Cranfield University
4 days ago
EPSRC studentship
PhD in Platinum Electrodeposition, Materials Modelling and Robust Design for Turbine Blade Coatings Cranfield University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Sponsored by EPSRC and Siemens Energy, the four-year full-time studentship provides a tax-free bursary of up to £23,805 per year plus fees. The funding is restricted to students classified as having Home fee status under UK Department for Education rules; overseas fees are not covered under the stated eligibility. The project also provides access to Cranfield and Siemens Energy facilities, equipment and research communities.
Deadline
Dec 2, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
Cranfield University
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About this position
Cranfield University is offering a four-year, full-time PhD studentship in materials science focused on optimising platinum electrodeposition for protective coatings on turbine blades and vanes. The project is based in Cranfield, England, and is sponsored by EPSRC through the IDLA programme and Siemens Energy.
The research will investigate the electrochemical and materials-science principles governing platinum deposition on nickel-based superalloys. The student will combine first-principles and computational modelling with experimental coating production, robust design of experiments, statistical analysis and advanced materials characterisation. Key objectives include improving platinum coating adhesion, reducing process variability, understanding diffusion and interface stability, and enhancing durability under high-temperature, cyclic and corrosive conditions.
Facilities include electroplating and chemical vapour deposition (CVD), coating composition and adhesion analysis, oxidation and corrosion testing, thermal cycling, thermomechanical fatigue testing and access to the Materials and Coatings for Extreme Environments technology platform associated with the Henry Royce Institute. Additional access to Siemens Energy's advanced characterisation facilities may be available.
Applicants should hold a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in chemistry, physics, chemical, mechanical, manufacturing or materials engineering. Independent research ability, motivation, computational modelling interest and enthusiasm for experimental laboratory work are expected. International applicants need CEFR C1 English proficiency or IELTS 6.5 overall. The studentship provides a tax-free annual bursary of up to £23,805 plus fees for four years, subject to Home fee status eligibility. The application deadline is 2 December 2026, with a planned start date of 25 January 2027.
Funding details
Sponsored by EPSRC and Siemens Energy, the four-year full-time studentship provides a tax-free bursary of up to £23,805 per year plus fees. The funding is restricted to students classified as having Home fee status under UK Department for Education rules; overseas fees are not covered under the stated eligibility. The project also provides access to Cranfield and Siemens Energy facilities, equipment and research communities.
What's required
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline such as chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering or materials engineering. International students must demonstrate CEFR C1 English proficiency, equivalent to Cambridge English C1 Advanced or an IELTS overall score of at least 6.5. Candidates should be able to conduct independent research, be self-motivated, develop computational modelling skills and have a strong interest in experimental research, preferably with laboratory or industrial production experience. Funding eligibility requires Home fee status.
How to apply
Review the eligibility and Home fee status requirements, prepare all required application documents, and submit them through Cranfield University's online application form. Use the official project page to apply; early application is encouraged because the vacancy may be filled before the deadline. For questions, contact Dr Luis Isern Arrom at [email protected].
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