Computational and ML Modelling of Low Temperature Plasmas PhD (CoFunded with Industry) Ref: 5824

Supervisors

Dr Hussein Rappel, Department of Engineering, University of Exeter

Professor Gavin Tabor, Department of Engineering, University of Exeter

Low-temperature plasmas are central to advanced manufacturing but remain difficult to model and optimise. This PhD project, in collaboration with Oxford Instruments, addresses these challenges using modern computational and data-driven approaches.

The aim is to develop computational models that can be used to optimise the design and control of plasma atomic layer deposition equipment, improving performance, efficiency, and reliability. The student will develop physics-based computational models of plasma systems and use them to guide optimisation studies. This will be complemented by the investigation of data-driven and machine-learning approaches as faster alternatives for design and control. The work will involve numerical simulation, optimisation, and software development.

This fully funded PhD studentship / PhD scholarship is suitable for candidates with backgrounds or interests in engineering, physics, applied mathematics, computational modelling, or data science.

Full PhD funding is provided, covering tuition fees and a tax-free stipend for the duration of the programme.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply. International applicants need to be aware that they will have to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.  

The collaboration involves a project partner who is providing funding, this means there are special terms that apply to the project, these will be discussed with Candidates at Interview and fully set out in the offer letter.  The collaboration with the named project partner is subject to contract.  Please note full details of the project partner’s contribution and involvement with the project is still to be confirmed and may change during the course of contract negotiations.  Full details will be confirmed at offer stage.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics or related fields.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents.

•            CV

•            Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).

•            Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)

•            Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.

•            If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 31st March 2026.  Interviews will be held virtually / on the University of Exeter Streatham Campus in the week commencing tbc.

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided.

Please quote reference 5824 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary