PhD Engineering Studentship: Transforming Nanomaterials Synthesis with Algorithms and Automation (2025)

A 3.5 year PhD Engineering studentship under the supervision of Dr Philip D. Howes.

What you get

As a recipient of this studentship, you will receive: 

  • a tax-free stipend at the standard rate for 3.5 years- currently £20,780 pa for 25/26 

  • a fee waiver at the UK or international rate for 3.5 years 

  • a one-off Research and Training Support Grant of £2,000 

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

PhD project

About the Project

This PhD project sits at the dynamic interface of nanotechnology, automation, and AI, aiming to develop novel functional colloidal nanomaterials for applications in energy, environment, and/or healthcare. You will work on the synthesis and characterisation of advanced colloidal nanomaterials, while integrating automation and machine learning to accelerate discovery and optimisation. This project offers a unique opportunity to develop deep expertise in nanomaterials chemistry while gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge research technologies that are shaping the future of materials science.

 

Why Join This Project?

  • Conduct research with real-world impact through nanotechnology, with possible applications ranging from sustainable energy solutions to targeted healthcare innovations
  • Gain expertise in advanced materials synthesis, with a focus on colloidal nanomaterials and their functionalisation
  • Develop essential automation and AI-driven research skills, working with self-driving laboratories and machine learning techniques to accelerate materials development
  • Join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment, where ideas from chemistry, engineering, AI, and data science come together to solve complex challenges
  • Receive training in high-quality research methods, scientific publishing, and presenting at national and international conferences—providing an excellent foundation for a research career or other professional pathways

 

Who We Are Looking For

We seek highly motivated candidates who are eager to contribute to an evolving field at the frontier of nanotechnology. We welcome applicants who are driven by curiosity, a passion for learning, and a proactive approach to tackling research challenges.

Essential Qualities:

  • A degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline
  • Hands-on laboratory experience in chemistry and/or biology
  • Excellent attention to detail, both in practical lab work and written communication

Desirable Attributes:


  • Experience/interest in coding for automation and/or data analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python)
  • Experience/interest in machine learning and its applications in materials science
  • Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration

 

The Bigger Picture

Nanomaterials science promises the production of nanoscale materials that leverage emergent size-dependent phenomena in a vast array of applications. These include sensing and manipulation of biomolecules in the body, and efficient capture and conversion of energy in photovoltaics. Colloidal chemistry, where nanomaterials are grown in solution, allows us to realise extraordinary control over the growth, assembly and functionalisation of complex nanostructures from the atomic and molecular level upwards. Frontiers in nanotechnology include the development of smart theranostic nanoagents that target, signal and treat diseases such as cancer, and effective nanocatalysts that reduce CO2 to synthesise sustainable carbon-neutral fuels. Realising ambitions like these will require solutions to many remaining challenges in nanotechnology, to which this doctoral research project will make a valuable contribution.

Eligibility

This scholarship is available to UK and international applicants. 

Applicants are typically expected to hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in a related field. However, those who do not meet this requirement may still be considered if they hold a relevant postgraduate qualification or can demonstrate sufficient professional experience to compensate. 

The University of Sussex believes that the diversity of its staff and student community is fundamental to creative thinking, pedagogic innovation, intellectual challenge, and the interdisciplinary approach to research and learning. We celebrate and promote diversity, equality and inclusion amongst our staff and students. As such, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. 

Number of scholarships available

1

Deadline

20 June 2025 23:59

How to apply

Apply online for a full time PhD in Engineering (SEP2025) using our step-by-step guide.  

Please ensure you application includes the following:

  • A Personal Statement (max 2 pages) detailing your inspiration to enter a PhD programme, and your relevant expertise, experience and interests

  • Degree certificates and transcripts (undergraduate and postgraduate, if available) 

  • CV 

  • Two academic references or referee contact details, including at least one reference from an academic institution if you have been a student within the last 5 years

  • A clear indication that you are applying to the Transforming Nanomaterials Synthesis with Algorithms and Automation studentship in the finance section 

Contact us

Informal enquiries can be sent to Dr Philip Howes at p.d.howes@sussex.ac.uk.

Timetable

Deadline: 20th June 2025; 23:59 GMT

Interview date: approx. week commencing 30th June 2025

Entry date: 22nd September 2025

Availability

At level(s):
PG (research)

Application deadline:
20 June 2025 23:59 (GMT)

Countries

The award is available to people from these specific countries: