This fully funded four-year PhD studentship is offered within the University of Birmingham under the supervision of Dr. Yuanbo Tony Tang, sponsored by Alloyed, Rolls-Royce, Siemens Energy.  

We invite you to join an exciting PhD project focused on transforming the manufacturing of high temperature nickel superalloys– crucial materials for aerospace and nuclear applications. These alloys, known for their exceptional high temperature mechanical properties, thermal stability and oxidation resistance, are hindered by their intrinsic high density. This project aims to design, test and understand architected superalloys for the next generation light weight aerospace applications.  

A 3.5-year studentship is available for this project at the University of Birmingham (UoB), a global top 100 institution. The PhD will be supervised by Dr Yuanbo (Tony) Tang, with Dr Sophie Cox as a co-supervisor.    

This project will design, fabricate and test ultra-lightweight hollow architected alloys for high temperatures. The Achilles’ heel of heat-resistant metals is their significant density which hinders their applications for which minimal weight is needed: aeronautics, space exploration including satellites and land transportation. Additive manufacturing – sometimes known as 3D printing – will be used to manufacture geometrically complex structures. This project will exemplify the vision of architected materials application for high temperatures by leveraging the recent developments in printable superalloys.  

As part of this project, you will be testing the mechanical and oxidation behaviour of architected superalloy, an emerging interdisciplinary field. Using a bespoke multi-axial mechanical testing system and advanced microscopy, you will unravel the complexity of structural behaviour at multi-length scale, such as creep contribution, texture, rapid phase transformation and work towards developing predictive models to describe their behaviour.  

You will be part of a fast-pacing, dynamic and inclusive research group at the University of Birmingham, collaborating with renowned academic partners at UT Austin and with industrial partners including Siemen Energy, Rolls-Royce, Alloyed Ltd and MTC, providing invaluable insight into real-world applications. There is a possibility to conduct research internship with one of the industrial partners during the PhD. 

• Innovative research: Play a key role in advancing manufacturing technology for materials critical to space, aviation, and nuclear industries.  

• Cutting-edge resources: Access to world-class equipment and methodologies to conduct your research.  

• Global collaboration: Join a vibrant international research network, with opportunities to collaborate with top universities and leading industry players.  

• Career prospects: Gain expertise in high-demand, interdisciplinary fields, and make connections that will shape your career.  

 We are looking for motivated, inquisitive, and passionate about manufacturing and metallurgy.  Have obtained (or will obtain) a first-class or upper-second-class degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, condensed matter physics, or a closely related field.  No prior experience in experimental or modelling work is required – we welcome motivated candidates eager to learn and grow in the field. However, prior exposure to characterisation techniques, additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy, or modelling will be an advantage

Students will receive an enhanced, tax free, stipend of £26,000 per annum  

This position is due to start in October 2026. This project may include a placement tbc.

Eligibility 

A first-class or 2:1 honours degree in a relevant STEM subject (e.g. Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Mathematics) is preferred. Equivalent industrial experience will also be considered during the eligibility assessment.  

PANDA is committed to widening access; we welcome applications from mid-career switchers and those returning from career breaks. This PhD position is suitable for part time study. 

Students are required to achieve MoD Enhanced BPSS status, as a condition of ongoing enrolment and funding for this project.  

Due to conditions of funding, applicants must have Home Fees status and be eligible to work in the UK nuclear industry upon graduation. 

About PANDA 

This studentship is part of the PANDA (Programme for Accelerating Nuclear Development and Applications) Nuclear Doctoral Focal Award. PANDA is a consortium of researchers led by Bangor University and delivered with the universities of Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Derby and Manchester, Imperial College London alongside UK National Nuclear Laboratory. PANDA will train up to 100 doctoral researchers to help meet the UK’s future nuclear, clean energy and defence needs. It is funded by UKRI, the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. 

Alongside your research activities you will undertake a rich programme of events including a training programme that includes Nuclear Science and Engineering; Methods for Innovation and the PANDA Professionalism Programme. Due to our close links with industry, there will be opportunities for extended placements with industrial partners, allowing a deeper understanding of what it is like to be a nuclear professional during your studies. 

This studentship covers full tuition fees at the home student rate and an enhanced tax-free stipend of £26,000. The studentship also comes with access to additional funding in the form of a research training support grant which is available to fund research activities including training events, conference attendance, and placements. Students are also supported by the UKRI family leave and pastoral provisions that apply to UKRI-funded studentships, including maternity, paternity, adoption and neonatal care leave. A PANDA hardship fund is also available.