PhD Position in Circular Electronics and Automated Remanufacturing

Keywords: Eco-design for Remanufacturing, Automated Electronics Disassembly, Circular Economy & Sustainable Manufacturing, Refurbishment, Lifecycle Engineering, Industry 4.0

Supervisors:

• Prof Eoin Hinchy, School of Engineering, University of Limerick.
• Prof Eoin O’Connell, Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Limerick.
• Prof Colin Fitzpatrick, Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Limerick.

Overview: The ECODESIGN Doctoral Network (DN) is a pan-European research and training initiative aimed at developing the next generation of experts in sustainable product design and circular economy practices. It brings together nine leading universities and a range of industrial partners to train 15 doctoral candidates through interdisciplinary and intersectoral research. The programme is aligned with key EU policies, including the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the Circular Economy Action Plan, and seeks to strengthen European competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability. By adopting a holistic lifecycle perspective that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations, ECODESIGN addresses the need for more sustainable and circular products across sectors such as electronics, automotive, and industrial systems. For informal enquiries please feel free to contact Eoin Hinchy at eoin.hinchy@ul.ie or Eoin O’Connell eoin.oconnell@ul.ie.

Project description and role: The project is structured around five core pillars - Performance, Information, Planet, People, and Prosperity - delivered through dedicated work packages. It develops advanced ecodesign frameworks to support reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling, enabled by Industry 5.0 technologies and human–robot collaboration. Key innovations include Digital Product Passports (DPPs) and data-driven tools to improve lifecycle transparency, alongside methods for assessing environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Within this framework, the successful candidates will each undertake a PhD focused on eco-design for automated electronics remanufacturing, with particular emphasis on printed circuit boards (PCBs) or life consumption monitoring and DPPs. The roles will involve designing product architectures that enable efficient disassembly, testing, and reuse. The candidates will combine engineering design, automation, and sustainability assessment to develop practical tools and methods, working closely with international academic and industrial partners.

Candidate Profile: We are seeking two highly motivated candidates with strong technical ability and an interest in ecodesign, circular electronics and sustainable manufacturing. Applicants should be keen to combine practical engineering with independent research and collaborate with international academic and industrial partners.

Essential Requirements

• Degree at National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 8 with first class honours (or equivalent), or a master’s degree in electronic engineering, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong interest in sustainable engineering and the circular economy, particularly in eco-design, remanufacturing, or electronics lifecycle management
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary and international research team, engaging with both academic and industrial partners
• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of independent research, with excellent organisational, communication, and presentation skills
• Excellent command of written and spoken English, demonstrated ability in technical writing, including preparation of reports, theses, or scientific publications
• Knowledge and/or experience in two or more of the following areas:
  • Automation and robotics
  • Electronics or PCB design, testing, or manufacturing processes
  • Programming/software development skills
  • Digital manufacturing, Industry 4.0, or cyber-physical systems
  • Product design for disassembly, remanufacturing, or recycling
  • Data analysis, AI, or machine learning applied to engineering systems
• Willingness to undertake international secondments with industrial partners

Desirable Competences:

• Track record of publications (preferably indexed in Web of Science) and/or conference presentations, demonstrating research excellence
• Experience in electronics/PCB design, testing, or manufacturing processes
• Experience with programming and/or AI/ML tools (e.g. Python, MATLAB, scikit-learn, TensorFlow)
• Knowledge of eco-design, circular economy, or design for manufacturing and recycling principles

Duration and funding

• Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) funded fellowship.
• Tuition fees fully covered.
• Funding for equipment, conference travel, and publications.
• Duration: 36 months, full time
• Expected start date for the positions: January 2027

Application procedure

• Cover letter + Curriculum vitae
• Details of two referees
• Full academic transcript
• Evidence of relevant project or research work

Application End Date: Applications accepted via email to: Eoin.OConnell@ul.ie until 17:00 on October 30th 2026. Interviews will be carried out as soon as suitable candidates are identified.

Competition Type: Research

Close Date: 30-Oct-2026 17:00