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Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Deformation Mechanisms Across a Chemically Graded Bond Zone University of Cambridge in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Mechanical Engineering
Funding
The studentship is fully funded for 3.5 years from 1 October 2027 by EPSRC and Rolls-Royce plc. It includes a personal maintenance stipend starting at £22,437 per annum at the current rate, plus a Rolls-Royce top-up of £5,500 per annum. Funding covers the maintenance stipend; overseas applicants who do not qualify for home fees must augment the funding to cover the additional international student fee costs unless awarded exceptional overseas support.
Deadline
Dec 1, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Cambridge
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About this position
The University of Cambridge is offering a fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship, beginning 1 October 2027, on deformation mechanisms across a chemically graded bond zone. The project is funded by EPSRC and Rolls-Royce plc and will be based in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy within the Structural Materials Group in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
The research will investigate the integrity of transient liquid phase (TLP)-bonded joints in nickel-based superalloys, with relevance to high-temperature components for next-generation aero-engines. Key research interests include alloy selection, interlayer chemistry, crystallographic misalignment, bond processing parameters, deformation, recrystallisation, phase evolution, and microstructure-property relationships.
The PhD researcher will fabricate TLP-bonded specimens joining like and dissimilar single-crystal superalloys. Experimental work will include miniaturised electro-thermal mechanical testing, high-resolution electron microscopy, and in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction to reveal bond-specific micromechanics and phase transformations. Results will support processing guidelines for TLP-bonded aerospace components. The work will be conducted in close collaboration with Rolls-Royce plc and supervised by Professor David Collins and Dr George Wise.
Applicants should hold or expect to receive a good UK Master's degree, or equivalent overseas qualification, in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or a related subject. Self-motivation, research ownership, and effective communication skills are expected. Previous computational or experimental experience is advantageous, but training will be provided.
The studentship provides a maintenance stipend starting at £22,437 per year, plus a Rolls-Royce top-up of £5,500 per year. It is open to UK applicants and overseas students who meet home-fee residency requirements or can cover the additional international fee costs. Exceptional overseas applicants may be considered for an International Doctoral Scholar award. Applications close on 1 December 2026, with interviews shortly afterward. Early applications are encouraged because the position may be filled before the deadline.
Funding details
The studentship is fully funded for 3.5 years from 1 October 2027 by EPSRC and Rolls-Royce plc. It includes a personal maintenance stipend starting at £22,437 per annum at the current rate, plus a Rolls-Royce top-up of £5,500 per annum. Funding covers the maintenance stipend; overseas applicants who do not qualify for home fees must augment the funding to cover the additional international student fee costs unless awarded exceptional overseas support.
What's required
Applicants should have or expect to receive a good UK Master's degree, or overseas equivalent, in a relevant science subject such as Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering. Candidates should be self-motivated, able to take ownership of their research, and able to communicate research findings effectively. Previous experience with relevant computational or experimental methods is advantageous, although training will be provided. Applicants must be UK citizens or overseas students who meet UK residency requirements for home fees or can provide additional funds to cover international student fee costs. Exceptional overseas candidates may be eligible for an International Doctoral Scholar award.
How to apply
Submit a PhD application through the University Application Portal at www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply. Quote reference LJ51573 in the application and correspondence. Informal enquiries may be sent to [email protected].
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ApplyKite TwinLearns as you applyMake your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.