CMAC has secured a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) grant funded by UKRI to launch the new CEDAR programme.

CEDAR is an ambitious 8.5 year programme funded by a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) grant from UKRI, developed in collaboration with industry partners.

This ground-breaking CDT is set to revolutionise the pharmaceutical and technology sectors by addressing critical skills needs within the industry.

CEDAR will train 90 future leaders with the multidisciplinary skills essential for advancing next-generation, sustainable medicines manufacturing.

By developing novel Cyber-physical systems that harness the power of digital technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics and augmented reality, CEDAR will deliver the talent pipeline of future leaders who can help to bring new medicines to patients, faster, more sustainably and cost effectively.

Multidisciplinary doctoral-level learning combining digital, pharmaceutical, and engineering skills will be achieved through cohort-enabled educational elements. The multi-institutional, cohort-based collaborative culture will equip students with the skills to lead in addressing the challenges in bringing life-saving drugs sustainably to patients. The increasing complexity of medicines requires team players combining a multidisciplinary mindset with well-developed technical, communication and leadership skills.

The training is primarily delivered within Year 1 and includes an exciting CPS Living Lab Team project. You will develop a systems thinking in medicines development and manufacturing that considers economic, social, and environmental aspects, whilst building a strong, cross-cutting knowledge of the dynamic medicine manufacturing landscape and advanced in digital transformation of manufacturing as well as comprehensive array of transferable skills.

We are delighted to be able to offer PhD projects aligned with the following topics:

• Topic 1: Cyber-physical systems (CPS) for Molecule to Material Design & Manufacture

• Topic 2: CPS for Material to Product Design & Manufacture

• Topic 3: CPS for Product Design to Patient

Entry Requirements and Application Process

We are looking for motivated candidates with a background in chemistry, physics, pharmaceutical science, material science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and/or computer science, or similar, to undertake these projects. You will need to have a passion for learning and research as well as collaboration across disciplines and with industry.

The offered studentships cover home tuition fees, research/training costs, and provide a monthly stipend for 4 years. Eligible candidates for home fees include UK nationals, Irish nationals, applicants with settled or pre-settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme, and those with indefinite leave to remain in the UK. We also welcome applications from international candidates.

To apply please send a copy of your CV and Cover Letter to skills@cmac.ac.uk. Please note that Full Time and Part Time opportunities are available.

In your application, please specify your preference for CEDAR topic(s) (i.e., Topics 1-3) and host institution (i.e., University of Strathclyde, Leeds, or Imperial College). Note: we will endeavour to offer candidates their first preference and will contact you with further details on availability in