PhD studentship: A Design Methodology for Embedding Robotics & Automation into Circular Product Development
Apply for the PhD studentship at University of Nottingham.
Area: Engineering
Location: UK Other
Closing date: Friday 27 February 2026
Reference: ENG293
This is an exciting opportunity to undertake industrially linked research in partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), as part of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Research Group (AMTRG), which leads cutting‑edge manufacturing research with a world‑unique Omnifactory facility. This fully funded 3‑year full‑time studentship is available only to UK nationals. The successful applicant will receive a generous tax‑free annual stipend of £25,000, full‑time home tuition fees paid, and £2,000 per year for consumables and travel. Funding from MTC requires passing their security checks before starting the PhD.
Vision
We are seeking a PhD student that is interested in robotics and automation, engineering design, and AI‑enabled design and optimisation that will transform current product development practices. Together we will develop the next‑generation product‑production co‑design platform, addressing challenges in (re)manufacturing processes.
Motivation
The global climate crisis is calling for fundamental transformations in how we design and produce. With advanced robotics technologies, there emerges efficient and cost‑effective automation solutions. However, their full potential in producing fully circular engineering products remains under‑explored. This is due to the disconnection between design, manufacturing and end‑of‑life processes. New eco‑circular design must adapt proactively for the capabilities and limitations in maintenance & End‑of‑Life lifecycle stages.
Aim
This PhD project will investigate the fundamental design methodology that connects engineering design with modular robotics & automation processes for remanufacturing and disassembly, to understand how product design influences, and is influenced by, circularity and sustainability goals.
Responsibilities
As a PhD student, you will work with both academics from Omnifactory and the engineering teams within MTC, having access to existing advanced robotics, manufacturing, assembly and inspection capabilities. There will also be the potential opportunity to be employed at the MTC upon completion of the PhD. The proposed PhD start date is 5th October 2026.
Qualifications
* Pro‑active individual with a 1st or 2:1 degree from Mechanical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science or other relevant field.
* Excellent analytical and communication skills with understanding of engineering design principles.
* Experience with CAD/CAM systems and programming preferred.
Funding
The University promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds. The Faculty of Engineering fosters a supportive, community‑driven research environment for Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs), offering tailored training programs and access to top facilities and industry partnerships, enhancing research, career development, and networking opportunities.
Contact
For further information on this PhD position please contact Dr Sara Wang (Sara.Wang@nottingham.ac.uk).
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