Nonlinear Structural Dynamics: Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Design and Fabrication of a MEMS sensor (RS815)

Funding provider: EPSRC

Subject areas: Nonlinear Structural Dynamics, Numerical Analysis, Optimisation 

Project start date: 1 October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September) 

Supervisors: Dr Saber Azizi, Professoer Hamed Haddad Khodaparast and Dr Hadi Madinei 

Aligned programme of study:  PhD in Mechanical Engineering  

Mode of study: Full-time  

Project description: 
This project will be conducted at Swansea University, utilising the world-class facilities of the MEMS Excellence Centre, which is renowned for its cutting-edge research in microelectromechanical systems. The study focuses on the fundamental design, analysis, optimisation, and investigation of nonlinear dynamics in MEMS sensors, with a particular emphasis on enhancing sensitivity through nonlinearity. 

The objective of the project is to thoroughly examine the influence of factors such as geometry, noise sources, and nonlinearities on critical performance parameters, including bandwidth, resolution, sensitivity, and operational range. 

The primary application of the research is in biomedical engineering, specifically in the development of MEMS-based sensors for robotic surgery. Robotic surgery imposes stringent requirements on sensor design, demanding high precision, robustness, and resilience to challenging conditions, such as mechanical vibrations and dynamic forces. The project aims to design, simulate, and fabricate MEMS sensors that meet these exacting standards, advancing the capabilities of existing sensor technologies. 

The final phase involves comprehensive testing of the fabricated MEMS sensors to ensure compliance with performance, reliability, and durability standards for use in surgical robotics. These tests will confirm the sensors’ ability to operate accurately and consistently under demanding conditions. 

By enhancing the understanding of nonlinear dynamics and applying it to practical sensor design, the project is expected to deliver significant contributions to the field of biomedical engineering, improving the reliability and precision of robotic surgery systems. 

Due to funding restrictions, this Scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations.

Applicants for PhD must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline.  See – Country Specific Information for International Applicants 2025  

English Language

IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £20,780 for 2025/26).

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information

1. Course choice– please select (Full Time) Mechanical Engineering/ PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October
2. Start year– please select 2025
3. Funding (page 8 on the application process)–

In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application. In this case, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS815 MEMS Sensor'

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying. Please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University-led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University-led research scholarship awards.

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.  

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):

• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.
• One reference (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Confirmation of EDI form submission

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Dr Saber Azizi Saber.Azizi@Swansea.ac.uk 

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co-funding of a scholarship project is applicable