PhD Opportunities

CDT-ACM Background

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

The CDT is a collaborative endeavour between Imperial College London, University College London and Trinity College Dublin. In turn, for many of our projects, we partner with industry experts to deliver world leading training for our students. For more about the CDT see the ‘About the Centre‘ section of the website.

Application Process

We welcome applications from candidates for Autumn 2023 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. 

Application process:

1. Click the ‘Apply Now’ button at the bottom of this page to complete part one of the application process
2. Prepare 1 PDF file containing; a cover letter, your CV and academic transcripts. The file name should be in the format surname_firstname_CDTACM2023.pdf
3. Email your PDF file to team@cdt-acm.org.
4. In addition, you will need to request 2 referees to send references to team@cdt-acm.org. The references should be dated within the last six months and address your capability for PhD study. At least one should be an academic referee. References should be sent by the application deadline.

Applications are now open for the second round, the deadline for completed applications is 4 February 2023. If you applied in the 1st round and haven’t heard anything by Feb 4th, your application has not been successful. Unfortunately we will not be able to give feedback on applications due to the volume of applications recieved.

We offer diverse projects in line with our 5 thematic key areas.  A list of available projects in London can be found here, the list of projects in Dublin is available here. Additional projects will also be added to these lists over the coming days.

Funding & Eligibility

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

• The EPSRC funding covers the stipend and fees at Home-student rate as well as a research budget. As British citizen, Irish 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.
• For EU and UK students SFI funding covers fees and a stipend of €18,500 per annum together with a research budget for travel and consumables.  Applicants must have been resident in an EU member state for 3 out of the last 5 years to be eligible for full 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 evidence of ability to cover these costs 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

Interviews

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

Elwin Hunter

Studying my PhD as part of the ACM CDT not only provided me with valuable training courses and workshops on characterisation techniques, but also regular academic seminars, team activities, and discussions to help expand my interests, both inside and outside of research.