About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Katrina Morgan-Innes, Dr Ioannis Zeimpekis and Dr Fedia Ben Slimen

This PhD offers a rare opportunity to work with the UK’s only roll-to-roll sputtering system, a brand new and bespoke platform designed specifically for next-generation material discovery. You’ll explore innovative thin-film materials for flexible electronics, developing scalable recipes that bridge cutting-edge research with real-world commercial compatibility through high-throughput, fabric-friendly processes.

Flexible electronics are transforming how we interact with technology, enabling seamless integration into clothing, packaging, and everyday surfaces. However, scalable manufacturing of advanced materials for these devices remains a major challenge. This PhD tackles that problem by using a brand new, bespoke roll-to-roll (R2R) sputtering system—the only one of its kind in the UK—designed specifically for next-generation material discovery. You will develop and optimise thin-film materials and deposition recipes for flexible sensors and energy devices, focusing on material innovation rather than application engineering. The goal is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and commercial compatibility, using high-throughput, fabric-friendly processes that support real-world scalability. This project is ideal for candidates interested in materials science, flexible electronics, thin-film deposition, and cleanroom fabrication. You will gain hands-on experience with advanced techniques including Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD), and work within the Morgan Materials and Devices for Energy (MADE) research group. You’ll have access to world-class facilities at the Zepler Institute Cleanrooms (https://www.southampton.ac.uk/research/institutes-centres/zepler-cleanrooms), the Printed Electronics and Materials (PEM) Laboratory (https://www.southampton.ac.uk/research/facilities/printed-electronics-materials-laboratory), and be part of the Sustainability and Resilience Institute Centre for Postgraduate Research (SRI CPGR) (https://www.southampton.ac.uk/research/institutes-centres/sustainability-resilience-institute). This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of materials research, using a one-of-a-kind UK capability to shape the future of wearable and flexible technologies.

You will be trained in the state-of-the-art Zepler Institute Cleanrooms, and become an expert user of the commercially relevant roll-to-roll technologies. You will also undergo wider skill based training as part of the University of Southampton PhD training, to learn how to present at conferences, write journal papers, and create outreach demonstrations.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 01 January 2030. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How to apply

Please apply via the online portal and select:

Programme type: Research
Academic year: 2026/27
If you will be full time or part time
Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences

Search for programme PhD Electronic & Electrical Engineering (7092)

Please add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.

Applications should include:

Research Proposal
your CV (resumé)
2 academic references
degree transcripts/ certificates to date
English language qualification (if applicable)

Smart Materials for Wearable Electronics with Next-Gen Manufacturing

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Southampton, United Kingdom