Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering PGRTAs: Enhanced PhD Studentship The University of Manchester in United Kingdom

[Fully funded PhD; annual tax-free part-time stipend of £13,200.80 for 2026/27 plus a salary bringing annual income to a minimum of £28,405.40 per annum; tuition fees covered by the School of Engineering; enhanced combined teaching salary and stipend of £28,832 per annum is stated.]

The University of Manchester is offering a fully funded Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering PGRTAs: Enhanced PhD Studentship in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering. This opportunity combines research and teaching responsibilities and is designed for highly motivated candidates who want to build an academic profile while completing a PhD.

The project runs over a total period of 70 months and offers a 60% research / 40% teaching balance (5 years 10 months total). Successful candidates will receive an enhanced package that includes an annual tax-free part-time stipend of £13,200.80 at the UKRI rate for 2026/27, plus a salary that brings annual income to a minimum of £28,405.40 per annum; the advert also notes an enhanced combined teaching salary and stipend of £28,832 per annum. Tuition fees are covered by the School of Engineering.

The Department is seeking to appoint one PGR Teaching Associate in one of several strategic research and teaching areas, including design with a focus on space engineering; digital manufacturing, sustainable manufacturing, laser engineering and robotics; physics of materials, structures and dynamics, biomechanics, welding and structural performance; nuclear fission, fusion, nuclear fuels and graphite and nuclear policy; and nuclear thermal hydraulics, solar energy, zero carbon systems, energy storage and bio-medical engineering.

This is a nomination-based scholarship. Applicants are expected to have had significant contact with their nominated supervisory team before applying, and the team must be aware that the applicant wishes to be considered for funding. Candidates should contact a relevant member of staff in the department to propose a PhD project aligned with one of the listed themes. The application must clearly state in the funding section that the applicant wishes to be considered for the PGR Teaching Associate Scholarship and must include a written statement explaining interest in a combined research/teaching PhD and how the applicant matches the criteria.

The scholarship is open to students eligible to pay fees at the Home rate. The application deadline is 15 November 2026, and the advert indicates a view to starting by the end of 2026. If nominated, candidates will be invited to interview.

This opportunity is particularly suitable for applicants interested in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, space engineering, materials and structural performance, nuclear technologies, and sustainable energy systems, alongside higher education teaching experience and potential accreditation.