Doctoral training
Centre for Metamaterial Research and Innovation Doctoral Training Programme
The doctoral training at the Centre for Metamaterial Research and Innovation supports all our Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) on the programme in developing their specialist and broader scientific knowledge. The centre and the university offer opportunities for training and experience across a wide range of transferrable and technical skills to prepare them for careers across academia, industry and elsewhere.
Our PGRs work in a cohort-based collaborative environment in a forward-thinking community of academic, industrial, and governmental partners harnessing research excellence and developing cutting edge solutions for real-world applications. The CMRI and it’s aligned academics have an enviable track record of grant success and taking the lead in national and international metamaterials networks and funded projects such as MetaHUB and the UKMMN.
We are looking for people who have a passion for science, with ambition to apply their own ideas, perspectives, and their personal skillset – within a welcoming, flexible and inclusive environment.
We are keen to welcome applications from the widest range of qualified applicants.
The CMRI is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all staff, students and visitors feel respected and valued. Read more about Inclusivity
Launch your research career with the CMRI
Work alongside world-leading researchers and industry partners, access specialist training and state-of-the-art facilities, and help develop innovative metamaterials technologies with real-world impact. Explore our current PhD opportunities to find a project that matches your interests and ambitions.
Research and knowledge exchange
To provide a platform for experience exchange, we have a yearly PGR Presentation Conference for first and second year CMRI PGRs to present to all cohorts. This is an opportunity for students to learn about each other's projects as well as enhancing their presentation skills and providing support for each other in their professional development.
There are also various social activities for PGRs for example: games nights and a Christmas social. These are PGR-driven initiatives.
The CMRI has a Director for Post-Graduate Researchers who works with the Centre Manager to support our PGRs. We have all-cohort meetings where PGRs can contribute to ideas and decisions that they are involved with.
CMRI PGRs are expected to attend colloquia, talks, and events during their PhD.
There are colloquia opportunities across CMRI, Physics, Engineering, MetaHUB, and other university departments where national and international experts present the latest developments in the wider science and research communities. These events will be advertised across email, Viva Engage, websites and other platforms.
Our PGRs also have access to talks and events run by the UK Metamaterials Network (UKMMN) and MetaHUB colloquia.
"The Centre is unique because they give you a lot of freedom to go to conferences; they are always supporting you to help you become a real professional"
- Joaquin Faneca
"The training in presentation skills has been really useful and I feel much more confident talking in front of people"
- Josh Hamilton
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"I applied for a PhD as, towards the end of my degree, I became passionate about my Master's research project. I was drawn to the CMRI because of its cohort-based approach and the training it provides in preparation for a career that may be outside of academia. I particularly enjoy having the opportunity to regularly interact with senior academic staff and always find this insightful."
- Harry Penketh
"The CMRI PhD programme is unique because we are given the opportunity to get into the lab and do research using state-of-the-art equipment from day one. The research and academic staff are incredibly supportive and are real experts in their fields. During my PhD I have gained experience across a wide variety of experimental techniques, preparing me well for a career in academia or industrial research."
- Eloise Lee