University of Nottingham

Qualification Type:PhDLocation:NottinghamFunding for:UK Students, International StudentsFunding amount:£19,237 tax-free stipend per year, tuition fees paid and a generous study package.Hours:Full TimePlaced On:12th February 2026Closes:10th August 2026

Applicants are invited to undertake a three year PhD programme in partnership with industry to address key challenges in on-platform manufacturing engineering. The successful candidate will be based at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology at the University of Nottingham.

This project is in relation to the technical needs of Rolls-Royce to develop automatic and hybrid tooling solutions to enable in-situ/on-wing repair and maintenance of gas turbine engines.

At the Rolls-Royce UTC at University of Nottingham we have developed robotic systems capable to navigate into crammed/hazardous environments and perform inspection and active operations such as machining. This is driven by the need to complete repair tasks without disassembly of industrial installations.

Both systems can be coupled to result into hybrid robots having ability to both walk/navigate and then perform tasks with end-effectors attached to both hexapod and continuum arm sub-systems. Watch our video of the MiniRoboMach.

At the Rolls-Royce UTC we have developed a unique capability to design, model and realise our own robotic systems to perform tasks within restrictive environments.

This project builds on these research/industrial successes and proposes control solutions for automated robotic systems capable to be teleoperated using smart human-machine interfaces.

This is an exciting PhD project that has a combination of academic and industrial challenges which will enhance the student’s ability to tackle complex intellectual and practical aspects of mechatronics/control and manufacturing.

Candidate requirements

We are seeking talented candidates with:

• First or upper second class degree in mechanical/mechatronics/robotics/cybernetics or related scientific discipline
• First rate analytical and numerical skills, with a well-rounded academic background
• Demonstrated ability to develop precision mechanical devices/mechatronics
• Ability to develop kinematic and/or dynamic analysis of mechanical/robotic systems
• Ability to use finite element modelling and to simulate of complex mechatronics and
• Ability to implement control and kinematics with hardware-in-the–loop
• Background with relevant packages (CREO/SOLIDWORKS, ANSYS/ABAQUS, MATLAB)
• A driven, professional and self-dependent work attitude is essential
• Experience of working within industry will be an advantage
• Ability to produce high quality presentations and written reports

This is an excellent opportunity to work on a novel robotic system with strong links to industrial applications and key skills and knowledge in preparation for a high-impact, high-technology research or industrial career.

Funding

The scholarship on offer comprises a tax-free stipend of approximately £19,237 a year, tuition fees paid and a generous study package.

Eligibility and how to apply

• Applications are primarily open to UK candidates, as well as outstanding international candidates who demonstrate exceptional suitability for the role
• Applications with a CV, cover letter and academic transcripts should be emailed to Dr Xin Dong at Xin.Dong@nottingham.ac.uk. Suitable applicants will be interviewed, and if successful, invited to make a formal application. Do not submit your application via the My Nottingham platform without having contacted our team first
• Please contact Dr Xin Dong for further information
• Due to the high volume of applications we will only be contacting shortlisted candidates. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is appointed.