Computer Science: Fully Funded EPSRC I-CASE PhD Scholarship: Model-Driven Engineering for Industry: Sustainable Digital Frameworks to Support Deployment of Autonomous Analytics in Knowledge Intensive Manufacturing Environments

EPSRC funded Industrial CASE PhD Studentship in Model-Driven Engineering for Industry: Sustainable Digital Frameworks to Support Deployment of Autonomous Analytics in Knowledge Intensive Manufacturing Environments

Start date: 1 October 2019

Supervisors:

- Professor Arnold Beckmann (Department of Computer Science, Swansea University)
- Dr Christopher Hughes (Tata Steel Research & Development)

The Department of Computer Science at Swansea University invites applications for a 4 year PhD studentship, jointly funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (under the ‘Industrial CASE’ scheme) and Tata Steel.

As recognised widely the manufacturing industry is being challenged by digital transformation. Smart steel processing in particular requires the development of future proved steel manufacturing processes that combine traditional methods with smart manufacturing via digital transformation. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Cyber-Physical Systems and Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) will play a crucial role in the design, development and maintenance of such complex systems. MDE will be critical in understanding the underlying systems’ complexity and connecting the required modelling methodologies and tools.

This PhD project will apply Model-Driven Engineering in the context of a specific industrial setting within Tata Steel’s (co-sponsor) environment. The aim is to develop a prototype digital framework based on MDE with the long-term aim to support autonomous decision making. Furthermore, many of Tata Steel’s manufacturing processes are knowledge intensive. Another goal will be to enable the framework to capture those. The background for the PhD project will be given by the Industrial Internet Reference Architecture (IIRA) for Industrial Internet of Things systems, and the Reference Architecture Model for Industrie 4.0 (RAMI4.0).

Candidates will need to show experience in (a combination of) the following skills:

- Strong background in modelling of systems, or related concepts of theoretical computer science like formal languages.
- Proficient programming skills, in particular related to model transformation or similar (e.g. compiler design and programming)
- A desire to apply computer science concept in an industrial setting.

The studentship will include an internship period at Tata Steel.

Eligibility
Candidates must have a first or upper second class honours or a Master’s degree with Merit, or a combination of qualifications and/or experience equivalent to that level. Ideally, candidates should have a BSc or MSc degree in computer science.

Candidates should be strong programmers, and experience in modelling, compiler design and programming, or formal methods will be greatly valued.

For candidates whose first language is not English, we require IELTS 6.5 (with 6.0 in each component) or equivalent. Please visit our website for a list of acceptable English language tests. We prefer candidates to have already met the English Language requirements at the point of application, although this is not a requirement.

Studentships funded by EPSRC are subject to UK/EU residency eligibility.