PhD Studentship in Solid Mechanics - Metal Manufacturing

Imperial College London - Mechanical Engineering

Supervisors: Dr Jun Jiang (Reader), Mechanical Engineering Department

Deadline for application: 30/04/2026. Early submission is encouraged.

Funding mechanisms: Fully funded by EPSRC-IDLA with Tata Steel UK or Constellium UK, covering tuition fees at home student level (£5,006 per year), a generous stipend £25,000 per year, and additional travel and consumables support.

Applications are invited for a PhD research studentship, open to UK candidates or extremely strong overseas candidates (e.g. top-ranked in your department with a proven strong publication track record), starting in July 2026. Successful applicants will investigate the relationships between processing, microstructure, and properties of metals through combined macro- and micro-mechanical experimentation and finite-element modelling. Research themes would be flexible including green steel formability under the EPSRC ADAP‑EAF programme for automotive and packaging applications; or micromechanical studies of aluminium precipitate evolution during forming; or development of solid‑state joining techniques for dissimilar lightweight metals.

Prior research experience in materials processing or computational modelling is desirable but not essential; applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance, resilience in the face of research challenges, a proactive attitude to learning and a willingness to grow, and ideally an initial publication record.

Ideal candidates will hold a 1stclass undergraduate degree or a Distinction in a Materials or Mechanical Engineering master’s programme. They will need to submit a curriculum vitae (including academic transcript and publication list), a cover letter outlining their research interests and preferred project theme, and the names and contact details of two academic referees.

To apply, visit https://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/study/phd/how-to-apply/ and select “PhD in Mechanical Engineering – Materials and Manufacturing” before uploading your documents.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Jun Jiang at jun.jiang@imperial.ac.uk.

Further information on research in mechanical engineering at Imperial College London can be found at: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/research/,

and details of the EPSRC ADAPT‑EAF Green Steel programme are available at: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/266193/imperial-joins-7m-green-steel-research/