Science and Engineering Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Forecasting Future Environmental Impacts of Photovoltaic (PV) Manufacture Using Machine Learning Techniques

11 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Swansea University

Department

Central

Research Field

Environmental science » Other
Engineering » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

United Kingdom

Application Deadline

27 Mar 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/London)

Type of Contract

Other

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

35

Offer Starting Date

1 Jul 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Science and Engineering: Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Forecasting Future Environmental Impacts of Photovoltaic (PV) Manufacture Using Machine Learning Techniques

This PhD will suit applicants who are keen to make a difference in how we utilise advanced materials in a sustainable economy. Applicants with undergraduate degrees in Environmental Science, Engineering, Maths or the Physical Sciences will be suited to the position. The research focus can be adjusted depending on the experience of the successful candidate.

This project tackles the challenge of predicting environmental impacts in solar panel manufacturing where the number of data sets available for some of the materials and processes are limited. This is critical to accelerate progress to lower emission manufacturing of renewable technologies.

The focus of the project will be to leverage innovative machine learning (ML) techniques adept at handling sparse information. The impact of data pre-processing techniques will be assessed with the aim of improving the accuracy of predictions. Databases of known materials will be used for validation.

The key objective is to develop a predictive model for cradle to grave environmental impacts of third generation PV which can adjust for different manufacturing location, policy decisions, economic situations etc. This is an ambitious target, and the objective will be split up into separate device components (eg substrate / electrode / active material) and lifecycle stages to enable the student to succeed in their studies even if they are only able to achieve a portion of the model.

This research aims to pioneer adaptable methodologies, providing actionable insights for sustainable PV manufacturing. By creatively leveraging available data and embracing adaptive approaches, the project aims to contribute to sustainable practices within developing manufacturing industries.

 

Requirements

Research Field

Environmental science » Other

Education Level

Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Other

Education Level

Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship (i.e. a student who is eligible to pay the UK rate of tuition fees) but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements.

Specific Requirements

Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency. 

Applicants with undergraduate degrees in Environmental Science, Engineering, Maths, or the Physical Sciences will be suited to the position.  

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations . 

Additional Information
Benefits

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £18,622 for 2023/24) for four years.

Additional research expenses will also be available.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship (i.e. a student who is eligible to pay the UK rate of tuition fees) but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements. Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency. 

Applicants with undergraduate degrees in Environmental Science, Engineering, Maths, or the Physical Sciences will be suited to the position.  

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations . 

Selection process

Please see our website for more information.

Website for additional job details

https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/mechanical-enginee…

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Swansea University

Country

United Kingdom

City

Swansea

Postal Code

SA2 8PP

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/mechanical-enginee…

Contact

City

Swansea

Website

https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/mechanical-engineering-su-strip5-phd-forecasting-2023-rs573.php?utm_source=euraxess&utm_medium=scholarship&utm_campaign=postgraduate24&utm_content=pgr

Street

Singleton Park

Postal Code

SA28PP

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED