The University of Manchester, United Kingdom, is inviting applications for a fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, focusing on sustainable bioplastic supply chains and computational modeling of nanocellulose production in the UK. The project aims to develop mathematical and optimization models to identify cost-effective, low-carbon biomass supply chain strategies. Applications are open to UK Home students with relevant engineering or quantitative backgrounds, with funding covering tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate.
Important Dates / Deadline
- Advertised Closing Date: January 5, 2027
- Application Period: Described as year-round in the project information, subject to availability.
- Stated Program Start: September 2026
- Funding Duration: 3.5 years
Applicants are encouraged to apply early because the advertisement will be removed once the position has been filled. The stated September 2026 start date precedes the advertised closing date, so applicants should confirm the intended start date with the supervisors.
Organization
- University: The University of Manchester
- Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Program: PhD Studentship in Optimising Sustainable Bioplastic Supply Chains: Modelling Nanocellulose Production in the UK
- Research Focus: Sustainable Supply Chains, Nanocellulose Production, Computational Modeling, and Circular Economy
- Supervisors:
- Dr. Samantha Islam
- Professor Paul Mativenga
Location / Study Destination
Manchester, United Kingdom. The studentship is a full-time PhD research opportunity within the University of Manchester’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
Who Can Apply
- UK applicants eligible for Home tuition fee status.
- Candidates holding at least an Upper Second-Class (2:1) Honors degree or equivalent.
- Graduates in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or related disciplines.
- Applicants with strong quantitative and analytical abilities.
- Candidates interested in sustainability, climate challenges, sustainable materials, and supply chain optimization.
Key Benefits / Funding
The studentship provides full funding for 3.5 years, including:
- Annual Stipend: £20,780 for the 2025/26 academic year, paid tax-free at the UKRI rate.
- Tuition Fees: Full tuition fee coverage for eligible Home students.
- Annual Stipend Adjustments: The stipend is subject to annual increases.
- Research Training: Opportunities to develop advanced computational modeling, mathematical optimization, and sustainable supply chain analysis skills.
- Research Experience: Participation in research addressing low-carbon materials, bioplastics, biomass utilization, and circular economy systems.
The studentship is funded through the Department’s new starter allocation.
Main Requirements
Essential Qualifications and Skills
- A minimum Upper Second-Class Honors degree (2:1), or equivalent, in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or a related discipline.
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Motivation to address sustainability and climate-related challenges in engineering.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Experience with mathematical modeling, optimization techniques, or supply chain analysis.
- Knowledge of bio-based materials, biorefineries, or circular economy systems.
- Relevant research experience, including undergraduate or master’s research projects in engineering sustainability.
- Evidence of teamwork and collaboration in academic or professional settings.
Research Responsibilities
The successful candidate will undertake research involving:
- Computational Modeling: Develop advanced computational models to evaluate nanocellulose production and biomass supply chain decisions.
- Feedstock Evaluation: Investigate different biomass feedstocks, including agricultural crops and non-edible residues, considering sustainability and competing uses.
- Supply Chain Optimization: Analyze configurations involving farms, pretreatment facilities, biorefineries, and other supply chain participants.
- Environmental Assessment: Examine how feedstock selection, regional factors, and processing pathways affect energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Economic Evaluation: Assess production costs and trade-offs between economic efficiency and environmental performance.
- Sustainable System Design: Identify robust, low-carbon supply chain strategies that support bioplastic commercialization and the UK’s transition toward a circular economy.
How to Apply
- Confirm that you meet the academic requirements and qualify for UK Home tuition fee status.
- Prepare information about your current level of study and academic background.
- Summarize any relevant experience in engineering, computational modeling, optimization, supply chain analysis, or sustainability research.
- Write a paragraph explaining your motivation to undertake the PhD project.
- Contact both project supervisors by email with your academic information, relevant experience, and motivation paragraph.
- Apply early because recruitment may close once the position has been filled.
Supervisor Contact Details
Dr. Samantha Islam Email: samantha.islam@manchester.ac.uk
Professor Paul Mativenga Email: p.mativenga@manchester.ac.uk
Documents Needed
Applicants should provide the following information when contacting the supervisors:
- Current Study Details: Information about the applicant’s present academic level.
- Academic Background: Details of completed or ongoing qualifications and relevant disciplines.
- Relevant Experience: A summary of research, technical, or professional experience related to the project.
- Motivation Paragraph: An explanation of the applicant’s interest in sustainable bioplastic supply chains and the proposed PhD research.
Important Notes
- The studentship is restricted to UK Home applicants.
- Funding covers 3.5 years of PhD study, including tuition fees and a tax-free stipend.
- The advertised stipend of £20,780 corresponds to the 2025/26 academic year and is subject to annual uplift.
- The project is funded through the Department’s new starter allocation.
- The research focuses specifically on nanocellulose production and sustainable biomass supply chains in the UK.
- The advertisement may be removed once the position is filled, regardless of the listed closing date.
- The project information lists September 2026 as the start date, while the advertised closing date is January 5, 2027. Applicants should verify the current recruitment timeline directly with the supervisors.