Vassilis Charitopoulos

UCL Chemical Engineering and the Sargent Centre for Process Systems Engineering are advertising a fully funded PhD on Generative AI for resilient critical mineral supply chains . The project sits at the intersection of chemical engineering , computer science , industrial engineering , mathematics , and environmental science , with a strong focus on process systems engineering , artificial intelligence , optimization under uncertainty , and supply chain resilience . The successful PhD candidate will work with Vassilis Charitopoulos and his team at University College London . The research aims to develop a hybrid decision-making framework to study the resilience of critical mineral supply chains under disruption, circularity, and net-zero transition pressures. Planned work includes advanced process and supply chain optimization models, AI-based adversarial analysis of vulnerabilities and recourse actions, and an LLM-based model for scenario analysis and network resilience quantification. Applicants should have at least a 2:1 degree in engineering or a related discipline. Strong teamwork, communication, and rigorous research skills are expected. Experience with machine learning , optimization algorithms , chemical process simulators such as AspenPlus , and Python is highly desirable. This opportunity is linked to the UCL EPSRC Landscape Award (UELA) 2026/27 , which offers fully funded four-year studentships . Funding includes Home-rate fees, an enhanced stipend of at least £23,466 per year in 2026/27, and a Research Training Support Grant. For Round 2, only Home fee-status candidates can apply. The application deadline is 21 May 2026 at 13:00 UK time . To apply, use the UELA online forms, complete Parts A, B, and C for the project, and arrange for two referees to submit Part D by the deadline. Successful candidates will later need to complete a UCL admissions portal application.