This project focuses on developing sustainable design solutions and offers the successful candidate the opportunity to develop new approaches dealing with waste electrical and electronic equipment sustainability problems which can include policy-driven solutions, new technology or knowledge transfer schemes, new information sets in design and engineering, and innovation in the circular economy. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals who can demonstrate an interest in the sustainability change agenda from local and international perspective, linking original research with global challenges and partnership building form a design, engineering, or cognate discipline.
Applicants will be able to propose and undertake research initiating new ways of working whether in sustainable creative practice, re-use and the circular economy, recycling, policy document review and design, or innovative design solutions that can bring real benefits to society and/or commerce. Good design can change behaviours and a user-centred approach to problem-solving we believe will ultimately provide for a more sustainable future.
This is a cross-disciplinary design and engineering project which benefits from relevant co-supervision in a related discipline in other parts of the University. The successful candidate will take a key role in developing cutting-edge research in the design and engineering disciplines with access to the latest international research through the library’s extensive academic resources and networks and through our collaborations with relevant industries. This is an internationally relevant project and links with other institutions and research centres will be supported and encouraged.
Day to day research will involve the generation and testing of new ideas, the introduction of new models, and development of new prototypes within the broad spectrum design and engineering research. The successful applicant will have dedicated desk space, full access to many world-wide academic research databases, an annual stipend and access to supplementary support funds as well as ongoing supervision support and further training through Ulster’s Doctoral College and alignment with the AHRC Green Transition Ecosystem project.
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.
We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.
In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.
Appointment will be made on merit.
The University offers the following levels of support:
The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:
These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.
Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.
Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.
The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).
This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.
Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living
Braungart, M., & McDonough, W., Cradle to Cradle, Vintage, London, 2009
Fry, T., Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethics and New Practice, Berg, Oxford, 2009
Orr, D.W., The Nature of Design: Ecology, Culture, and Human Intention, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2002
Penty, J., Product Design and Sustainability: Strategies, Tools and Practice, Routledge, London, 2020
Wahl, D.C., Designing Regenerative Cultures, Triarchy Press, Axminster, 2016
Walker, S., The Handbook of Design for Sustainability, Bloomsbury, London, 2013
Submission deadline
Monday 26 February 2024
04:00PM
Interview Date
Weeks commencing 18 March and 15 April 2024
Preferred student start date
16 September 2024
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