The University of Edinburgh in Scotland offers a variety of PhD programs across diverse research areas. Below is a curated list of 19 exciting PhD opportunities, complete with summaries, application deadlines, and links to apply. Explore these programs and take the next step in your academic journey!
Interested candidates can apply through the University’s Online Application Portal. You can also check more PhD positions here
Funding
Applications are invited from students who are self-funded or those seeking scholarships from the University of Edinburgh or other sources.
All Available Positions (Please click on specific project to view details)
1. Vibration Data and Physics for Adaptive Structural Health Monitoring
This PhD focuses on developing adaptable models for long-term structural health monitoring. It addresses the challenges of time-variant structural evolution by capturing interdependencies between environmental/operational variabilities and damage sensitivity features.
Application Deadline: July 27, 2025
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2. Theory of Clustering in Binary Mixtures with Competing Interactions
Explore the mechanisms of clustering and microphase separation, with applications in nanomaterials and pharmaceutical crystallization. This research also investigates membraneless organelles in biological cells.
Application Deadline: August 31, 2025
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Interested in More PhD Positions? Follow links below
- 17 Fully-Funded PhD Positions at The University of Queensland
- Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship
- 10 Fully Funded Graduate Teaching Assistantship Opportunities at Johannes Kepler University
- 27 Fully-Funded PhD Opportunities at MacDiarmid Institute in New Zealand
- Curtin University RTP Scholarships for Postgraduate Research Students
- 11 Fully-Funded PhD Opportunities at Aalborg University Denmark
- NHR Graduate School PhD Scholarships 2025
3. Mechanics of Early Human Development
Investigate the role of mechanical forces in human embryo development using advanced mechanobiology techniques. This project addresses the unexplored interactions of mechanical forces during early developmental stages.
Application Deadline: 04/02/2026
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4. Nucleate Boiling on Patterned Liquid-Like Surfaces
Study nucleate boiling, a heat transfer process involving vapor bubble formation on hot surfaces. This project explores how patterned surfaces can enhance boiling efficiency for applications in HVAC and power generation.
Application Deadline: 11/11/2025
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5. Molecular Simulation of Phase Separation in Amino Acid Carbon Capture Solutions
Research aqueous amino acid salts (AAS) for carbon capture, focusing on phase separation to reduce regeneration energy. This project highlights AAS advantages like low toxicity and high stability.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
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See also: 15 Fully Funded PhD Scholarship Opportunities at University of Bergen, Norway
6. Modelling Particles Subject to Permanent Plastic Deformations
Extend simulation frameworks to study plastic deformation in granular systems. This project evaluates the role of plasticity and the accuracy of elasto-plastic contact models.
Application Deadline: 30/11/2025
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7. Metamaterials for Oil/Water Separation
Develop hydrophobic mechanical metamaterials using foams for oil-water separation and material de-fouling. The project explores strain as a switch to control liquid passage and particulate release.
Application Deadline: 11/11/2025
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8. Machine Learning for Polymer Blending Optimization
Use machine learning to optimize polymer blends for specific performance properties, targeting applications in industries like electronics and extreme-condition environments.
Application Deadline: 31/12/2025
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9. Energy Sustainability of AI Data Centers
Develop real-time strategies to minimize the carbon footprint of AI data centers. This cross-disciplinary project uses machine learning and optimization to integrate data center operations with energy networks.
Application Deadline: 01/09/2025
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10. Heat Integration for Whole System Flexibility
Investigate heat integration techniques for industrial processes, district heating, and residential solutions. The project focuses on thermal storage, waste heat recovery, and heat pump technologies.
Application Deadline: 31/12/2025
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See also: CYD Doctoral Fellowships in Switzerland 2025
11. Engineering Sex-Differences to Improve Science
Explore sex-specific differences in liver function using liver organoids and microfluidic technology, focusing on hormonal profiles and blood flow dynamics.
Application Deadline: 04/02/2026
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12. Energy Efficient Processing of Thermoplastic Composites
Research recyclable thermoplastic composites for lightweight applications across industries, emphasizing their environmental and economic benefits over thermoset composites.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
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13. Electrolytes in Zinc Ion Batteries
Develop advanced electrolytes for zinc-ion batteries, addressing challenges like dendrite formation and ion mobility to enhance safety and affordability compared to lithium-ion batteries.
Application Deadline: 24/11/2025
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14. Dropwise Condensation and Heat Transfer on Patterned Liquid-Like Surfaces
Study dropwise condensation for efficient heat transfer in applications like HVAC and refrigeration, optimizing surface conditions to enhance system efficiency.
Application Deadline: 30/11/2025
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Check also: 21 Fully Funded PhD Positions at University of Nottingham
15. Droplet Dynamics on Topographically Patterned Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Surfaces
Investigate droplet interactions with lubricated, structured surfaces for applications in microfluidics, medical diagnostics, and printing, using experimental or computational approaches.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
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16. Droplet Dynamics on Patterned Liquid-Like Surfaces
Research friction’s impact on droplet motion for applications in microfluidics, self-cleaning, and heat transfer, addressing open questions in fluid mechanics.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
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17. Designing Structured Surfaces with Superwettability Properties
Develop surfaces with controlled wettability for applications in coatings, electronics, and microfluidics, combining surface chemistry and structural design.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
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Check also: Finland Government Scholarships
18. Design and Testing of Microflyers for Environmental Monitoring
Create small flying sensors for distributed sensor networks to monitor natural disasters and remote areas, addressing challenges in extending airborne time.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
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19. Cryogenic Power Electronics for Superconducting Drivetrains
Investigate power module design and gate driving strategies using wide-bandgap semiconductors for cryogenic environments, optimizing for high current and thermal management.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Apply Now
Check also: 36 Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Sustainable Development and Climate Change
How to Apply
Eligible candidates with a Master’s degree can submit their applications through the University of Edinburgh’s Online Application Portal. Ensure you review specific program requirements and deadlines before applying.
