Image
Materials and Processes
Advanced electronic/optoelectronic technologies designed to allow stable, intimate integration with living organisms will accelerate progress in biomedical research; they will also serve as the foundations for new approaches in monitoring and treating diseases.
The design of all chemical process starts from mathematical modelling and computational thermodynamics. The reliability of a thermodynamic model in predicting or correlating phase equilibria depends strongly on the value its parameters. Carefully evaluated parameters enable a precise calculation of the phase equilibria and of the process units, affecting as a consequence the costs of a chemical process.
In several cases, the thermodynamic parameters commonly used in process simulators are wrong. They do not return a comprehensively right equilibrium.
The project focuses on the development of an open tool for the correct regression and correlation of thermodynamic data in robust mathematical models. The project involves the development and use of optimization techniques. Special modelling, including Bayesian regression or similar techniques, will be also used.
In this project, you will design digital open and user-friendly tools that can easily integrate with existing process simulators (e.g. AspenPlus, Unisim) and exploit recent advanced algorithms [1, 2]. The ambition of this project is to earn the sector’s support and enable the widespread use of the tool in place of the current unreliable counterparts.
You will work in the Emerging Sustainable Technologies Laboratory (ESTech Lab) [3], be part of a world leading research group in sustainable technologies towards the development of the first robust tool for thermodynamic model identification and calibration, have access to state-of-the-art computing facilities and brainstorm new digital tools across all thermodynamic problems.
Your studies will be carried out at the Institute for Materials and Processes (IMP) and could include occasional experiments to validate models. You will attain skills in modelling, design and testing of innovative digital tools.
Please note, the position will be filled once a suitable candidate has been identified.
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037838121400226X
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378381220300297
Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree. As well as:
- Proficiency with Computational Thermodynamics of Fluid Phase Equilibria
- Proficiency with at least one coding tool and related graphical user interface
Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.
Desirable criteria:
- knowledge of optimization methods;
- knowledge of Bayesian regression.
A number of scholarships are available to competitive candidates. For more information on the funding application process, please contact the project’s supervisor or visit the School of Engineering website.
Applications are also welcomed from self-funded students.
Off
The design of the forthcoming future is negative in emissions. Among the negative emission technologies options, those capturing CO2 directly from the air are called Direct Air Capture technologies. Direct Air Capture technologies are regarded as the solution having the biggest carbon removal potential but is also the least known. If Direct Air Capture had to be an essential measure, future society would deal with severe restrictions in energy availability [1].
However, using the captured atmospheric CO2 for conversion into chemicals and fuels has the right scale not to impinge in the energy system and attractive economic outlook.
In your studies you will work in the Emerging Sustainable Technologies Laboratory (ESTech Lab) [2], be part of a world leading research group in carbon capture towards the development of technological avenues for Direct Air Capture and Conversion into chemicals and fuels.
Your studies will be carried out at the Institute for Materials and Processes (IMP) and will include modelling activities. You will attain skills in modelling and design of new negative emission technologies and production paths.
Please note, the position will be filled once a suitable candidate has been identified.
[1] Santori et. al. Adsorption artificial tree for atmospheric carbon dioxide capture, purification and compression, Energy 162 (2018) 1158-1168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2018.08.090
Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree. As well as:
- Proficiency with Computational Thermodynamics of Fluid Phase Equilibria
- Proficiency with at least one coding tool and related graphical user interface
Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.
Desirable criteria: knowledge of optimization methods.
A number of scholarships are available to competitive candidates. For more information on the funding application process, please contact the project’s supervisor or visit the School of Engineering website.
Applications are also welcomed from self-funded students.
Off
Digital tools are omnipresent and their rise exponential. Cloud and digital services have improved our lives and, overall, reduced carbon emissions, although at the expense of a growing electricity demand from data centres. Remarkably, nearly half the data centre electricity input is for self-cooling, which provides an opportunity for a technology able to harness low-grade heat and turn it into cooling power. The co-location of energy in form of heat and water is an opportunity.
The project focuses on the mathematical modelling and optimization of a proof-of-principle heat-powered cooling process that reduces waste heat and greenhouse gas emissions and boosts return on investment, while meeting all the sustainability criteria.
Special modelling, including machine learning, and cost of manufacturing tools guide the development of an optimised heat-to-cold concept designed to break through current barriers to commercialisation.
