About the Project
The design of next-generation engineering materials is undergoing a paradigm shift, driven by advances in additive manufacturing and computational design. Architected lattice metamaterials—structures whose properties arise from geometry rather than composition—offer unprecedented opportunities to create lightweight, high-performance systems with tailored mechanical and thermal behaviour. To date, however, most design frameworks rely on periodic unit cells, limiting the achievable performance, adaptability, and robustness of these materials. Emerging evidence suggests that aperiodic lattices—ordered yet non-repeating structures inspired by quasiperiodic tilings—can exhibit near-isotropic behaviour, enhanced damage tolerance, and superior performance under complex and uncertain loading conditions.
This PhD project aims to surpass conventional periodic design by developing a new generation of multiscale optimisation tools for aperiodic lattice metamaterials. The research will integrate physics-based modelling with machine learning to enable the efficient exploration of vast design spaces defined by microarchitectures based on the mathematics of aperiodic order. By combining computational mechanics, data-driven surrogate modelling, and advanced manufacturing, the project will establish new principles for designing materials with spatially programmable properties. The successful candidate will join a rapidly evolving research area at the intersection of structural optimisation, materials, and artificial intelligence. This is an opportunity to contribute to world-class research with the potential to transform how materials are designed for applications ranging from aerospace and energy to biomedical engineering. The project is particularly suited to candidates motivated by fundamental challenges and eager to develop innovative solutions with real-world impact.
Eligibility
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.
Funding
This 3.5-year PhD project is funded by the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; students who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2027.
We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.
How to apply
You will need to submit an online application through our website here: https://uom.link/pgr-apply
When you apply, you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:
- Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
- Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
- CV
- You will be asked to supply contact details for two referees on the application form (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/ work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
- Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it.
- English Language certificate (if applicable). If you require an English qualification to study in the UK, you can apply now and send this in at a later date.
If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team [contact details available in the full listing].
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
Funding Notes
This 3.5-year PhD project is funded by the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; students who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2027.
We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.
