A fully funded, industry-embedded PhD with Rolls-Royce and AMIC at Queen’s University Belfast. This project aims to revolutionize the design, optimisation and procurement of prismatic parts by turning manufacturing into a real-time, algorithmic, AI-driven process. Includes £26,780 annual stipend.

Important Information

Overview

Queen’s University Belfast, in strategic partnership with Rolls-Royce and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), invites applications for a transformative fully funded PhD studentship. This project aims to disrupt the traditional design and procurement lifecycle of repeatable prismatic parts by turning the world of manufacturing into an algorithm, enabling instantaneous design-for-manufacture, optimisation and supply chain execution.

This project aligns directly with AMIC’s mission to propel the Northern Ireland manufacturing sector toward world-leading, productivity-driven innovation—with QUB providing a research environment ranked among the top in the UK for engineering excellence (REF 2021).

Project Aim

The PhD seeks to build an AI-driven, algorithmic manufacturing ecosystem—similar in spirit to how Uber revolutionized on-demand transportation—by creating a unified digital workflow for design optimisation and procurement.

Core Objectives

1. Transform Manufacturing into an Algorithmic Process
   Encode manufacturing constraints (tolerances, scrap rates, cost, energy use, CO₂ emissions) into computable, real-time rule systems.

2. Develop AI-Driven Model-Based Definition (MBD) Toolkits
   Build adaptive, constraint-aware MBD frameworks capable of self-evolving based on manufacturing feedback.

3. Integrate Virtual, API-Based Supply Chain Interfaces
   Create a virtual supply chain ecosystem that consumes MBDs and feeds back real-world performance data.

4. Advance Workforce Skills and Knowledge Transfer
   Support AMIC’s strategy for upskilling engineers in digital manufacturing and algorithmic design methods.

Key Research Themes

This interdisciplinary project blends:

• Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering – design-for-manufacture, materials, precision engineering

• Artificial Intelligence & Computer Science – algorithm development, ML models, adaptive toolkits

• Manufacturing Systems & Supply Chains – integrated digital workflows, data-driven procurement

• Sustainability & Industrial Strategy – reducing emissions, minimising energy use, circular manufacturing

The research contributes directly to the HVMC Smart Design Network, the national Model-Based Enterprise agenda, and Queen’s Strategy 2030.

1. Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills

• AI-driven optimisation

• Physics-based modelling

• Algorithmic constraint translation

2. Digital & Data Proficiency

• Manufacturing data interpretation

• Sensor log analytics

• Supply chain metrics integration

3. Software & Programming

• ML/AI frameworks

• CAD/MBD software

• API development

4. Systems Integration

• Digital thread implementation

• Interlinking design, production and procurement systems

5. Innovation & Commercial Awareness

• Real-world industry engagement

• Translating research to production environments

Impact & Career Opportunities

Graduates of this PhD will become leaders in:

• Advanced Manufacturing & Aerospace
  (Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Wrightbus, OEMs, tier-1 suppliers)

• AI & Digital Innovation
  (digital twins, intelligent manufacturing systems)

• Supply Chain Strategy & Transformation

• Research, Academia & Innovation Centres
  (AMIC, HVMC, Catapult Networks)

• Policy & Industrial Strategy Advisory Roles

This PhD equips students for high-impact careers with strong industrial relevance and national-level strategic importance.

Environment & Research Culture

The School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at QUB offers:

• Over 100 active PhD researchers

• Access to world-class facilities like HPC clusters, additive manufacturing labs, robotics, smart factory testbeds

• Strategic partnerships with Rolls-Royce, Wrightbus, and other global firms

• A rich postgraduate community with mentoring, workshops, industry exposure, and leadership training

Funding Information

This fully funded studentship includes:

• £20,780 annual stipend (DfE base maintenance grant)

• £6,000 annual top-up for industry collaboration

• Total stipend: £26,780 per annum

• Tuition fees fully covered for eligible students

Eligible Applicants:

• UK nationals

• ROI nationals

• EU nationals with settled / pre-settled status
  (Subject to specific DfE residency criteria)

Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold:

• A UK Upper Second-Class Honours degree (or equivalent)

• Background in engineering, design, computer science, manufacturing, or related fields

• Strong interest in AI, MBD, supply chains, or digital manufacturing

• Programming, modelling, or CAD experience (advantageous)

English Language Requirement

For applicants whose first language is not English:

• IELTS 6.0 overall (no component below 5.5)

• Scores must be within the last 2 years

Pre-sessional English courses are available via INTO Queen’s University Belfast.

Contact

Supervisor:
Dr Joe Butterfield
Email: j.butterfield@qub.ac.uk

Applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor before applying.

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