The University of Edinburgh in Scotland is offering fully funded PhD positions in different research areas. They are inviting online applications for these positions, and interested candidates can apply through the University’s Online Application Portal. If you are interested and eligible, you should submit your application as soon as possible.
1. Fully Funded PhD Position in Mechatronics of Carbon Capture from the atmosphere
While pursuing your studies, you will be working in the Emerging Sustainable Technologies Laboratory (ESTech Lab), which is a renowned research group in carbon capture. The focus will be on developing a super-efficient method for directly capturing carbon dioxide from the air. You will have access to advanced equipment, including a small-scale prototype for Direct Air Capture, and will be encouraged to generate innovative ideas for this technology.
Last date to apply: November 15, 2023.
2. Fully Funded PhD Position in Hierarchical nanofabrication of smart and functional materials for energy efficient separations
The increasing global demand for fuels has led to a decline in oil reserves and raised concerns about the environmental impact of fossil fuels. To tackle these energy and environmental challenges, there have been efforts to enhance the utilization of fossil fuels and develop renewable energy sources. Biomass, a renewable energy resource that is abundant and carbon-neutral, has emerged as a highly promising option.
It can be used to produce various transportation fuels, reducing the reliance on petroleum products and improving the greenhouse gas emissions of the transportation sector.
Last date to apply: August 20, 2023.
3. Fully Funded PhD Position in Fracture by design of confined architected materials
The objective of this research project is to tackle significant challenges in structural bonding and offer creative solutions to promote sustainable practices in construction, infrastructure, renewable energy, and the automotive industry, among others. By incorporating the concept of Mechanical Metamaterials into the adhesive bonding framework, the main aim is to create specialized confined architectural materials that can replace conventional bulk adhesives.
4. Fully Funded PhD Position in Flow inside supersaturated Saline droplets
The study of droplets on surfaces is highly relevant in various research fields, including heat exchange, material staining, and virus transmission. When a droplet dries on a surface, the materials it contains are deposited due to internal flows within the droplet, leading to the formation of stains or crystal patterns. The characteristics of these stains depend on factors such as heat, momentum, mass transport within the droplet during evaporation, as well as the behavior of the three-phase contact line and the liquid’s contact with the surface.
In the case of a salt solution droplet, such as sodium chloride, it is generally assumed that if the droplet’s concentration exceeds the saturation limit and the surface has enough roughness to trigger heterogeneous crystallization, salt crystallization will occur when the relative humidity falls below approximately 75% (known as the deliquescence limit).
Last date to apply: November 18, 2023.
5. Fully Funded PhD Position in Engineering Education
The University of Edinburgh is offering a PhD opportunity in Engineering Education within the Remote Laboratories project. This project is led by Professor Tim Drysdale, who is the Chair of Technology Enhanced Science Education in the School of Engineering. Remote laboratories are a way for students to engage in practical experiments using real equipment, no matter where they are. By connecting to the equipment through a web browser, students can conduct experiments in real-time.
At the University of Edinburgh, we are at the forefront of developing an open-source digital infrastructure for remote laboratories. We combine advancements in physical and software technologies with educational research to apply leading education theories in practical settings.
Last date to apply: April 12, 2024.
6. Fully Funded PhD Position in Distributed and Intelligent Sensing for Ocean Research and Sustainable Ocean Enterprise
The progress of various ocean-related activities like offshore renewable energy, aquaculture, data centers, hydrogen production, carbon storage, and ocean habitations is hindered by a lack of sufficient knowledge about the dynamic interactions between ocean processes such as waves, currents, turbulence, and the atmosphere.
The understanding of these processes at the appropriate scales and timeframes is limited, and there is a need for better measurement, statistical characterization, and modeling. This is crucial to ensure the reliable and cost-effective design and operation of offshore infrastructure.
Last date to apply: October 20, 2023.
7. Fully Funded PhD Position in Development of Next Generation Megawatt Scale Wind Energy Power Converters
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and the University of Edinburgh are seeking enthusiastic and self-motivated individuals for an exciting PhD research position. This opportunity involves contributing to the development of advanced wind energy power electronic conversion systems, which will shape the future of renewable energy. Through this work, you will have the chance to engage in cutting-edge research and acquire valuable skills in areas such as renewable energy, electronic design, electrical power systems, and power semiconductor applications.
