Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Candidate (Fixed Term) (ENG29525)

Karlstad University; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned educational institution is inviting applications for two PhD positions in Materials Engineering, funded by Horizon Europe. Candidates will focus on bioactive glass coatings and titanate coatings for implants. Applicants must have a master's degree in a relevant field and possess strong communication skills in English. These full-time roles are fixed term, starting in September/October 2026, with a salary expected to be in excess of £36,000 per annum and potential for additional financial benefits.

Qualifications

• Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant field.
• Must have awareness of bioactive glasses and coatings for implants.
• Experience in research communication is required.

Responsibilities

• Development and optimization of bioactive glass coatings.
• Characterization of titanate coatings for implants.
• Conduct research with industry and academic partners.

Skills

Familiarity with bioactive glasses and thermal coating processes

Background in Materials Engineering

Ability to communicate and present research

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in Materials Engineering or related field

Job description

Applications are invited for 2 PhD positions ("Doctoral Candidates") to be funded by the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska‑Curie doctoral network “CUSTOM” (Customized Porous Structures and Advanced Testing for Orthopaedic Implants). This Doctoral Network is a collaboration with an extensive European Network of academic and industry institutions funded by the Horizon Europe Programme of the European Commission.

At University of Nottingham, there are two PhD positions available:

• DC7: Development and Optimisation of Bioactive Glass Coatings on Titanium Implants
• DC8: Advanced Titanate Coatings for Porous Titanium Implants

Further information on the consortium and vacancy descriptions can be found at: https://hecustom.eu

Key requirements for these roles are:

• Familiarity with bioactive glasses and thermal coating processes (for DC7) or familiarity with producing and characterising titanate coatings (for DC8)
• A background in Materials Engineering
• Ability to communicate and present research
• Proficient in England and able to collaborate extensively with industrial and academic parties in regular meetings and work visits

Candidates must have a master’s degree in Materials Engineering or related field

Applicants need to fully respect three eligibility criteria (to demonstrated in the Europass CV)

• Early‑stage researchers (ESR) are those who are, at the time of recruitment by the host, in the first four years (full‑time equivalent) of their research careers. This is measured from the date when they obtained the degree which formally entitles them to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate was envisaged.
• Conditions of international mobility of researchers: Researchers are required to undertake transnational mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment. At the time of selection by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.
• English language: Network fellows (ESRs) must demonstrate that their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English is sufficiently high for them to derive the full benefit from the network training

These are full time positions and will be offered on a fixed term basis, financed for a period of three years starting September/October 2026.

The successful candidate will receive an attractive salary in line with the MSCA regulations for doctoral candidates (PhDs). The exact salary will be confirmed upon appointment depending on eligibility and is expected to be in excess of £36,000 per annum. The candidates may be eligible for additional financial payments and allowances depending upon their eligibility under the MSCA regulations.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Ifty Ahmed, email: [e-mail] . Please note that applications sent directly through to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 16 Feb 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)