LNZ ethos of people-led analysis. The project emphasizes placing people at the heart of solutions, identifying the necessary levels of modelling and information required to make Net Zero decisions that are resilient, fair, and enduring. The research will involve interdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and the development of models that support 'win-win' outcomes for all involved. The Department of Mechanical Engineering will host the PhD, and the successful applicant will benefit from a vibrant, inclusive research environment. The University of Bath values diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups. Support is available for applicants with disabilities through the Disability Service. Funding for this PhD is provided by the University of Bath LURS studentship, which covers tuition fees at the Home or Overseas rate, a generous stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26), and a £1000 annual training support budget for up to three years. Both UK and international students are eligible, but non-UK applicants must meet the university's English language requirements. Applicants should possess a first-class degree (or equivalent), familiarity with systems modelling (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods), and an understanding of Net Zero. Experience working across disciplines, strong communication skills, flexibility, resilience, and the ability to produce clear reports are essential. Candidates must be self-driven, able to work independently, and willing to travel for stakeholder engagement and presentations. Two academic references are required. To apply, candidates must use the University of Bath’s online portal, selecting the PhD in Mechanical Engineering and the 'University of Bath LURS' studentship. The PhD title should be 'People-Led Net Zero: Campus Infrastructure', with Professor Linda Newnes as the intended supervisor. Early application is encouraged, as the advert may close if suitable candidates are identified before the deadline of June 30, 2026. For informal enquiries, contact Professor Linda Newnes at [email protected]. More information and the application link can be found here .

The Centre for People-Led Net Zero (P-LNZ) at the University of Bath is offering three fully funded, three-year PhD positions to commence before October 2026. The Centre’s mission is to accelerate the UK’s transition to Net Zero using systems approaches, ensuring that decisions lead to resilient, fair, and enduring change. This particular PhD focuses on the Cellular Agriculture test case, exploring innovative pathways for achieving Net Zero in the emerging field of cellular agriculture, with an emphasis on distributed manufacturing systems. As a PhD researcher, you will use systems-modelling approaches—qualitative, quantitative, and hybrid—to evaluate environmental, social, and economic implications for cellular-agriculture products such as cultivated meat. The project involves working closely with industry partners and stakeholders to understand user and consumer perception, community acceptance, business model innovation, supply chain configuration, workforce implications, and the interplay between technology, policy, and societal outcomes. Within the first six months, you will select a specific focus area for modelling and data gathering, aligning with People-Led Net Zero principles. The Department of Mechanical Engineering provides a supportive and interdisciplinary research environment. The University values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from under-represented groups and offering dedicated support for applicants with disabilities. The Disability Service will contact applicants who declare a disability to discuss their needs. Funding is provided through the University of Bath 'LURS' studentship, covering tuition fees at the Home or Overseas rate, a stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26), and a £1000 per annum training support budget for up to three years. Non-UK applicants must meet the English language entry requirement. Applicants should have a first-class degree (or equivalent), familiarity with systems modelling, an understanding of Net Zero, and experience working across disciplines. Strong communication skills, flexibility, resilience, and the ability to work independently are essential. The role requires engagement with stakeholders, travel for presentations, and participation in Centre meetings. To apply, use the University of Bath’s online portal, select the PhD in Mechanical Engineering option, and choose 'University of Bath LURS' as the Studentship. The PhD Title should be 'People-Led Net Zero: Campus Infrastructure' and the Intended Supervisor 'Linda Newnes'. Applications cannot be accepted by email. For informal enquiries, contact Professor Linda Newnes at [email protected]. Early application is encouraged as the advert may close if a suitable candidate is identified. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2026.

The Centre for People-Led Net Zero (P-LNZ) at the University of Bath is offering three fully funded, three-year PhD positions, with one focused on Cellular Agriculture Manufacturing. The Centre aims to accelerate the UK’s transition to Net Zero using systems approaches, ensuring that decisions lead to resilient, fair, and enduring change. The Cellular Agriculture test case is a core part of the Centre’s live research agenda, and this PhD will contribute to evaluating pathways for Net Zero in this emerging field. The project will employ systems-modelling approaches to explore environmental, social, and economic implications of cellular agriculture products, such as cultivated meat, with a special emphasis on distributed manufacturing systems. The successful candidate will collaborate with industry and stakeholders to investigate areas including user and consumer perception, community acceptance, business model innovation, supply chain resilience, workforce implications, and the interplay between technology, policy, and societal outcomes. Mixed-methods modelling—qualitative, quantitative, and hybrid—will be used to identify pathways that deliver positive outcomes for multiple actors in the Net Zero transition. Applicants must have a first-class degree (or equivalent), familiarity with systems modelling, and an understanding of Net Zero. Experience working across disciplines is essential. Non-UK applicants must meet the English language entry requirement. Personal attributes sought include strong communication skills, flexibility, resilience, independence, and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders. The Centre values diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups. The Disability Service provides support for applicants with disabilities. Funding is provided through the University of Bath 'LURS' studentship, covering tuition fees at the Home or Overseas rate, a stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26), and a £1000 per annum training support budget for up to three years. Applicants must be able to commence studies by September 2026 at the latest. Early application is encouraged as the advert may close if a suitable candidate is identified. To apply, use the University of Bath’s online portal, select the PhD in Mechanical Engineering option, choose 'University of Bath LURS' as the Studentship, enter 'People-Led Net Zero: Campus Infrastructure' as the PhD Title, and list 'Linda Newnes' as the Intended Supervisor. Applications cannot be accepted by email. Informal enquiries can be directed to Professor Linda Newnes at [email protected].