PhD Studentship: PhD in an Integrated Intelligent Safe Environment (IISE) in the Nuclear Industry

Overview

This PhD studentship focuses on a project titled Integrated Intelligent Safe Environment in the Nuclear Industry, hosted within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Birmingham. The nuclear sector is increasingly looking to use robotic and autonomous systems to lower worker exposure in hazardous locations, raise productivity, and build operational resilience.

Current safety methods usually demand physical separation, exclusion zones, or reduced operating modes, which restricts human and robot coexistence in complex operations. The research addresses these barriers by developing technologies, methodologies, and assurance frameworks that allow humans and robots to work together safely and efficiently in a shared environment.

Requirements

Applicants need to hold a first degree classified at first class, or an equivalent qualification, in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence or a closely related discipline. Furthermore, holding an MSc in robotics or a related area is listed as highly desirable.

The studentship is open to both UK fee payers and international students.

What you get

The provided funding covers the complete cost of tuition fees and supplies a stipend to support living expenses over the course of the studies.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send an email to Dr Steve Davis. The submission must include a curriculum vitae along with a brief statement of no more than half a page explaining how the position relates to the applicant's background and experience.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 2026-11-15.