Andrew Bell

The University of Leeds is offering a fully funded PhD position in the field of advanced materials for electrostatic energy storage, supervised by Dr Zhilun Lu and Professor Andrew Bell. This multidisciplinary project, based in the School of Chemical and Process Engineering, focuses on the development of lead-free, environmentally friendly materials to enhance the performance of dielectric capacitors for energy storage applications. The research will combine materials science, chemistry, and physics to systematically study the defect chemistry, phase transitions, conduction, and polarisation mechanisms of ceramic-based energy storage materials. The ultimate goal is to improve the energy density and thermal stability of ceramic capacitors, making them more competitive with batteries for use in smart grids, electric vehicles, wearable electronics, and other advanced technologies. The project is part of the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Studentship Competition and is open exclusively to UK applicants. The studentship covers full tuition fees and provides a tax-free maintenance grant of £20,780 per year for 3.5 years. Training and support are included, but only two funded places are available, and selection is highly competitive based on academic merit. Applicants must have at least a first class or upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, or physics. Some faculties may require a Masters degree. English language proficiency is required, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall and at least 5.5 in each component, or equivalent. To apply, candidates should submit a formal application online via the University of Leeds website, specifying 'EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences' as the programme and 'Advanced materials for electrostatic energy storage' as the research degree. Dr Zhilun Lu should be listed as the proposed supervisor, and the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award should be indicated as the funding source. Required documents include full transcripts, a personal statement, and a CV. The application deadline is Friday, 30 January 2026, and applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Zhilun Lu for an informal discussion before applying. The selection process may close early if sufficient applications are received or a suitable candidate is appointed. This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in materials science, chemical engineering, and the development of next-generation energy storage technologies. The University of Leeds fosters an inclusive environment and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds. For further information, contact Dr Zhilun Lu at [email protected] or visit the project page for more details.