Application Deadline: 12^th August 2013
Start date: 2^nd September 2013
Supervisors: Professor Paul Shore
Duration of award: 3 years 

Industrially sponsored within the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing a studentship of up to £19,000 per annum (tax free) plus UK/EU fees* is available

We are seeking a high calibre engineering graduate to undertake an exciting research and development project leading to the creation of new rotational bearing systems. The created bearing unit will form a cornerstone of a plastic electronics reel to reel production system. This PhD vacancy is within the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Ultra Precision. This Centre is led by world leading researchers from Cranfield and Cambridge Universities and aims to develop the next generation of production machines, metrology systems and processes.

Industrial sponsorship is available to increase the EPSRC funding allowance up to a premium rate. All fees are industrially funded. A short period of industrial placement should be expected.

Nature of research project:
To investigate bearing designs (fluid films or active magnetic types) and to then create, build and prove an ultra-precision rotation unit applicable to future production systems that are capable of fabricating plastic electronic substrates in a reel to reel processing approach.

Entry requirements:
Suitable applicants will be expected to have a First or Upper Second Class honours degree in a relevant engineering, control or physics based discipline. Previous experience in tribology, precision motions and electro-mechanical systems will be of value.

Contact:
Please contact the following for further discussion:

• Professor Paul Shore (paul.shore@cranfield.ac.uk)
• Dr Paul Comley (p.comley@cranfield.ac.uk)

Funding:
*Applicants are eligible for a bursary of up to £19,000 for the duration of the award dependent upon qualifications and experience. This studentship will cover the tuition fees for qualified UK/EU students only. Non UK/EU students are required to pay Cranfield University Tuition Fees.

We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK. i.e. have no visa restrictions or applicant has “settled status” and has been “ordinarily resident” in the UK for 3 years prior to start of studies and has not been residing in the UK wholly or mainly for the purpose of full-time education. All EU nationals are eligible to receive a fees-only award if they do not have “settled status” in the UK.

How to apply
To apply, please click the Apply button below.