RAINZ CDT PhD Studentship in Robotics & AI for Net Zero – University of Oxford

University of Oxford

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Description

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Net Zero (RAINZ) is a premier partnership between the University of Manchester, the University of Oxford, and the University of Glasgow. This program is dedicated to overcoming technical and cultural barriers in Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) to accelerate the UK’s transition to Net Zero energy.  

We are looking for curious and motivated graduate engineers and scientists to join this mission. Students within the RAINZ CDT play a vital role in advancing decarbonization efforts, specifically focusing on the inspection, maintenance, and repair of infrastructure in nuclear and renewable energy sectors (including wind, solar, and hydrogen).  

Programme Structure (1+3 Years)

The RAINZ CDT follows a "1+3" model designed to build both technical expertise and professional skills:  

• Year 1 (Taught Phase): All students spend their first year at the University of Manchester. You will undertake taught MSc studies and specialized CDT training. Progression to the PhD phase requires an average grade of 65% or higher in MSc assessments.  
• Years 2–4 (PhD Research): You will move to your host institution—in this case, the University of Oxford—to conduct your primary research. This phase includes cohort-wide training in teamwork, industrial engagement, commercialization, and wellbeing.  
• PhD Project: Long-Term Autonomous Asset Maintenance
• This specific project focuses on the "Long-term autonomous monitoring and maintenance of assets." As industries move toward unmanned inspection, robots face failures due to dynamic environments, positioning errors, and a lack of data for predictive modeling.  
• The goal of this PhD is to develop robust predictive models for robot navigation, mapping, and locomotion. You will work on identifying atypical robot behavior and designing mitigation strategies, such as changing locomotion gaits or replanning missions in real-time. The research involves data collection, simulation, and field trials to improve mission reliability in the energy sector.  

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this studentship, applicants must meet the following requirements:  

• Academic Standing: A First or strong Upper Second-class honors degree (2:1 with at least a 65% average) or an international equivalent.  
• Subject Areas: Degrees should be in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related discipline.  
• Technical Skills: Applicants must demonstrate clear evidence of programming experience.  
• Residency: This specific project is open to Home students.  

Funding Coverage

Successful applicants receive a comprehensive 4-year studentship which includes:  

• Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees at the Home student rate.  
• Living Stipend: A tax-free stipend set at the UKRI minimum rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), which increases annually.  
• Enhanced Stipend: Through the UK Government’s TechFirst program, Home applicants for this cohort receive an additional £10,000 per year on top of the minimum stipend.  
• Research Support: A grant to cover travel, conference attendance, project consumables, and professional secondments.  
• Accessibility Fund: Additional funding is available to support students with specific needs, such as caring responsibilities.  

Application Process

• Interested candidates must apply through the official RAINZ CDT website.  
• Application Deadline: Friday, 15 May 2026, at 5:00 pm.  
• Start Date: Monday, 21 September 2026.  
• Inquiries: Informal questions can be directed to the program office via email at rainz@manchester.ac.uk.