We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our cutting-edge research on high-entropy alloy coatings. This project aims to develop innovative coating solutions that provide exceptional resistance to environmental degradation under extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, corrosive environments, and oxidative stresses.

High-entropy alloy coatings have emerged as a transformative solution for combating environmental degradation in extreme conditions. Comprising multiple principal elements in near-equiatomic ratios, these coatings exhibit exceptional structural stability, corrosion resistance, and oxidation tolerance. Their unique multi-phase microstructures and sluggish diffusion effects provide robust protection against high-temperature oxidation, wear, and corrosive environments. By tailoring elemental compositions, high-entropy alloy coatings offer customizable solutions for advanced engineering applications, such as hydrogen gas turbines and aerospace components, where durability under severe operational stresses is critical. This innovation represents a significant leap forward in surface engineering technologies.

As part of this PhD, you will explore the design, fabrication, and characterization of high-entropy alloy coatings, investigating their performance in demanding environments relevant to sectors like aerospace, energy, and hydrogen technologies. The successful candidate will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, collaborate with leading researchers, and contribute to a field with significant industrial and societal impact.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

This 3.5 year PhD starts in September 2025.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing [email protected] .

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).