We are always interested in hearing from motivated students and researchers who would like to work with the lab on robotics, embodied intelligence, autonomous systems, AI for extreme environments, and space-related technologies. Our work is highly interdisciplinary and often sits across robotics, machine learning, computer vision, control, digital twins, advanced manufacturing, and autonomous systems for safety-critical applications. We welcome enquiries from strong candidates with backgrounds in computing, engineering, mathematics, physics, or related disciplines.

We welcome applicants who can demonstrate:

• a strong academic background in a relevant discipline
• interest in rigorous research with real-world impact
• strong analytical, mathematical, or programming skills
• motivation to work across theory, experimentation, and application
• curiosity, initiative, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively

To enquire, email: d(dot)hao(at)leicester(dot)ac(dot)uk

(replace (dot) with . and (at) with @)

Joining DANiLab is about more than a project — it’s the people, the kit, and the freedom to turn ambitious ideas into real systems. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Cutting-edge facilities at your fingertips. Get hands-on from day one with our robots, hardware and lab — collaborative robotic arms, quadruped robots, a full-size humanoid, 3D printing and rapid prototyping, and more.

Computing from your desk to the UK’s most powerful supercomputer. You’ll have a full stack of compute to work with: dedicated local AI workstations, the University of Leicester’s ALICE high-performance computing cluster, and — through national allocations — Isambard-AI, the UK’s most powerful AI supercomputer. If your idea needs serious horsepower, we have it.

A thriving research ecosystem. You won’t just be part of our lab — you’ll be plugged into a wider community, including Space Park Leicester, the Institute for Space, and the Trustworthy Autonomous Systems group, working alongside leading researchers and industry partners across AI, robotics and space.

A friendly, flexible place to do great work. We keep things collaborative, supportive and refreshingly relaxed — flexible working, an open-minded PI who genuinely backs your ideas, and a team that has each other’s backs. You’ll be trusted to explore, and supported whenever you need it.

Talk to us before you apply. The best way to find out what a lab is really like is to ask the people in it. We’d genuinely encourage you to reach out to our current students — you’ll find them on the Team page — for an honest, no-pressure chat about life in the lab. Coffee optional, but recommended. ☕

GTA opportunities

From time to time, opportunities may arise through Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) studentships or related posts. These are particularly suitable for candidates who are keen to combine doctoral study with teaching and academic development.

Candidates interested in a GTA route should indicate any relevant teaching, tutoring, marking, or mentoring experience in their enquiry. Opportunities are usually published on the University of Leicester funded opportunities and FindAPhD pages.

EPSRC studentships

Current live EPSRC studentship: Digital Metal CDT.

University of Leicester/CSC Joint studentship

University of Leicester — China Scholarship Council joint scholarship

We welcome enquiries from applicants interested in the China Scholarship Council (CSC) - University of Leicester joint PhD scholarship route, especially in areas aligned with the lab’s research. Leicester’s current CSC page lists AI, Data Science and Modelling among the prioritised fields, which fits well with several of our research themes.

Additional Funding Routes

These routes are also welcome and often used by international applicants.

Self-Funded PhD

Applicants who have external funding or personal sponsorship are welcome to contact us to discuss potential research topics.

Industry-Sponsored PhD

We are open to discussing industry-sponsored PhD projects, particularly where research aligns with robotics, manufacturing, AI systems, or space technologies.

Government Scholarships

We welcome applicants funded by national scholarship schemes such as:

• Commonwealth Scholarships
• Chevening Scholarships
• National government doctoral scholarships
• University or ministry-sponsored programmes

Applicants should contact us early to discuss research alignment.

Visiting PhD Students / Research Internships

Short-term visiting researchers or internship students may occasionally be hosted in the lab where projects align with ongoing research activities.