PhD Opportunities

Applications for the 2022 intake are now open

The CDT-ACM programme trains new scientists to become experts in the application of Advanced Analytical Techniques for Materials Development. It offers training in the application of state-of-the-art characterisation techniques for materials challenges in five thematic key areas of societal importance:

  1. Energy Materials
  2. Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine
  3. Engineering Materials
  4. Electronic and Magnetic Materials
  5. Instrumentation & Technique Development

Each research project will involve experts from at least two of the universities, and you will spend time at all sites during your research and training. You will also undertake a placement for at least one month at a leading international university, research institute or industrial partner. Specially designed training modules in characterisation will be interwoven with your PhD research project, and you will also receive professional development training. Students will take taught courses at the London universities during the first three months of their training, and will spend two weeks in Dublin afterwards for further training.

The world-leading research that you will be involved with will be closely linked with real-world applications, as the projects will be aligned with the priorities of our network of industrial partners. On graduation you will be ideally qualified to follow a career path either in academia or industry. Our training philosophy is that our graduates will provide the innovation and creativity required to lead the world in the development, characterisation and manufacture of new materials, making a significant contribution to the quality of life of future generations.

A list of projects available for autumn 2022 is available by following the links below:

Application Process

We welcome applications from candidates for the Autumn 2022 entry. Ideally, you will hold, or be expected to achieve, a Master’s degree or a 4 year undergraduate degree at 2:1 level (or above) in a relevant subject, e.g. Material Science, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical Engineering.

You will apply for a position at the London universities (jointly), Trinity College Dublin or an industry project (UK based). If you wish to apply to both Ireland and the UK, you will need to submit two separate applications. You will not choose a specific project at this stage unless you are applying for an industry sponsored project where you should specify your chosen project in your cover letter.

  1. Click the ‘Apply Now’ button below to complete part one of the application
  2. Prepare 1 PDF file containing; a cover letter, your CV and academic transcripts. The file name should be surname_firstname_CDTACM2022.pdf
  3. Send your PDF file to the relevant email address below:
    ● For UK based projects (Imperial, UCL and industry) team@cdt-acm.org.
    ● For Trinity College Dublin projects cdtacm@tcd.ie
  4. Instruct 2 referees to send references to the relevant email address (as above). Your referees should include your full name in the subject of their email.

The deadline for completed applications is 17 December 2021.

Apply now

Funding and Eligibility

The CDT is funded by the EPSRC (UK) and the SFI (Ireland) respectively.

  • UK: EPSRC funding covers a tax-free stipend (approx. £17,000) and fees at Home-student rate as well as a research budget. As British citizen or EU student with settled or pre-settled status, who has resided in the UK for the past 3 years, you are eligible for the Home-student rate. For more information on settled status go to the gov.uk website.
  • Ireland: SFI funding covers a stipend and EU-student rate fees as well as a research budget. Applicants must have been resident in an EU member state for 3 out of the last 5 years to be eligible for funding through this programme.

You can still apply if you do not fall under these categories but you will need to cover the difference in fees. We require information on how you will cover this at the application stage. For up to date information on postgraduate research fees go to the university websites: UCL, Imperial College London or Trinity College Dublin.

Interview and Beyond

We will email those candidates shortlisted in early January. Interviews will take place in January and February. Successful candidates will choose a project after discussions with supervisors. Once we have confirmed your project choice, you will need to apply to the university of your lead supervisor. We will help you with this process.

Joshua Bailey

Being part of the CDT-ACM was an all-round fantastic experience; I not only received great training in a range of advanced characterisation techniques, but I also made strong links with industry and strong bonds with my cohort which have both led to fruitful collaborations.