The University of Manchester — Department of Civil Engineering and Management
Supervisors: Dr A Lea-Langton, Dr Rwayda Alhamd, Prof Majid Sedighi
Applications accepted all year round. Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide).
About the Project
Construction timber waste represents an important resource within the transition towards a more circular and sustainable built environment. However, timber arising from construction, refurbishment and demolition can vary significantly depending on its source, composition and previous use.
This PhD project will investigate opportunities for the recovery and conversion of construction timber waste into useful carbon-based materials through thermochemical processing.
The research will consider a range of timber waste streams and investigate how differences in material characteristics and processing conditions influence the properties and potential applications of the resulting products.
The project will combine experimental testing, materials characterisation and data analysis to develop a better understanding of the relationships between the original timber material, the conversion process and the resulting material performance.
The successful candidate will gain experience in areas including sustainable construction, timber and waste materials, thermal processing, laboratory experimentation, materials characterisation and data analysis.
The research is interdisciplinary and sits across civil engineering, sustainable materials, resource recovery and circular economy. The overall aim is to support more effective recovery and higher-value use of timber waste generated by the construction sector.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply
To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Engineering Scholarships. If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility
The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD such as Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD such as Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (or international equivalent). Previous research experience in laboratory, analytical, computational or data-analysis experience is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical ability, an interest in research and experimentation, and good written and verbal communication skills.
This project will remain open until filled.
If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.
If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.
Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.
FSE_SoE
Funding Notes
Funding for this project covers tuition fees, UKRI minimum annual stipend (currently £21,805/annum) and up to a £2.5k/annum research training support grant for the full duration of the 3.5-year programme.