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Engineering Doctorate Bristol Composites Institute & NCC

About The Role
The University of Bristol and University of Nottingham are offering projects for doctoral studies starting in September 2026 with a focus on the creation of sustainable and efficient solutions for the design of composite structures. We offer Engineering Doctorate (EngD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) qualifications, with the main distinction being that EngD students will spend up to 75% of their time conducting research at the location of their industrial sponsor. The CDT was launched in 2024 and follows on from five previous successful CDT in Bristol Composites Institute (BCI). The training will focus on you becoming a future leader, with doctoral level qualifications, and the skills and expertise to address the design, manufacture and assurance of composite products. You will follow a taught programme that provides an in-depth knowledge of composite materials and their use, with a focus on sustainability and the circular economy, whist conducting cutting edge industrially relevant research. A structured professional development programme tailored to individual aspirations will support your future career in either industry or academia.

We are seeking highly motivated and committed individuals with an eye on the future, who are interested in conducting stimulating and essential, industrially relevant, research and have a passion for finding sustainable solutions. There are many challenges in understanding the behaviour of composite materials and structures, so the projects seek to develop new manufacturing routes, design concepts, analysis procedures and development of new solutions.

Type of award: Engineering Doctorate

Research focus areas: Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Design Engineering, Research group Bristol Composites Institute

Scholarship Details: An enhanced stipend of £27,805 for 2026/27, a fee waiver and generous financial support for research and training for the successful candidates.

Duration: 4 years

Eligibility: Home/permanent UK residents only subject to security clearance

Start Date: January 2027

Candidate Requirements: Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum a 2:1 MEng or merit at Masters level or equivalent in engineering, physics or chemistry. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree and performance at interview.

Closing Date: 30^th July 2026

At the NCC there are 2 EngD studentship projects where the student will spend 75% of their studies located in industry here at the NCC:

Project 1 - EngD on Artificial Intelligence for Systems Engineering https://www.bristol.ac.uk/composites/cdt-sustainable-composites-engineering/opportunities/#P6 (supervised by Andy Patterson)

Project 2 - EngD on Adaptive Manufacturing https://www.bristol.ac.uk/composites/cdt-sustainable-composites-engineering/opportunities/#NCC2 (supervised by Jon Butt)

To apply

To apply please submit a personal statement, outlining your experience and why you are interested in the EngD project, your CV and transcript of results to https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/. Please include the project title in the project description field and select EngD in Composites Manufacture. Please enter Professor Janice Barton the Director of the CDT as the 2^nd supervisor ([email protected]) and indicate that the funding is provided by the CDT in Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering.

For more information on other EngD and PhD projects with the University of Bristol please visit: FindAPhD : Opportunities in the EPSRC Centre in Doctoral Training (CDT) in Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering at University of Bristol
Notes/Brief for Recruitment Team:
About The Company
Who are NCC?

NCC is a world-leading innovation organisation that turns cutting-edge research and technology into industrial impact.

What we do

We help manufacturers take on bigger challenges - whether that’s building cleaner aircraft, scaling up offshore wind, or strengthening the UK’s supply chains. We’re here to deliver practical outcomes, not prototypes that sit on shelves.

Who we work with

We work across 16 sectors, from defence and energy to infrastructure and space. Some projects are with global tier 1s, others with small UK firms solving one specific problem - the works always varied, and always real.

What it’s like here
We’re not a startup. We’re not a corporate. We’re a national centre with the kit, time and people to do the job properly. The teams are focused, the thinking is sharp, and you’ll be trusted to get on with it.

Why this job matters
This role isn’t just internal support - it’s part of how we deliver nationally important work. If we do our job right, the UK’s manufacturers can do theirs better.

Not sure you meet all the requirements? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs if they think they may not meet every qualification, when in fact they often do. At the NCC we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

We ensure that all hiring decisions are made without regard to age, race, national origin, sex, disability, gender, gender identity, religion, or any other protected characteristics, and will treat all applications with the strictest confidence. We’re always open to hearing how we can support flexible working in different ways, including part-time work. Please don’t be afraid to ask about what we can do to support your needs including alternative ways to apply. Please contact [email protected]. All requests will be carefully and fairly considered. We wish you every success in your job search.