Mark Battley

PhD opportunity at the University of Auckland in MANTA: Monitoring Array for Nanoparticle Tracking and Assessment , an applied doctoral project hosted by the Department of Engineering Science with industry partner Frond Space Systems Limited . The project explores how deployable dragsails and large-area thin-film structures can be transformed into an impact-sensing capability for orbital debris , micrometeorites , and cosmic dust . Research themes include dynamics , sensing , materials science , data analysis , and experimental validation of hypervelocity impact detection in space-relevant environments. You will investigate impact sensing fundamentals, assess how vacuum, thermal cycling, and cumulative wear affect long-duration performance, and develop a staged testing programme from laboratory proxies to representative impact facilities. The project also considers mission and science applications, including distributed sensor networks for debris population studies and planetary science in lunar and interplanetary dust environments. Eligibility: applicants should have an engineering or physics background and an interest in experimental and theoretical work. The post states that only citizens from a specified list of countries will be considered, and applicants must be able to obtain a suitable visa by March 2027. Funding: this is a funded PhD project within the Applied Doctorates Scheme, which includes a cohort of 22 PhD students across New Zealand and additional business/entrepreneurial training plus industry connections. Deadline: application closing date is 10 October 2026 . How to apply: first read the Applied Doctorates Scheme Application Guidance, then apply for doctoral admission through the University of Auckland portal. After receiving your University ID and application number, complete the Applied Doctorates Scheme application form.

Two funded PhD opportunities are being shared in the Faculty of Engineering and Design at the University of Auckland , supported by the Applied Doctorates Scheme . The scheme brings together a cohort of 22 PhD students across New Zealand with a focus on Aerospace, Defence & Security . Project 1: Enhancing Open Hole Compression Strength for Lighter, Stronger Aerospace Composites (ID: 2.10). This project is supervised academically by Mark Battley and Tom Allen at the University of Auckland, with industry supervision from Pierre-Yves Mechin at Southern Spars . The research is centered on aerospace composites , structural performance, and materials/engineering design. Project 2: MANTA - in-situ detection of small debris, micrometeorite and cosmic dust for Earth orbit monitoring and cislunar and solar system science (ID: 2.11). This project is supervised academically by Mark Battley at the University of Auckland, with industry supervision from Benjamin Taylor at Frond Space Systems Limited . The topic combines space debris monitoring , micrometeorite detection , cosmic dust , and Earth orbit / cislunar science . In addition to technical research, applicants will learn advanced business and entrepreneurial skills and connect with industry leaders. The post encourages interested candidates to act quickly, as applications close on 10 September , with enrolment by March 2027 . If you are interested in a PhD in aerospace engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, physics, or astronomy-related research, this is a strong industry-linked doctoral opportunity in New Zealand.