PhD Positions in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, and Sustainable Agriculture at University of Leeds University of Leeds in United Kingdom

The University of Leeds School of Chemical and Process Engineering is recruiting motivated PhD candidates for several fully funded projects in partnership with leading industrial and research organisations. These projects span high-impact areas such as nuclear engineering, surfactant powder engineering, and sustainable agriculture, and are delivered in collaboration with the SATURN Centre for Doctoral Training, Innospec, Syngenta, and UKAEA.

Project 1: High-Fidelity Flow Measurement Methods for Molten Salt Systems
This project, in partnership with UKAEA and the SATURN CDT, focuses on developing advanced diagnostic tools for measuring flow and temperature distributions in molten salt environments relevant to next-generation nuclear reactors. The research involves sensor development, experimental fluid mechanics, and high-temperature instrumentation, with work conducted at state-of-the-art facilities at Leeds and UKAEA. The project supports the UK's clean energy and nuclear ambitions and offers comprehensive technical and professional training.

Project 2: Engineering Surfactant Powders: Drying Dynamics, Structure and Performance
In collaboration with Innospec, this PhD project investigates the fundamental science of surfactant powder formation, linking formulation chemistry, drying dynamics, and powder performance. The research uses advanced experimental platforms, including acoustic levitation and synchrotron X-ray scattering, to study nanoscale structure development. The project offers industrial placements and is ideal for candidates interested in experimental research and industrial collaboration.

Project 3: Engineering Chemical Transport Through Leaf Waxes for Sustainable Agriculture
This project, in partnership with Syngenta, aims to understand molecular transport through plant leaf waxes to improve agrochemical delivery and sustainability. The research combines model systems and real plant waxes to study diffusion, material properties, and selectivity between crops and weeds. The project includes opportunities for industrial placements and is suited to candidates with backgrounds in chemical engineering, materials science, or related fields.

All projects are open to UK applicants only and provide full tuition coverage and a tax-free stipend (£20,780/year for 3.5–4 years). Applicants should have a relevant Masters or exceptional Bachelors degree, strong academic records, and meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.0 overall, 5.5 in each component). Applications are made online via the University of Leeds portal, specifying the relevant programme and supervisor. Early informal enquiries with supervisors are encouraged.

These opportunities offer hands-on research, industrial engagement, and training in cutting-edge topics such as chemical engineering, materials science, nuclear engineering, and sustainable agriculture. The University of Leeds fosters an inclusive and diverse research environment and encourages applications from all backgrounds.