London South Bank University - Mechanical Intelligence Research Group

Qualification Type: PhD

Location: London

Funding amount: See advert for details

Hours: Full Time

Closes: 10th March 2025

This is an exciting 3-year PhD opportunity within the Mechanical Intelligence (MI) Research Group at

LSBU. The successful candidate will receive tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend set at the

UKRI rate for the duration of the project. The project is set to begin in April 2025.

Project Overview

The global market for telescopic mechanisms—integral to robotics, aerospace, and consumer

electronics—is projected to exceed ?13 billion by 2027, growing at over 10% annually. Despite this

growth, current systems are hindered by weight, complex actuation mechanisms, and limited

adaptability, which restrict their use in dynamic environments.

This project aims to revolutionise these systems by developing Telescopic Mechanisms, inspired

by the remarkable mechanics of foldable biological systems. The goal is to deliver lightweight

telescopic structures with interesting properties, such as multistability and high folding ratios,

setting new standards in adaptive engineering.

Training and Development Opportunities

The PhD candidate will benefit from a wide range of training and skill development opportunities,

designed to equip them for a successful career in academia, industry, or research-intensive roles.

The candidate will also engage in team-based research, contributing to collaborative projects and

gaining skills in managing and mentoring other students. This holistic training experience will

uniquely position the candidate to play a leading role in the translation and application of research

in critical emerging technology areas.

About the MI Lab

The Mechanical Intelligence (MI) Research Group at LSBU provides a uniquely diverse and

interdisciplinary environment, fostering collaboration between experts in engineering,

biomechanics, materials science, and robotics. The group specialises in translating bioinspired

principles into innovative engineering solutions, focusing on lightweight, adaptive designs inspired

by the natural world.

The MI Lab is equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including a range of advanced 3D printers,

imagine tools, and state-of-the-art testing devices. It is a hub for innovation and high-impact

research, attracting collaboration with leading institutions globally.

As part of LSBU, the MI Lab contributes to the university’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and

inclusion in research. LSBU was ranked third in the world for reducing inequality in the 2024 Times

Higher Impact Rankings, reflecting its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive research

culture.

How to Apply

Before applying, please contact the supervisor, Dr. Hamed Rajabi (rajabijh@lsbu.ac.uk). In your email,

include:

* Details of your current level of study and academic background.

* A summary of any relevant experience.

* A brief paragraph about your motivation for pursuing this PhD project.

This advert will remain open until the position is filled, but we encourage applicants to apply early to avoid missing this exciting opportunity.