Part-Time PhD Opportunity in Control Systems and Robotics

Nuclear Inst; Manchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Manchester invites applications for a part-time PhD position in the Control Systems and Robotics Group. The PhD lasts 70 months with a 60/40 research/teaching split, offering exposure to both advanced research and academic teaching in a leading university environment.

The funded project is aligned to control theory, robotics, autonomous systems, and related applications across sectors such as nuclear, aerospace and energy.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills and motivation for doctoral research.
• Interest in contributing to teaching activities within the university.
• Background in control systems, robotics, autonomous systems, mechatronics, or related areas.

Responsibilities

• Conduct 60% research and 40% teaching as part of the PhD role.
• Engage in group activities and contribute to both research and teaching.
• Collaborate with supervisors and other staff within the Control Systems and Robotics Group.

Skills

Analytical skills

Motivation for doctoral research

Education

First-class or 2:1 degree in engineering/robotics or related discipline

Job description

Applications are invited for a part-time PhD position within the Control Systems and Robotics Group at The University of Manchester.

This PhD will be undertaken over a total period of 70 months and will combine research and teaching responsibilities. The role will be structured as approximately 60% research and 40% teaching, providing the successful candidate with an excellent opportunity to develop both their research expertise and academic teaching experience within a leading university environment.

The research project will be based within the Control Systems and Robotics Group. The Group offers a strong and growing research environment, combining fundamental expertise in control systems with applied robotics research aimed at real-world industrial and scientific challenges. The group’s strengths include control theory and applications, process monitoring and diagnostics, robotics for extreme environments, autonomous systems, sensing, localisation, navigation, path planning, optimisation, and decision-making. Its work is strongly connected to sectors such as nuclear, aerospace, automotive, energy, pharmaceuticals, and process industries, providing excellent opportunities for impactful and interdisciplinary research. The group also benefits from Manchester’s wider robotics ecosystem, including the Centre for Robotics and AI, which brings together engineering, computer science, AI, ethics, and industry-facing research to address major societal and technological challenges.

The specific research topic and supervisory arrangements will be defined according to the interests, background, and preferences of the successful applicant, as well as the availability and expertise of academic staff within the group. The lead supervisor will be a member of the group with capacity to supervise additional PhD students and with research expertise aligned to the proposed area of study.

We welcome applications from motivated candidates with a strong interest in control systems, robotics, autonomous systems, mechatronics, or related areas. The successful applicant will join an active and collaborative research environment and will contribute to both the research and teaching activities of the group.

Funding and residency

This PhD will be undertaken over a total period of 70 months and will combine research and teaching responsibilities. This PhD project is fully funded; students who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) plus a salary which will bring the annual income to a minimum of £27,107 per annum. We expect the stipend to increase each year. Tuition fee costs will be covered by School of Natural Sciences.

Applicants must be eligible for Home fee status.

Occasionally, international applicants may also be eligible for consideration where they meet the residency requirements for part-time study. This would typically include overseas applicants holding a Dependant Visa or a Global Talent Visa for duration of the PhD programme.

Please note that most international students require a Student Visa, and unfortunately UKVI regulations do not permit part-time study under this visa route. As a result, the majority of overseas applicants will not be eligible for part-time study. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact the Faculty of Science and Engineering Doctoral Academy Admissions Team at [e-mail].

Eligibility and requirements

Applicants should normally hold, or expect to obtain, a first-class or a very strong upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate or master’s degree in engineering, robotics, control systems, computer science, applied mathematics, or a closely related discipline. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, motivation for doctoral research, and an interest in contributing to teaching activities within the university.