Last date to apply: May 31, 2023.
8. Fully Funded PhD Position in Desalination with low temperature heat
Climate change is making water scarcity worse, which means there is less certainty about how much water will be available in the future. This is especially concerning for delicate ecosystems. Industries also depend heavily on water. In many industries that use a lot of water, there is also a high demand for energy. This is similar to countries that have a lot of solar energy but still need water. The fact that energy and water needs often go together presents an opportunity.
Last date to apply: November 15, 2023
9. Fully Funded PhD Position in Conversion of humidity to electricity
We often experience sudden changes in humidity due to natural or human-caused events. Our bodies regulate temperature by releasing water through the skin, and the humidity inside a dishwasher can vary from 30% to 100%. Humidity also changes between day and night, regardless of whether the area is humid or dry.
These humidity fluctuations always involve an energy change that can be captured. Previous experiments have shown that it is possible to extract energy from humidity, but the power generated was negligible. This project goes beyond those results, using different chemical and physical methods to create a practical device that can produce significant amounts of power.
Last date to apply: November 15, 2023.
10. Fully Funded PhD Position in Biopolymers for packaging and membrane applications
Using membranes to separate mixtures of gases is considered an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly method compared to traditional techniques. Understanding how gases and liquids move through different materials is crucial for membrane separation processes, including applications in the packaging industry. As the concept of end-of-life becomes increasingly important in membrane separation, there is a need to explore bio-based and biodegradable materials as alternatives to synthetic polymers.
Last date to apply: January 27, 2024.
11. Fully Funded PhD Position in Antimicrobial coatings for biomedical applications
The antimicrobial coating industry is experiencing fast growth. Its purpose is to address the significant issues caused by bacteria sticking to surfaces and forming biofilms on various devices. The project, which will take place at the Institute for Bioengineering at the University of Edinburgh, aims to combine a method that prevents bacterial attachment with a technique that effectively kills bacteria. This combination will lead to the development of antimicrobial coatings.
Last date to apply: October 3, 2023.
12. Fully Funded PhD Position in America’s Cup yacht hydrofoils
In 2013, the America’s Cup introduced foiling boats for the first time, which resulted in a rapid increase in the use of foils in both sailing and power boats for racing and leisure purposes. Foiling enables boats to achieve remarkable speed and comfort, but it also presents significant challenges in terms of design, control, and safety. This project aims to gain a deep understanding of the unstable water dynamics of America’s Cup hydrofoils. It will involve collaboration with leading yacht designers and professional sailors, and there is a possibility of affiliation with an America’s Cup team.
Last date to apply: December 31, 2025.
13. Fully Funded PhD Position in Aerodynamics of the gliding seeds of the Javan cucumber vine
The Javan cucumber is a type of plant that grows in tropical forests. It climbs up trees to reach sunlight in the canopy. When it reaches great heights, it produces pods that contain many seeds with wings. These seeds are released when the wind blows against the pods. Unlike other seeds that rotate as they glide through the air, the Javan cucumber seeds have thin wings that allow them to glide smoothly and steadily. The design of these seeds helps them descend more slowly compared to other winged seeds.
Last date to apply: December 31, 2025.
14. Fully Funded PhD Position in Aerodynamics of high-performance yacht sails
The Javan cucumber is a type of plant that grows in tropical forests. It climbs up trees to reach sunlight in the canopy. When it reaches great heights, it produces pods that contain many seeds with wings. These seeds are released when the wind blows against the pods. Unlike other seeds that rotate as they glide through the air, the Javan cucumber seeds have thin wings that allow them to glide smoothly and steadily. The design of these seeds helps them descend more slowly compared to other winged seeds.
Last date to apply: November 31,2023.
