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PhD Studentship in High-Performance Nickel-Based Superalloys for Gas Turbine Applications University of Cambridge in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Mechanical Engineering
Funding
Fully funded for four years from 1 October 2027 through EPSRC and Rolls-Royce plc. Funding includes a personal maintenance stipend starting at £22,437 per year at the current rate, plus a £5,500 per year top-up from Rolls-Royce plc. The studentship covers home fees. International students must cover additional international fee costs unless eligible for relevant funding such as an International Doctoral Scholar award.
Deadline
Dec 1, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Cambridge
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About this position
The University of Cambridge’s Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy is offering a four-year PhD studentship in the Structural Materials Group, beginning 1 October 2027. Funded by EPSRC and Rolls-Royce plc, the project focuses on developing new high-performance polycrystalline nickel-based superalloys for gas turbine disc rotor components.
The research will support more efficient, lower-emission civil aviation by designing alloys capable of operating under highly demanding temperature and stress conditions. Candidates will use computational thermodynamics and machine learning to design new alloy compositions, followed by experimental validation. Research methods will include arc melting, electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, and larger-scale ingot and powder metallurgy processing.
Applicants should hold or expect to receive a good UK Master’s degree, or overseas equivalent, in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or a related subject. Self-motivation, research independence, and effective communication skills are expected. Training will be provided in the computational and experimental techniques, although relevant prior experience is advantageous.
The studentship provides four years of full funding, including a maintenance stipend starting at £22,437 per year and a £5,500 annual top-up from Rolls-Royce plc. Home fees are covered; international applicants must meet the applicable fee conditions or obtain additional funding for overseas fees. Exceptional overseas candidates may be eligible for an International Doctoral Scholar award.
Applications close on 1 December 2026, with interviews shortly afterward. Apply through the Cambridge Postgraduate Application Portal and quote reference LJ51571. Informal enquiries can be directed to [email protected].
Funding details
Fully funded for four years from 1 October 2027 through EPSRC and Rolls-Royce plc. Funding includes a personal maintenance stipend starting at £22,437 per year at the current rate, plus a £5,500 per year top-up from Rolls-Royce plc. The studentship covers home fees. International students must cover additional international fee costs unless eligible for relevant funding such as an International Doctoral Scholar award.
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 computational or experimental methods is advantageous but not required, as training will be provided. Applicants must meet applicable UK residency or fee requirements; overseas students must either qualify for home fees, augment funding to cover international fee costs, or potentially qualify for an International Doctoral Scholar award.
How to apply
Submit an application through the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Application Portal at https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply. Quote reference LJ51571 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.