Publisher
source

University of Oxford

Top university

Fully Funded DPhil Studentship in Shock Physics and Materials Science at University of Oxford University of Oxford in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Mechanical Engineering

Funding

This is a fully funded studentship supported by AWE, covering full course fees at the UK student rate and a tax-free maintenance stipend at the UKRI minimum rate for four years.

Deadline

Expired

Country flag

Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Oxford

Suggested positions

Publisher
source

University of Bristol

Country flag

United Kingdom

EPSRC Postdoctoral Pathway Fellow at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom . This postdoctoral opportunity is designed for recently graduated PhD students in the physical sciences and engineering who want to move from doctoral training into an independent research career. The post emphasizes research development, mentorship, and building an academic portfolio, with support aligned to competitive UK Research funding. Research areas: physical sciences, engineering, postdoctoral research,...

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Materials Science
+4 more

1 month ago

Publisher
source

University of Exeter

Country flag

United Kingdom

PhD studentship in magnetic metamaterials and millimetre-wave devices at the University of Exeter , based in the Department of Physics & Astronomy on the Streatham Campus in Exeter, England. This is an industrial PhD project linked to Leonardo UK and the EPSRC MetaHUB initiative, focused on the discovery, development, and commercial translation of new 3D nanoscale magnetic metamaterials . The research combines experimental and computational work, including nanoscale geometry design, bespoke mini...

Electrical Engineering
Materials Science
Technical Engineering
+1 more

2 months ago

Publisher
source

University of Southampton

Country flag

United Kingdom

PhD opportunity at the University of Southampton in development of dual mode chemical-electric propulsion systems for more agile spacecraft . This postgraduate research project focuses on aerospace engineering , spacecraft propulsion , chemical propulsion , ion thrusters , and Hall effect thrusters . The project aims to develop a dual-mode propulsion system in which the same propellant can be used in both a chemical rocket and an ion thruster, enabling more flexible satellite mission design and ...

Mechanical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
+2 more

2 days ago

Publisher
source

University of Southampton

Country flag

United Kingdom

PhD project at the University of Southampton on multiscale understanding of oxide-strengthened magnesium alloys for extreme space environments . This postgraduate research project explores how nanoscale oxide particles in magnesium alloys may improve strength , thermal stability , and radiation tolerance for future spacecraft and satellites. The work focuses on microstructural evolution under conditions relevant to space, including thermal cycling and helium ion irradiation . Research topics inc...

Chemistry
Mechanical Engineering
Materials Science
+2 more

2 days ago

Publisher
source

Mi Tian

University of Bath

Country flag

United Kingdom

PhD opportunities are available in hydrogen energy at the University of Bath with Professor Mi Tian . The project areas include hydrogen storage materials , porous materials , and hydrogen energy systems , making this a strong fit for students interested in chemical engineering , materials science , and related energy research. This opportunity is offered through the CSC–University of Bath PhD programme . The post states that competitive scholarships cover tuition fees , a living stipend , and t...

Mechanical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
+2 more

2 weeks ago

Keywords

Mechanical Engineering
Materials Science
Shock Physics
Impact Mechanics
Technical Engineering
Physics
Laser Diagnostic

About this position

The University of Oxford is offering a fully funded 4-year DPhil (PhD) studentship in the field of shock physics and materials science, focusing on the shock response of hexagonal close-packed crystals such as titanium, magnesium, and zirconium. These materials are crucial in aerospace and nuclear industries due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and high melting points. The research aims to understand how these crystals behave under extreme pressure, such as impacts and shock waves, using advanced techniques like ultrafast laser diagnostics and in-situ X-ray measurements at international facilities.

The project is based at Begbroke Science Park within the Impact and Shock Mechanics group, which comprises over 30 researchers and students. The successful candidate will have access to a wide array of experimental platforms to study dynamic high-pressure phenomena and will collaborate with international X-ray facilities in France (ESRF) and Germany (EuXFEL). The research integrates materials science, mechanics, and ultrafast diagnostics, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to the design of materials for space exploration and other extreme environments.

Supervision will be provided by Prof Daniel Eakins and Dr David Chapman, both affiliated with the University of Oxford. The studentship is fully funded by AWE, covering all tuition fees for UK students and providing a tax-free maintenance stipend at the UKRI minimum rate for four years. Only UK students are eligible for this award.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a first class or strong upper second class honours degree in Engineering, Physics, or Materials Science. Excellent English communication skills are required. Programming skills (Matlab, Python, or similar) and strong laboratory-based skills are highly desirable. Candidates must meet the University of Oxford's graduate admissions criteria.

Application Process: Interested candidates should review the full position details on the official University of Oxford page and may contact Prof Daniel Eakins for informal enquiries. Applications must be submitted via the Oxford graduate admissions portal for the DPhil in Engineering Science, quoting reference 26ENGMM_DE. The deadline for applications is noon on 3 March 2026, with the program starting in October 2026.

For more information, visit the official studentship page or contact Prof Daniel Eakins at [email protected].

Funding details

This is a fully funded studentship supported by AWE, covering full course fees at the UK student rate and a tax-free maintenance stipend at the UKRI minimum rate for four years.

What's required

Applicants must have a first class or strong upper second class honours degree in Engineering, Physics, or Materials Science. Excellent English written and spoken communication skills are required. Programming skills in Matlab, Python, or similar, and strong laboratory-based skills are highly desirable. Candidates must meet the University of Oxford graduate admissions criteria. Only UK students are eligible.

ApplyKite TwinLearns as you apply

Make your next move.

Prepare your application

Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.

Professors

Professor

University Name
Country flag

United Kingdom

Research Interests

Solid Mechanics

Aerodynamics

Rocket Propulsion

Spark Plasma Sintering

Alloy Engineering