About the Project
Johnson Matthey [JM] makes formulated products, catalysing the net zero 
transition. These are heavily characterised and tested during product development 
and manufacturing. The move towards better process efficiency, product control and 
increasing digitisation of manufacturing plant leads inexorably to a need for 
improved on-line measurement, and real time process modelling. However, analytics 
of these data is insufficient to fully optimize the processes. The focus of this 
project is to integrate available physical models with available process data to 
create real time inverse models (i.e. digital twins) that are suitable for 
advanced process control needs of JM, with a focus on the crystallisation of 
existing products. The EngD student will work as an integral part of the process 
measurement and control group enabling the digitisation drive across JM 
manufacturing. The EngD researcher will play a key role within this team; the role 
will primarily be modelling focused but will require the development of a deep 
understanding of instrument design and practical experimental skills. The 
researcher will obtain training and practice in a wide range of skills critical to 
the future “digital chemical engineer” in an exciting and growing group, and an 
opportunity to work with a world leading formulation business and gain a unique 
range of mathematical, engineering and digital skills.

To apply please email your cv to cdt-formulation@contacts.bham.ac.uk. 
Informal enquiries can be sent to t.abadie@bham.ac.uk and/or e.lopez-
quiroga@bham.ac.uk. 
This projects is open to UK students. For details on the Engineering Doctorate 
scheme visit the homepage: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/chemical-
engineering/postgraduate/eng-d 

Funding Notes
EPSRC supported EngD Project. To be eligible for EPSRC funding candidates must 
have at least a 2(1) in an Engineering or Scientific discipline or a 2(2) plus 
MSc.