In this project, you will design digital tools for an innovative technology that uses low temperature heat for the production of cold by exploiting recent discoveries in material science and engineering [1, 2]. The ambition of this project is to earn the sector’s support and enable the widespread use of heat-powered cooling in place of the current electricity-driven counterpart.
You will work in the Emerging Sustainable Technologies Laboratory (ESTech Lab) [3], be part of a world leading research group in sustainable technologies towards the development of a proof-of-concept super-efficient processes for heat-powered cooling, have access to state-of-the-art computing facilities and brainstorm new technological avenues for cooling.
Your studies will be carried out at the Institute for Materials and Processes (IMP) and could include occasional experiments to validate models. You will attain skills in modelling, design and testing of innovative technologies for cooling.
Please note, the position will be filled once a suitable candidate has been identified.
[1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ente.202300548
Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree. As well as:
- Proficiency with Labview or similar data acquisition and control
- Proficiency with dynamic identification methods
Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.
Desirable criteria:
- knowledge of thermodynamics of fluid phase equilibria or physical chemistry;
- knowledge of computational tool such as Matlab, Mathcad, Mathematica etc… with emphasis on graphical user interface design.
A number of scholarships are available to competitive candidates. For more information on the funding application process, please contact the project’s supervisor or visit the School of Engineering website.
Applications are also welcomed from self-funded students.
Off
Digital tools are omnipresent and their rise exponential. Cloud and digital services have improved our lives and, overall, reduced carbon emissions, although at the expense of a growing electricity demand from data centres. Remarkably, nearly half the data centre electricity input is for self-cooling, which provides an opportunity for a technology able to harness low-grade heat and turn it into cooling power. The co-location of energy in form of heat and water is an opportunity.
The project focuses on the design and demonstration of a proof-of-principle 3D printed heat-powered cooling device that reduces waste heat and greenhouse gas emissions and boosts return on investment, while meeting all the sustainability criteria.Special characterisation techniques and additive manufacturing tools guide the development of a geometrically-optimised heat-to-cold concept which is designed to break through current barriers to commercialisation.
In this project, you will research and develop an innovative technology that uses low temperature heat for the production of cold by exploiting recent discoveries in material science and engineering [1, 2]. The ambition of this project is to earn the sector’s support and enable the widespread use of heat-powered cooling in place of the current electricity-driven counterpart.
You will work in the Emerging Sustainable Technologies Laboratory (ESTech Lab) [3], be part of a world leading research group in sustainable technologies towards the development of a proof-of-concept super-efficient processes for heat-powered cooling, have access to state-of-the-art equipment including rapid prototyping tools and brainstorm new technological avenues for cooling.
Your studies will be carried out at the Institute for Materials and Processes (IMP) and will include modelling activities supported by experiments. You will attain skills in modelling, design and testing of innovative technologies for cooling.
Please note, the position will be filled once a suitable candidate has been identified.
[1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ente.202300548
Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree. As well as:
- Proficiency with plastic 3D printing, both FDM and Stereolithographic methods
- Familiarity with Labview or similar data acquisition and control
- Familiarity with dynamic identification methods
Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.
Desirable criteria:
- knowledge of thermodynamics of fluid phase equilibria or physical chemistry;
- proficiency in computational tool such as Matlab, Mathcad, Mathematica etc… with emphasis on graphical user interface design.
A number of scholarships are available to competitive candidates. For more information on the funding application process, please contact the project’s supervisor or visit the School of Engineering website.
Applications are also welcomed from self-funded students.
Off
Climate change is already exacerbating water scarcity bringing uncertainty in the future of the water availability vs. abstraction (water stress), especially in delicate eco-systems. At the same time, industry highly relies on water. In most of the water-demanding industrial sectors high water demand is co-located with high energy demand (water-energy nexus), similarly to countries that benefit from high solar thermal energy (high energy availability) and at the same need water. The co-location of energy in form of heat and water is an opportunity.
In this project, you will research and develop advanced dynamic mathematical models of an innovative technology that uses low temperature heat for the production of water with different quality (from drinkable to industry and agriculture). The technology will be powered by ultralow energy and exploit the temperature differences available in nature: air, soil and natural water (e.g. lakes, seas, rivers).
