Robotics for Inspection in Confined Steel Structures
The University of Manchester, in partnership with the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Net Zero (RAINZ CDT)—a collaboration between The University of Manchester, the University of Glasgow, and the University of Oxford—invites applications for a 4-year PhD Studentship titled “Robotics for Inspection in Confined Steel Structures.” Funding for this RAINZ CDT studentship is provided by EPSRC and National Highways (subject to final confirmation by the industry partner).
Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) are key enabling technologies for the UK’s Net Zero transition, particularly for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing infrastructure across renewables, nuclear sectors, and civil infrastructure such as National Highways assets.
Programme Structure (1+3 Year Framework): • Year 1 (Taught Component): All students spend the first year at The University of Manchester undertaking taught MSc studies and bespoke CDT training. Students must achieve an average mark of 65% or higher in MSc assessments to progress to the PhD research component. (Note: Summer period in Year 1 involves a CDT summer school rather than an MSc dissertation). • Years 2–4 (PhD Research Component): Students complete their PhD research project based at the host institution, complemented by cohort-wide training, research sprints, industrial engagement, and professional development in teamwork, sustainability, EDIA, wellbeing, and commercialisation.
Funding Package Includes: • Full coverage of tuition fees (Home student rate). • Tax-free annual stipend set at the UKRI minimum rate (£21,805 for 2026/27), increasing annually with inflation. • Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG) covering travel expenses, project consumables, conference attendance, secondments, and specialized research activities. • Access to additional CDT activity funding, institutional visits, specialized equipment purchases, and an accessibility support fund.]
[Eligibility Criteria: • Holds (or expects to achieve) a First or strong Upper Second-class honours degree (2:1 with a minimum 65% average), or international equivalent, in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a closely related discipline. • Funding covers tuition fees at the UK Home student rate.]
[Required expertise/skills: • Demonstrated evidence of programming experience and computational problem-solving abilities. • Background in robotics, autonomous systems, control, sensing, physics, or mechanical/electrical engineering. • Ability to work effectively within multi-disciplinary teams and cohort-based research environments.]
[Salary details: Tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum (2026/27 UKRI rate, increasing annually with inflation) plus full tuition fee coverage and RTSG research support grant.]
[Application Deadline: August 7, 2026]