15. Fully Funded PhD Position in Advanced laser diagnostics investigating the fluid mechanics of primary breakup
The Javan cucumber is a type of plant that grows in tropical forests. It climbs up trees to reach sunlight in the canopy. When it reaches great heights, it produces pods that contain many seeds with wings. These seeds are released when the wind blows against the pods. Unlike other seeds that rotate as they glide through the air, the Javan cucumber seeds have thin wings that allow them to glide smoothly and steadily. The design of these seeds helps them descend more slowly compared to other winged seeds.
Last date to apply: December 31, 2025.
16. Fully Funded PhD Position in Advanced Marine Renewable Energy Harvesting via Added-mass-variation Control
Research on cephalopods (octopuses and squids) has revealed that their ability to change their shape while moving through water helps them generate more thrust. This concept can also be applied to a submerged system consisting of a mass, spring, and damper. By actively controlling the shape changes, the system can achieve resonance and balance the effects of drag by utilizing the added mass variation force.
Last date to apply: December 31, 2023.
17. Fully Funded PhD Position in Advanced Free-Space Optical Communication for Reliable Connectivity
To ensure effective communication between two points using free-space optical technology, a reliable system is needed that can transfer data without errors, regardless of the conditions in the communication channel. This system should be able to overcome challenges such as photon absorption and scattering in the channel. It is also important for the system to have the ability to accurately point and track a narrow beam of light, especially when used on moving platforms. Another challenge to address is the impact of atmospheric turbulence on the performance of free-space optical communication systems.
Last date to apply: March 1, 2024.
18. Fully Funded PhD Position in A study of Sensing and Wireless Communications
This project aims to explore new methods for efficient wireless communication and sensing. The focus is on meeting the requirements of future communication networks by investigating both optical and radio frequencies. These techniques have the potential to enable simultaneous data transmission, object detection (similar to radar), and location tracking using sensor data, all within a single system. One particular approach of interest is using Rydberg atoms and electromagnetically induced transparency.
Last date to apply: September 1, 2023.
19. Fully Funded PhD Position in The physics and engineering of flowing suspensions
Mixtures of particles and liquid can be found in various natural and industrial settings, such as chocolate, toothpaste, and slurries. Understanding how these mixtures flow is important for understanding the natural world and engineering processes. We are still in the early stages of understanding how the interactions between particles affect their flow behavior when the liquid is thin and the particles are hard, repulsive, and all the same size. However, in reality, these conditions are often not met. The liquid may have different properties, the particles may be soft or sticky, and they may vary in size and shape. How these details at the microscopic level influence the overall flow behavior is the main focus of this research.
Last date to apply: September 1, 2023.
20. Fully Funded PhD Position in Signal processing for enhanced single-photon imaging
Single-photon avalanche diodes (SPAD) revolutionized LIDAR and biomedical imaging. Now, with large array sensors and 3D-stacked architectures, there are new possibilities for high-speed imaging. However, challenges remain in compressing photon data while maintaining quality.
Last date to apply: June 1, 2023.
21. Fully Funded PhD Position in Remote Destruction & Sterilization of the Coronavirus by RF/Microwave Wireless Power Transmission
The proposed PhD research aims to develop a new method for fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. This method involves using microwave technology to remotely sterilize surfaces and air particles. It works similarly to a microwave oven, where safe RF/microwave energy is used to sterilize materials and surfaces.
Last date to apply: November 22, 2023.
22. Fully Funded PhD Position in RF Electronics and Radar Antenna Systems for Automotive Radar and other Related Scenarios
In 2021, the autonomous vehicle market experienced significant growth worldwide. To enhance the safety and reliability of autonomous driving, innovative technology solutions are being explored. Governments and industries have invested extensively in research and development, with the UK alone investing £120 million in connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) applications from 2014 to 2018. By 2035, the global CAV sector is projected to reach a value of £906 billion.
Last date to apply: December 14, 2023.
23. Fully Funded PhD Position in Multifunctional nanomaterials for greenhouse gases removal
Climate change poses a significant and costly threat to humanity in this century. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from various sources contribute to this problem. While controlling emissions at their source is important, removing these gases from the atmosphere is also crucial. Solar driven photocatalysis offers a promising solution, as it can effectively transform GHGs like CO2, CH4, and N2O into harmless atmospheric gases.
Last date to apply: August 31, 2023.