You will work in the Emerging Sustainable Technologies Laboratory (ESTech Lab) [1], be part of a world leading research group in sustainable technologies towards the development of user-friendly (Graphical User Interface) advanced model for the characterization and prediction of the dynamic performance of heat-powered clean water production (e.g. desalination), have access to state-of-the-art computing facility and brainstorm new technological avenues for clean water production.
Your studies will be carried out at the Institute for Materials and Processes (IMP) and will include short experimental activities to validate your models. You will attain skills in modelling, design of innovative technologies for clean water.
Please note, the position will be filled once a suitable candidate has been identified.
Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree. As well as:
- Proficiency with identification of process dynamic techniques;
- proficiency in computational tool such as Matlab, Mathcad, Mathematica etc… with emphasis on graphical user interface design.
Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.
Desirable criteria: knowledge of computational thermodynamics of fluid phase equilibria or physical chemistry.
A number of scholarships are available to competitive candidates. For more information on the funding application process, please contact the project’s supervisor or visit the School of Engineering website.
Applications are also welcomed from self-funded students.
Off
Climate change is already exacerbating water scarcity bringing uncertainty in the future of the water availability vs. abstraction (water stress), especially in delicate eco-systems. At the same time, industry highly relies on water. In most of the water-demanding industrial sectors high water demand is co-located with high energy demand (water-energy nexus), similarly to countries that benefit from high solar thermal energy (high energy availability) and at the same need water. The co-location of energy in form of heat and water is an opportunity.
In this project, you will research and develop an innovative technology that uses low temperature heat for the production of water with different quality (from drinkable to industry and agriculture) by exploiting recent discoveries in material science and engineering [1, 2]. The technology will be powered by ultralow energy and exploit the temperature differences available in nature: air, soil and natural water (e.g. lakes, seas, rivers).
You will work in the Emerging Sustainable Technologies Laboratory (ESTech Lab) [3], be part of a world leading research group in sustainable technologies towards the development of a proof-of-concept super-efficient processes for heat-powered clean water production (e.g. desalination), have access to state-of-the-art equipment including rapid prototyping tools and brainstorm new technological avenues for clean water production.
Your studies will be carried out at the Institute for Materials and Processes (IMP) and will include modelling activities supported by experiments. You will attain skills in modelling, design and testing of innovative technologies for clean water production.
Please note, the position will be filled once a suitable candidate has been identified.
[1] https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2025003650&_cid=P20-MAL3RA-15255-1
Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree.
- Proficiency with Labview or similar data acquisition and control
- Familiarity with dynamic identification methods
Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.
Desirable criteria:
- knowledge of thermodynamics of fluid phase equilibria or physical chemistry;
- proficiency in computational tool such as Matlab, Mathcad, Mathematica etc… with emphasis on graphical user interface design;
A number of scholarships are available to competitive candidates. For more information on the funding application process, please contact the project’s supervisor or visit the School of Engineering website.
Applications are also welcomed from self-funded students.
Off
Are you interested in pursuing a PhD at the University of Edinburgh? We seek a highly motivated student to join an ongoing, industry-linked research programme on fibre-alignment technologies to produce truly circular composites. Complementing process-development efforts in the parent project, you will work within an interdisciplinary team to quantify process metrics and undertake parametric tuning and sustainability evaluation.
The circular fibre products emerging from the parent project are intended to integrate within the existing composites value chain and deliver strong fibre-matrix interfacial performance. Drawing on manufacturing, sustainability, materials science and process-engineering insights, your research will inform targeted process refinement efforts within the wider research programme towards addressing current industrial pain points (high energy footprint and low productivity).
Collaborative links with Gen 2 Carbon, Sigmatex and Teijin Europe in the parent project provide exciting opportunities for knowledge-exchange activities and technical site visits during the project.
Project Objectives
- Quantify baseline process metrics (energy use, alignment efficiency, throughput, yield, etc.) across existing waste-fibre alignment workflows using partner and laboratory data.
- Conduct parametric studies to assess how workflow-specific inputs affect alignment, productivity, and energy demand.
- Develop discrete event simulation (DES) models of integrated workflows under alternative process scenarios to explore capacity, bottlenecks, energy load and cost sensitivity.
- Integrate life-cycle & cost-carbon analyses with DES outputs to identify hotspots, quantify improvement potential and generate scale-up decision metrics for industry partners.
