The Department of Materials at The University of Manchester is offering a fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship under the research theme AI for Engineering. The studentship is available to candidates who qualify for UK Home fee status and is expected to commence in October 2027.

The successful candidate will receive full tuition fee coverage together with an annual tax-free stipend at the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) rate of £21,805 for the 2026/27 academic year, with anticipated annual increases.

The PhD project offers significant flexibility and will be jointly developed by the student and the academic supervisor based on the candidate’s academic background, research experience, and interests. Potential research directions include:

• 3D body scanning and anthropometric measurement
• Garment fit evaluation
• Cloth simulation
• Digital twins
• Wearable sensing technologies
• Smart textiles
• Artificial intelligence methods for clothing and human body data analysis

The project provides an opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, materials, digital technologies, and advanced manufacturing. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the project supervisor before submitting a formal application and provide an up-to-date CV for discussion. Early applications are recommended, as the advertisement may be withdrawn before the closing date.

[Eligibility Criteria]

• Applicants must be eligible for UK Home fee status.
• Candidates should possess, or expect to obtain, a strong academic background in a relevant discipline.
• The studentship is not available to overseas applicants unless they satisfy UK Home fee status requirements.
• Applicants are encouraged to contact the project supervisor before applying and submit a CV for preliminary discussion.

[Required expertise/skills]
Applicants should have knowledge or academic background in one or more of the following areas:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Vision
• Computer Graphics
• Machine Learning
• Robotics
• Wearable Technologies
• Textile Engineering
• Fashion Technology
• Digital Fashion
• Human Body Modelling
• Related engineering, computing, or materials disciplines

A strong interest in interdisciplinary research combining AI, digital technologies, textiles, and materials engineering is desirable.

[Salary details – if available]

• Fully funded 3.5-year studentship.
• Annual tax-free UKRI stipend of £21,805 (2026/27 rate).
• Full tuition fees covered for eligible UK Home fee status students.
• Stipend is expected to increase annually.

[Application Deadline – if available]
30 July 2026.

Application Link