"PhD Studentship - Accelerating Systems Engineering: Evaluating and Improving Model Quality in the Age of Digital Transformation"

Loughborough University

Although the development of systems architectures and models has been an established practice for many years, the assessment of the quality of models has relied on expert judgement with no generalised agreement about the qualities that determine whether the model is good or not. The focus of this project is whether the model is good enough for the point in a project’s lifecycle and not whether the model represents a good technical solution.

The intent is to investigate how MBSE is used to benefit stakeholders to develop models that are effective in enabling the rapid development of new products in an increasingly complex development environment. Areas to consider that impact the modelling are:

• Framework
• Language
• Process
• How wide / how deep i.e. what do we model and why?
• How much provides a good answer i.e. when do we stop modelling?
• How do we track / score the quality of the model
• What is the required level of quality over time
• How can quality be brought to the required level
• Can Machine Learning, Large Language Model, or Artificial Intelligence be used?

The impact of this research will be to enable practitioners and the stakeholders of systems models to make objective assessment of model qualities using an objective and consistent method of measurement. The implication of this is a mechanism through which customer and supplier can agree on model quality. Furthermore, the outcome will inform the development of architecture standards and inform training and development of the systems modellers of the future.

Programme and Location: The Engineering Doctorate Researcher will follow the EngD in Model-Based Systems Engineering Programme. They will be based at a Leonardo site in the UK.

Entry requirements:
A minimum of an upper-class honours degree (2:1) or overseas equivalent in a STEM subject area, or equivalent relevant industrial experience.

English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Funding information:
The studentship is for 4-years and provides a tax-free stipend of £27,000 per annum, which includes a rare, near £5k enhancement for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees at the UK rate.

To apply for this opportunity, you must be eligible for UK Security Clearance. Normally this is to the level of Security Check (typically known as “SC”) which includes having a minimum of five years permanent residency in the UK.

How to apply:

Apply online via the 'Apply' button’. Under ‘programme name’, select ‘Model-based Systems Engineering EngD’ and quote the reference number ‘FP-MH-2026’ under the ‘Finance’ section of the application.

Applications must include a personal statement, up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV), details of two referees (one from your highest degree qualification), and certified academic certificates and transcripts for all completed degree programmes. Submission of a Research proposal is not essential but may strengthen your application.

Incomplete applications received after the closing date may not be considered for interview. Early application is strongly encouraged as we reserve the right to interview and withdraw the advert ahead of the closing date.