Early application is advised as the position will be filled once a suitable candidate is identified.
Training
As a PhD student, you will take part in a wide range of research activities, including collaboration with international researchers and participation in conferences, workshops and seminars. You will work closely with fellow researchers within the Institute for Materials and Processes (IMP) at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering. Regular meetings and collaborative interactions across the group will provide valuable opportunities for technical exchange and peer learning.
You will have access to tailored professional development opportunities through the Institute for Academic Development, and technical training will be provided as needed to support your experimental and analytical work. Close alignment with the parent project and its industry partners will facilitate site visits and knowledge exchange activities, enhancing the real-world relevance of your research.
Note that only applications via the University’s online system will be considered. All applications should include the following documents:
- 2–3-page research proposal
- 1-page motivation letter/personal statement
- Curriculum vitae
- Degree transcripts/certificates
• For any enquiries, please contact: Dr Winifred Obande (w.obande@ed.ac.uk)
• The University of Edinburgh is committed to equality of opportunity for all its staff and students and promotes a culture of inclusivity. Details: https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity
• Supervisor home page https://eng.ed.ac.uk/about/people/dr-wini-obande
Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree. Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.
We welcome applications from enthusiastic, self-driven and resourceful candidates with a first-class or upper 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in one of the following disciplines:
- Chemical, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering
- Systems/Industrial Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Any closely related disciplines to the above
Other Essential Requirements:
- 3D CAD proficiency, ideally using Solid Edge, Creo, or SolidWorks.
- Demonstrable experimental laboratory competence and analytical skills.
- University of Edinburgh English-language entry requirements apply.
Desirable Requirements:
- MSc/MEng (or equivalent) in a related field.
- Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical modelling experience.
- Experience with DES or process modelling tools.
- Familiarity with LCA or cost-carbon analysis (or willingness to learn).
- Some coding experience, ideally in Python or MATLAB.
Further information and other funding options.
There is no funding available for this project, and no additional financial support can be provided. Only self-funded applicants will be considered. If you have your own funding (including government sponsorships), we warmly encourage you to apply.
Off
The composites industry is under increasing pressure to transition towards a truly circular economy. As growing demand continues to widen the supply gap, we must recover untapped value that would otherwise be lost to landfilling and incineration, which are resource-intensive and environmentally damaging end-of-life pathways. Where recycled fibres are used, they are often downcycled as fillers and low-value reinforcements in their short and randomly aligned form. A key challenge to the effective reintegration of recycled carbon and glass fibres into high-performance products lies in achieving scalable and energy-efficient fibre alignment from irregular, reclaimed feedstocks. Fibre surface attributes and suspension behaviour in alignment systems play vital roles in determining the alignment efficiency, process stability, and the downstream consolidation and performance of remanufactured composites.
This fully-funded PhD project fits within a wider research programme with industrial partners and an interdisciplinary team working on the development of cross-platform alignment technologies that integrate material science, process engineering and sustainability analysis to deliver scalable solutions for circular composites manufacturing. The successful candidate will contribute to this broader vision by investigating the surface characteristics and suspension dynamics of recycled short fibres used in alignment processes.
Collaborative links with Gen 2 Carbon, Sigmatex and Teijin Europe in the parent project provide exciting opportunities for knowledge-exchange activities and technical site visits throughout the project.
Project Objectives
- Characterise the surface properties of reclaimed carbon and glass fibres from different sources and with varying processing histories.
- Investigate suspension behaviour, including fibre dispersion, settling and agglomeration tendencies under varying conditions.
- Study the influence of suspension properties on alignment efficiency, consolidation behaviour, and interfacial compatibility with traditional composite matrices.
- Explore complementary computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method (CFD-DEM) simulations as a tool to predict fibre-fluid interactions and inform experimental design.
Early application is advised as the position will be filled once a suitable candidate is identified.
Training
As a PhD student, you will take part in a wide range of research activities, including collaboration with international researchers and participation in conferences, workshops and seminars. You will work closely with fellow researchers within the Institute for Materials and Processes (IMP) at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering. Regular meetings and collaborative interactions across the group will provide valuable opportunities for technical exchange and peer learning.
You will have access to tailored professional development opportunities through the Institute for Academic Development, and technical training will be provided as needed to support your experimental and analytical work. Close alignment with the parent project and its industry partners will facilitate site visits and knowledge exchange activities, enhancing the real-world relevance of your research.
