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

University of Nottingham; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in the United Kingdom is inviting applications for two PhD positions in Materials Engineering, focusing on bioactive glass coatings and advanced titanate coatings for titanium implants. The positions are funded by the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral network and require a master’s degree in a related area. These full-time roles will start in September/October 2026 and offer an attractive salary exceeding £36,000 per annum, with opportunities for additional financial support. Candidates must be proficient in English and willing to meet international mobility criteria.

Benefits

Attractive salary

Financial payments and allowances if eligible

Qualifications

• Early-stage researchers should be within the first four years of their research careers.
• Must demonstrate ability to undertake transnational mobility for the role.
• Must possess high proficiency in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize bioactive glass coatings for titanium implants.
• Create advanced titanate coatings for porous titanium implants.

Skills

Bioactive glasses familiarity

Thermal coating processes knowledge

Research communication skills

Collaboration with industrial parties

Proficient in English

Education

Master’s degree in Materials Engineering or related field

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Nottingham Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 16 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer 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 characterizing 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.