University: Swansea University
Country: United Kingdom
Deadline: 2025-08-20
Fields: Materials Science, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computational Mechanics
Are you passionate about pioneering the next generation of materials for smart vehicles and looking to launch your research career at the forefront of engineering innovation? If advancing soft robotics and multifunctional materials excites you, Swansea University’s fully funded PhD studentship in Electro-Active and Magneto-Active Elastomers for Smart Vehicle Applications offers an exceptional opportunity to make a real impact.
Soft and flexible materials, such as polymers and hydrogels, are revolutionizing science and technology across diverse sectors, from flexible electronics to robotics. This PhD project, based at Swansea University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, aims to push the boundaries of what is possible with electro-active polymers (EAPs) and magneto-active polymers (MAPs), specifically targeting transformative applications in smart vehicles.
About The University Or Research Institute
Swansea University, located on the picturesque Bay Campus in the United Kingdom, is internationally recognized for its excellence in research and innovation. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is home to cutting-edge laboratories, advanced simulation software, and collaborative industry partnerships, creating an inspiring environment for ambitious researchers. With a strong reputation in engineering and materials science, Swansea offers a vibrant academic community and access to state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring an outstanding foundation for your doctoral studies.
Research Topic and Significance
The project centers on the synthesis and characterization of novel polymeric composites that exhibit high actuation responses under electric and magnetic fields. Electro-active and magneto-active polymers are at the core of a technological shift towards soft robotics, enabling large-scale, flexible actuation such as stretching, bending, and twisting. These materials hold the promise to surpass conventional hard robotics, unlocking new functionalities in smart vehicles—such as adaptive tread patterns, aerodynamic surface modifications, noise cancellation, and tunable mechanical properties.
Also See
- PhD and Postdoctoral Opportunities in Polymer Science and Energy Systems at EPFL
- PhD Studentship in Electrically Responsive Smart Materials for Biomedical Soft Robotics at…
- Europe – Postdoc in Mechanical Properties of Cemented Carbides at University of Luxembourg
- UAE – Postdoctoral Research in Geomechanical Modeling at New York University Abu Dhabi
- Canada – PhD in Polymer Science at École de technologie supérieure
Addressing the challenge of developing composites with superior actuation, this research is directly aligned with the future of automotive design, sustainability, and intelligent systems. The outcomes could have profound implications for mobility, safety, and performance in next-generation vehicles.
Project Details
Supervised By Dr. Mokarram Hossain And Professor Eduardo De Souza Neto, This PhD Project Will Provide Hands-on Experience In Synthesizing And Testing Advanced Polymer Composites. The Research Involves
– Creating and characterizing composites (e.g., natural rubbers with conductive fillers)
– Conducting microscopic and rheological analyses
– Performing mechanical tests, including viscoelastic and fatigue-fracture assessments
– Evaluating actuation performance under varying electric and magnetic fields
– Targeting applications in smart vehicles: tread pattern modulation, aerodynamic surface changes, noise/vibration reduction, and tunable hardness
The successful candidate will have access to state-of-the-art fabrication techniques such as 3D/4D printing, advanced electro-mechanical testing rigs, and the latest computational simulation tools. The studentship is funded for 3.5 years and includes additional research expenses.
Candidate Profile
Applicants Should Have a Strong Academic Background And a Keen Interest In Materials Science, Engineering, Or Related Disciplines. The Ideal Candidate Will Possess
– An undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or a closely related science field
– A passion for polymer science, materials engineering, or computational mechanics
– Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
– Motivation to work on interdisciplinary projects with real-world impact
– Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
International and UK applicants are welcome. For non-UK qualifications, please consult Swansea University’s Country Specific Entry Requirements. English language proficiency is required (IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, or recognized equivalent). Some applicants may need ATAS clearance, but it is not required at the application stage.
Application Process
The application deadline is 20 August 2025. To apply, candidates must complete the entire application form available at:
https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/engineering-industry-partner-phd-2025-rs876.php
This scholarship covers full tuition fees, an annual stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), and additional research expenses. Project start dates are 1 October 2025 (for home fee-eligible applicants) and 1 January 2026 (for home and international fee-eligible applicants).
Conclusion
If you are eager to contribute to groundbreaking research in soft materials and smart vehicle technologies, this fully funded PhD at Swansea University could be your gateway to a rewarding academic and professional future. Don’t miss this chance to join a leading research team and make a tangible difference in the field of engineering. For more opportunities in your area of interest, explore similar positions below.
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