Simulating sustainable packaging

The University of Manchester is offering a fully funded 3.5-year PhD project focused on simulating sustainable packaging using advanced techniques for optimizing granular and complex fluid materials. The research aims to reduce packaging material while enhancing density and performance, with applications in various industries. Candidates should have a relevant degree and are encouraged to contact the supervisor before applying. The position is located in the United Kingdom.
This project focuses on developing advanced simulation techniques to optimise the sustainable packaging of granular and complex fluid materials through virtual prototyping. By coupling the open-source software MercuryDPM for discrete particle modelling with oomph-lib for the simulation of complex fluids, the research will create a powerful framework for fluid-particle interaction. A key objective is to reduce the amount of packaging material required while maintaining or improving packaging density, stability, and performance. Virtual prototyping will enable the design and testing of efficient, sustainable packaging strategies without the cost and waste of physical trials. With applications in industries like pharmaceuticals, food processing, and construction, the project may also incorporate machine learning methods for model calibration and optimisation, driving more sustainable material handling and packaging practices.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded and home students are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualificationsInterim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progressCVSupporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)English Language certificate (if applicable)If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

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