PhD Studentship: Healthcare Circularity Engineering

This project is an exciting opportunity to undertake industrially linked research delivered through the University of Birmingham in partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). It is based within the Sustainable Manufacturing Group (SMG) in the School of Engineering’s Mechanical Engineering Department. The SMG reimagines manufacturing to reduce energy consumption, decarbonise industrial processes, create greener products and minimise the accelerating consumption of society.

This fully funded 3-year full-time studentship is available only to UK nationals. The successful applicant will receive a generous tax-free annual stipend of £25,000, full-time home tuition fees paid, and £2,000 per year for consumables and travel. Funding from MTC requires passing their security checks before starting the PhD.

The PhD Project

The NHS, as the UK’s largest employer, generates over 150,000 tonnes of waste annually, much of which is incinerated. This project aims to embed circularity in healthcare waste management by focusing on waste prevention, extending product lifespans, and reducing unnecessary consumption. By targeting high-value plastics and metals for recovery and prioritising higher-order waste interventions, the research seeks to cut costs, lower emissions, and enhance recycling. The outcomes will support the UK Government’s Design for Life roadmap and provide evidence-based recommendations for more sustainable NHS practices.

The student will conduct a detailed review of waste management strategies for the healthcare sector, culminating in a sensitivity analysis of the most impactful areas to reduce waste, improve circularity, and retain value for the NHS. The best strategies to recover high value plastics and metals will be investigated as case studies to assess viability, environmental and economic impacts. The results will be published as recommendations supporting the UK government’s design for life roadmap.  

Who we are looking for

We would like to see applicants with a strong interest in healthcare, sustainability and whole systems thinking who:

• Have a first or upper-second-class degree in an appropriate discipline such as engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, medicine, maths or environmental science.
• Thrive in a professional environment as part of a wider team.
• Have an inquisitive mind for research and proactive approach to problem solving.
• Can produce high-quality presentations and written reports.
• Are willing to challenge conventional approaches in a constructive and evidence-based manner.

The MTC is an independent Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) focused on accelerating disruptive technologies in UK manufacturing. Supported by the government, it partners with industry and research bodies to drive innovation across all UK manufacturing sectors, from SMEs to large global manufacturers. For more information, please visit the MTC website: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/centres-institutes/research-in-mechanical-engineering/sustainable-manufacturing-group

At Birmingham, researchers benefit from excellent people, facilities, and collaboration. As a top 100 global university, Birmingham addresses major global challenges and positively impacts lives. The University Graduate School supports both PGR and PGT students, fostering an interdisciplinary community and providing access to high-quality support and advice for an outstanding postgraduate experience.

Contact

Informal inquiries should be sent to Dr. Andrew Garrick at a.j.h.garrick@bham.ac.uk or Dr Edward Cant at e.cant@bham.ac.uk.

Closing Date: 27th February 2026

Proposed PhD Start Date: 5th October 2026

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