PhD Studentship : Towards Sustainable Powertrains: Enabling High Motor Performance without Rare Earth Materials and Energy intensive Manufacturing Processes

This project offers an exciting opportunity to undertake cutting edge research in electrical machines within the globally renowned Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) Research Institute, University of Nottingham. The project will be supported by the state-of-the-art electric motor manufacturing line and testing platform at PEMC.

Motivation

As the mass transportation sector is moving towards electrification, the sustainability of the electrified powertrains becomes increasingly critical. Traditional electrical machines, particularly high-speed permanent magnet motors, often rely on heavy rare-earth materials and energy-intensive manufacturing processes. These machines dominate current electric powertrain solutions but pose challenges in terms of resource supply chain, recyclability, and embedded carbon footprint. As future mobility demands motors with higher efficiency, reduced lifecycle impact, and compatibility with evolving drivetrain architectures, there is a clear need for new machine concepts that align with Net Zero targets without compromising torque-speed performance.

Aim

This PhD project aims to develop a new generation of electric machines optimised for sustainability across the full lifecycle from material sourcing and manufacturing to end-of-life recycling. The research will explore rare-earth-free topologies, including wound-field and reluctance-based architectures. The focus will be on integrating scalable, low-energy manufacturing techniques such as preformed windings (e.g., hairpin winding) and additive manufacturing. Life cycle assessment will guide design choices, balancing performance goals and carbon footprint reduction. This research aims to deliver practical, high-performance motor solutions aligned with the sustainability requirements of future transport systems.

Funding

• 3-year PhD tuition fee (for UK home or international students) fully funded.
• A competitive Tax-free annual stipend for 3 years

Requirements

• The candidate should have a 1^st class degree (BEng or MEng/MSc) in electrical/mechanical engineering.
• Expertise in numerical electrical machine design tools (Ansys, JMAG, .etc) as well as corresponding scripting skills are desirable.
• Experience in electrical machine prototype development would be advantageous.

Eligibility and Application

• The position is open for both UK home and international candidates.
• PhD Start date: 1 October 2025 
• Application deadline: 10 June 2025

For further information please email Dr. Tianjie Zou: 

tianjie.zou@nottingham.ac.uk.

Facilities

The PEMC Institute is home to Driving the Electric Revolution Midlands Industrialisation Centre and the UK Electrification of Aerospace Propulsion Facilities, which have received over £20m of funding in the last three years. This 5000m² institute with state-of-the-art facilities for research into electrification technologies, hosting 21 academics, 60 post-doctoral researchers and over 80 PhD students, will be made available for this project. The university actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. 

Please apply here https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx

When applying for this studentship, please include the reference number (beginning ENG and supervisors name) within the personal statement section of the application. This will help in ensuring your application is sent directly to the academic advertising the studentship. 

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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