PhD Research Studentships
Mechanics-Guided and AI-Enabled Design of Advanced Composite and Sustainable Materials
| Supervisor: | Wei TAN |
| Apply by: | 28 January 2026 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Dr Tan's group welcomes applications for PhD studentships under the CSC–QMUL joint scheme, starting in September 2026.
Dr Wei Tan’s group combines materials science, mechanics-based modelling, machine learning, and multiscale analysis to accelerate the design and optimisation of next-generation materials. The research focuses on developing physics-informed AI approaches to understand and design materials with enhanced self-healing, self-sensing, and sustainable performance, with applications spanning aerospace, energy, and biomedical engineering.
Research Areas of Interest
We welcome motivated candidates with backgrounds and interests in:
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Composite and architected materials
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Sustainable, self-healing, and self-sensing materials
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Mechanics of materials and structures
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Multiscale and computational modelling (e.g. FEM, phase-field methods)
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AI and data-driven materials design (e.g. surrogate modelling, digital twins, Bayesian optimisation)
The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art computational and experimental facilities, and will contribute to advancing the integration of AI and mechanics in the design of next-generation sustainable materials.
Funding
Funded by: China Scholarship CouncilCandidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
Eligibility
- The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
- If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
- Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).
Contact
For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Wei TAN.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Mechanical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-675" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Related website: | https://wtanlab.com/ | |
| SEMS Research Centres: | ||
| Keywords: | Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanics, Solid Mechanics, Structural Engineering, Polymers, Computational Physics |