PhD Studentship: A decision-making algorithm for manufacturing process selection integrated in product design

Applications are invited for a three year Postgraduate studentship, supported by the School of Engineering and Applied Science, to be undertaken within the Mechanical Engineering & Design Academic Group at Aston University. The successful applicant will join an established experimental group working on Design for Manufacturing and have the opportunity to be co-advised by the faculties from University of Cambridge and University of Sheffield.

The position is available to start in October 2018 (subject to negotiation)

Financial Support

This studentship includes a fee bursary to cover the home/EU fees rate plus a maintenance allowance of £14,777 in 2018/19.

Applicants from outside the EU may apply for this studentship but will need to pay the difference between the ‘Home/EU’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees, currently this is £12,290 in 2018/19.  As part of the application you will be required to confirm that you have applied for, or, secured this additional funding.

Background of the Project

This project aims to investigate a decision-making algorithm that is integrated in the product design process to identify the most appropriate production method for product development. This algorithm will seamlessly be integrated into the design process to not only assist the product designer to select a suitable manufacturing process, but also provide guidance to improve the produced design in a later design stage to achieve economic and sustainable production.

Person Specification

The successful applicant should have a first class or upper second class honours degree or equivalent qualification in Product Design, Industrial Design, Engineering Design, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Operation Management. Preference may be given to the applicant who owns cross-disciplinary degrees or has research experience in the above areas. Preferred skill requirements include knowledge/experience of production process, additive manufacturing technologies, product design and development, and basic understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods. 

We would particularly like to encourage application from women seeking to progress their academic careers. Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, recently recognised by a prestigious Silver Award to EAS, and we pride ourselves on our vibrant, friendly and supportive environment and family atmosphere.

For informal enquiries about this project and other opportunities, please contact Dr Wei Liu by email w.liu10@aston.ac.uk.

If you require further information about the application process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at seasres@aston.ac.uk

The online application form, reference forms and details of entry requirements, including English language are available here.

Applications must also be accompanied by a research proposal giving an overview of the main themes of the research, and explaining how your knowledge and experience will benefit the project.

Details of how to write your project proposal are also included in the How to Apply section.