University Of Liverpool Invites Applications For 11 Phd Studentships In AI, Robotics & Materials Chemistry | Stipend £20,780 | Apply Before 8th April 2026

As the global demand for AI-driven research, Net Zero technologies, and high-performance materials continues to rise, the University of Liverpool (UK) has announced fully funded PhD studentships for 2026 under its prestigious EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Digital and Automated Materials Chemistry.

This opportunity is open to UK, EU, and international students, offering cutting-edge research training at the intersection of chemistry, robotics, automation, data science, and artificial intelligence.

About the PhD Programme

The EPSRC CDT in Digital and Automated Materials Chemistry (DAMC) is designed to train the next generation of cross-disciplinary researchers capable of transforming both industrial R&D and academic science.

Students will develop expertise in:

• Robotic and automated experimentation

• Digital materials discovery

• AI-driven chemical reasoning

• Physical and computational materials science

Training takes place at the Materials Innovation Factory, the largest industry–academia co-location in UK physical sciences, providing unparalleled exposure to real-world research environments.

Why This PhD Matters Now

The programme directly responds to:

• The Net Zero challenge

• Growing need for sustainable, high-performance materials

• Rapid advances in AI, robotics, and quantum computing

Graduates from this CDT are equipped to make a transformative impact on society, whether in academia, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, or data-driven R&D sectors.

Available PhD Research Projects (2026 Intake)

Applicants can choose from 10+ interdisciplinary research themes, including:

• Automated Virtual and Physical Screening of Molecules for Application in Optoelectronics Devices
• Autonomous, On-Demand Manufacture of Polymer Nanomaterials in Continuous-Flow
• A Fast Validation of the Symmetry Principle for Molecular Synthesisability
• Crystal Structure Generation by Constrained Combinatorial Sampling
• Digital Exploration of Sulfur-Polymer Development
• Discovering New Materials in the Laboratory with Automated Reasoning and Explainable AI
• Introducing Temperature and Disorder into Digital Materials Discovery Workflows
• Molecular Modelling and Data-Driven Discovery of Sustainable Home-Care Products
• Real Time Mixing Control in Flow Chemistry
• Putting a (Better) Brain in the Mobile Robotic Chemist
• Discovering CO₂-capture materials using robots and ‘Hive Mind’ hybrid intelligence 

More projects will be announced – applicants are advised to check the official website regularly.

Funding & Financial Support

What the Studentship Covers:

• Full Home Tuition Fees

• Maintenance Grant: £20,780 per year

• Duration: 48 months (4 years)

• Research Training Support Grant (conferences, consumables, travel)

UKRI funding rates for 2026–27 will be confirmed later.

International Students:

• Open to UK, EU & International applicants

• EPSRC does not cover international fee difference

• Limited additional scholarships available for outstanding international candidates

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Background:

• Master’s degree (or expected) in:

  • Chemistry

  • Engineering

  • Materials Science

  • Physics

  • Computer Science or related fields

Exceptional candidates with a First-Class Bachelor’s degree may also be considered.

English Language (International Applicants):

• IELTS 6.5 overall

• No band below 5.5

• Equivalent qualifications accepted

Application Process

• Review the CDT “How to Apply” guide carefully

• Apply as early as possible

• Each studentship has its own deadline

• Positions remain open until a suitable candidate is found

Deadline varies by project – latest applications close by 8 April 2026

Additional Support

Applicants with disabilities may be eligible for:

• Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

• Covers additional support costs during doctoral study

Key Details at a Glance

• Funding For: UK, EU & International Students

• Funding Amount: £20,780/year + fees

• Mode: Full-Time

• Start Date: October 2026

• Posted On: 9 January 2026

• Application Deadline: 8 April 2026