Are you a STEM student looking for your next career move?
We're seeking PhD candidates who are passionate about shaping the future of medicines manufacturing.
Applicants with a background in chemistry, physics, pharmaceutical sciences, materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, data science, or related fields are invited to take on our exciting PhD opportunities.
Why choose CMAC?
Top research institutions – Based at the University of Strathclyde, with opportunities at Leeds, Sheffield, and Imperial College London.
World-class training and technologies – Access to state-of-the-art processing and digital technologies, including AI, robotics, and augmented reality.
Industry experience – Gain hands-on experience through placements with leading pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, Chiesi, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Takeda and UCB.
Global networking – Present your research at international events and build connections across academia and industry.
What is CEDAR?
CEDAR is an 8.5-year programme funded by an EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in cyber-physical systems for medicines manufacturing.
Developed in collaboration with CMAC’s industry partners, CEDAR aims to train the next generation of leaders in sustainable medicines manufacturing and is focused on three research themes:
Molecule-to-material design and manufacture
Particle to product design and manufacture
Product design to patient
This PhD programme will train 90 researchers to transform the pharmaceutical and technology sectors by equipping them with multidisciplinary skills to accelerate the development of new medicines—faster, more sustainably, and cost-effectively.
With a collaborative, cohort-based approach spanning multiple institutions, CEDAR will equip students to tackle the challenges of bringing life-saving drugs to patients while driving innovation in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Research challenges
While each student focuses on their individual project, you will also collaborate within a team to tackle a shared research challenge. These Research Challenge Teams (RCTs) consist of cross-disciplinary groups of students, academics, and industry partners. Designed to foster innovation and creativity, RCTs ensure a rich exchange of ideas and expertise.
When applying, you will be asked to select your project preference from the research challenges below.
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Optimization of Nanoparticle Synthesis and Characterization for Enhanced Precision and Functionality (University of Strathclyde)
Metallic Nanoplatforms for Rapid Theranostic Treatment in Pancreatic Cancer (University of Strathclyde)
Rational Design of Polymer-Based Theranostics for Cancer Therapy (University of Strathclyde)
Model-Based Design and Manufacture of Lipid Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapies (University of Strathclyde)
Advancing Lipid Nanoparticle Characterization: Unveiling Structural Dynamics (University of Leeds)
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Impact of Solution Components on Solid Form Outcome (University of Strathclyde)
Crystallisation Screening DataFactory for Nucleation/Growth Control in the Presence of Impurities (University of Strathclyde)
Rationalizing Agglomeration Propensity: Influence of Solvent and Impurities (University of Strathclyde)
Model-Based Digital Design of Nucleators for Seed Particle Generation (University of Strathclyde)
Mixing-Driven Nucleation in Non-Similar Solvents (University of Strathclyde)
Hybrid Physics-Machine Learning Framework for Computationally Efficient Spatiotemporal Modelling of Continuous Flow Crystallisation (Imperial College London)
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Manufacturability Prediction from Tableting DataFactory Tools to Commercial Scale Tableting Equipment (University of Strathclyde)
A Feedability Cyber-Physical System to Predict Commercial-scale Feeding Performance (University of Strathclyde)
Commercial-scale Modelling to Understand Process-induced Material Changes (University of Sheffield)
Application of X-Ray CT to Map Physical Mechanisms Across Length Scales During Pharmaceutical Tablet Manufacture (University of Leeds)
Evaluating Local Gastrointestinal Performance and Analytical Characterisation of ASD Formulations (University of Strathclyde)
A "Simple" Cyber-Physical System to Predict Disintegration in vivo (University of Strathclyde)
Last year, we launched our 2024 CEDAR Research Challenge Teams!
Since then, our cohort has been working in cross-disciplinary teams on research projects cantered around shared themes, fostering innovation and creativity. Bringing together students, academics, and industry partners, these teams continue to drive collaboration and exchange expertise.
How to apply
The application deadline is 10 April 2025.
Complete the online form: Click the “apply now” button to fill out the application form directly online.
Prefer working offline? Download the template, fill it out, and copy your answers into the online form before submitting.
No CVs: CVs WILL NOT be accepted. Ensure all required information is entered in the form.
Next steps
We will update you on the status of your application within one month of the application closing date. Please note that the CEDAR team can issue conditional offers. However, if you are successful, you will need to apply through the University’s system before receiving an unconditional offer letter. The CEDAR team will inform you of this requirement.
Read about how we process your data by reading our Privacy Notice.
Funding and eligibility
The studentships cover home tuition fees, research/training costs, and provide a monthly stipend for 4 years (minimum annual stipend of £20,780, tax-free).
Entry requirements:
A minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline.
An MSc is desirable.
For international students whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in any element) is required.
Eligibility:
UK nationals, Irish nationals, applicants with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, and those with indefinite leave to remain in the UK are eligible for home fees.
International candidates are welcome to apply, but spaces are limited due to funding restrictions.
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