Design for the Circular Economy: Whole lifecycle strategies for policy and sustainable design of waste electrical and electronic equipment

Summary

This project focuses on sustainable design/engineering solutions and offers the successful candidate the opportunity to develop new approaches for 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 a global perspective, linking original research with global challenges and partnership building from a design, engineering, or cognate discipline.

Applicants will undertake research that initiates new ways of working in sustainable re-use and the circular economy, recycling, policy document review and design, or innovative design solutions that can bring real benefits to society and commerce.

This is a cross-disciplinary design and engineering project with the opportunity to benefit 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, through our collaborations with relevant industries, and our extensive workshops and studios.

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 of 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.

Essential criteria

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.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement demonstrating interest in the subject area
• Research proposal of no more than 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• International applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to a distinction at Ulster
• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience or knowledge of research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project

Equal Opportunities

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.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD scholarships are available for this project to all applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile, and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

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, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.