Note that only applications received via the University’s online system will be considered. All applications should include the following documents:
- 2–3-page research proposal
- 1-page motivation letter/personal statement
- Curriculum vitae
- Degree transcripts/certificates
• For any enquiries, please contact: Dr Winifred Obande (w.obande@ed.ac.uk)
• The University of Edinburgh is committed to equality of opportunity for all its staff and students and promotes a culture of inclusivity. Details: https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity
• Supervisor home page https://eng.ed.ac.uk/about/people/dr-wini-obande
Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree. Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.
We welcome applications from motivated, curious, and technically capable individuals with a first-class or upper 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in one of the following disciplines:
- Materials Science
- Mechanical, Chemical or Manufacturing Engineering
- Applied Physics or Physical Chemistry (especially surface, fluid, or particle systems)
- Other closely related disciplines with a strong experimental and analytical focus
Other Essential Requirements:
- 3D CAD proficiency, ideally using Solid Edge, Creo, or SolidWorks.
- Demonstrable experimental laboratory competence and analytical skills.
- University of Edinburgh English-language entry requirements apply.
Desirable Requirements:
- Experience in wet labs, polymer processing and experimental characterisation.
- Familiarity with surface analysis techniques.
- Some knowledge of CFD, DEM, or multiphase flow modelling.
- Some coding experience, ideally in Python or MATLAB.
Further information and other funding options.
Tuition fees and stipend are available for Home and International students.
Applications are also welcome from self funded students, or students who are applying for scholarships from the University of Edinburgh or elsewhere.
On
Image
Lightweight composites are growing rapidly across industries due to a powerful combination of performance benefits, economic incentives, and environmental pressures. Among these, thermoplastic composites are experiencing particularly rapid growth because of their recyclability, which distinguishes them from traditional non-recyclable thermoset composites. Thermoplastics can be reheated and reshaped multiple times, making them recyclable — unlike thermosets, which are permanently set after curing. This characteristic aligns perfectly with the growing global emphasis on sustainable materials and circular economy principles. As industries face increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprints, thermoplastic composites offer a viable path to achieving these environmental goals.
In addition to sustainability, thermoplastic composites generally offer superior mechanical properties, such as high toughness and impact resistance, excellent fatigue performance, and high damage tolerance. Components made from thermoplastic composites can be welded or repaired using heat, a distinct advantage over thermosets, which cannot be reshaped or repaired once cured. This enhances both the durability and serviceability of composite structures, making them attractive for a wide range of applications.
However, many high-performance thermoplastic composites require very high melting temperatures—often in the range of 250–400°C—during moulding, consolidation, or welding. This makes the processing energy-intensive, especially at large industrial scales. The equipment needed for such processing must generate (and thus withstand) high pressures and temperatures, which increases capital costs, demands more energy to run, and adds complexity to maintenance and safety protocols. In many industries, these higher energy demands currently outweigh the benefits of recyclability, particularly when production volumes are very high or when large structures are to be manufactured.
To overcome these challenges, there is a critical need to use low-melt thermoplastic resins for composites that can be in-situ polymerised in an energy-efficient way. Hence, innovative processing methods must be explored and optimised to significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with composites manufacturing. This PhD project will investigate processing of cyclic butylene terephthalate (CBT) composites in an energy-efficient way.
The successful applicant will gain hands-on experience with the fundamentals of composites manufacturing, composites characterization and processing techniques as well as with induction heating. S/he will learn to operate instruments such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and rheometers, as well as perform thermal and electrical conductivity measurements and mechanical testing. Important part of the project is the development of a novel methodology for processing composites by targeted heating using induction heating. Furthermore, students will be trained in the critical analysis of experimental data, advanced material characterisation, and scientific writing skills, preparing them for impactful careers in composite materials research and industry.
The project is part funded by an industrial collaborator.
Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree. Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.
Tuition fees + stipend are available for applicants who qualify as Home applicants.
To qualify as a Home student, you must fulfil one of the following criteria:
- You are a UK applicant.
- You are an EU applicant with settled/pre-settled status who also has 3 years residency in the UK/EEA/Gibraltar/Switzerland immediately before the start of your programme.
Applications are also welcomed from those who have secured their own funding through scholarship or similar.
Off