Advanced multi-metal additive manufacturing for future energy and technology systems

Supervisors: Dr Negar Gilani and Professor Richard Hague 

The Centre for Additive Manufacturing (CfAM) research group within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham, recognised as one of the world’s leading centres for additive manufacturing research and development, invites applications for a fully funded PhD programme.

PhD project description

Metal additive manufacturing is transforming how complex components are designed and produced. This PhD project focuses on Molten Metal Jetting (MMJ), an emerging metal 3D printing technology that enables the precise fabrication of multi-material metallic structures with reduced material waste and minimal post-processing. At CfAM we have developed the first and unique multi-material MMJ platform capable of printing two metals within a single build at microscopic resolution. This process offers strong potential for applications in clean energy, electronics, and other advanced technologies.

The PhD will focus on extending this technology to high-melting-point metals and alloys which are required for demanding engineering applications. You will contribute to the design, modelling, and development of a high-temperature crucible and droplet ejection system, capable of operating reliably under severe thermal and chemical conditions. This will involve a combination of computational modelling, system design, and experimental testing to develop and optimise the printing process. The project will also involve the fabrication and characterisation of 3D multi-material metal structures with particular emphasis on understanding interactions between dissimilar materials at the microscale. 

This research will be conducted within a wider multidisciplinary team comprising academics, postdoctoral researchers, and technical staff using the world-leading facilities available at CfAM. 

The project is both industrially relevant and of strong scientific interest, offering the successful candidate opportunities to engage with industrial partners, develop new skills across multiple disciplines, and disseminate research outcomes at national and international conferences.

Candidate requirements

• First or upper second-class academic qualification in engineering or physical sciences or a related discipline
• Some experience with coding, e.g. MATLAB or LabVIEW would be beneficial
• Familiarity with multiphysics simulation tools is desirable
• Evidence of creative thinking and the ability to work independently
• Industry experience is advantageous

Eligibility and funding

Fully funded studentships including a minimum tax-free stipend are available for home fee-eligible students. International students are welcome to apply, however due to funding restrictions only exceptional candidates, for example those with first-author publications, can be considered. 

How to apply

Please email a copy of your covering letter, CV, and academic transcripts to Dr Negar Gilani at negar.gilani@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note applications without academic transcripts will not be considered.

Closing date: applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is appointed. Early applications are encouraged.

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, and caring community. We encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds. The Faculty of Engineering was the first in the UK to be awarded an Athena SWAN Gold Award in recognition of our commitment to supporting and advancing women’s careers in engineering.