University of Cambridge 
Cambridge, United Kingdom Offer Summary
The University of Cambridge invites applications for a PhD Studentship focused on alloy development for hydrogen-fuelled aircraft propulsion. This three-and-a-half-year position, starting October 2027, is based in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy under the supervision of Prof Howard Stone and Prof David Collins. The project addresses critical challenges in hydrogen embrittlement within superalloys used in gas turbines, collaborating closely with Rolls-Royce plc. Candidates must hold or expect a good UK Master’s degree in a relevant science field such as Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering. The role offers full funding with a personal maintenance stipend of £22,437 per annum at current rates. Applications are due by December 1, 2026, via the University Application Portal. Early submissions are encouraged as positions may be filled upon identification of suitable candidates.
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Project Description
Funder: EPSRC and Rolls-Royce plc
Duration: 3.5 years from 1 October 2027
Supervisors: Prof Howard Stone and Prof David Collins
Location: The PhD studentship will be based at the University of Cambridge in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy as part of the Structural Materials Group. The Structural Materials Group is a diverse and dynamic research team working across aerospace, automotive, energy, defence, and biomedical sectors. The group's expertise includes alloy design, microstructure-property relationships, phase transformations, and advanced materials processing.
Closing date for applications: 1 Dec 2026 with interviews shortly afterwards.
Stipend: Full funding for 3.5 years covering a personal maintenance stipend starting at £22,437 (current rate) per annum with a top up of £5,500 per annum from Rolls-Royce plc.
Fees: These positions are open to UK citizens or overseas students who meet the UK residency requirements (home fees) or are able to augment the funds to cover the extra costs associated with international student fees. Exceptional overseas candidates may be eligible for an International Doctoral Scholar award.
Alloy development for hydrogen fuelled aircraft propulsion
Hydrogen powered gas turbines are a clean energy solution for future civil aviation. However, hydrogen causes embrittlement of key alloys in both the fuel and combustion systems. Understanding the micro-mechanical mechanisms of hydrogen embrittlement and their link to composition and microstructure is therefore critical for the realisation of commercially viable hydrogen powered gas turbines. This project will seek to establish an improved understanding of the mechanisms governing hydrogen embrittlement in superalloys, particularly focussing on the roles of crystal structure, grain size, composition, and secondary phases. This research will be conducted in close collaboration with Rolls-Royce plc. The research will involve detailed characterisation of commercially available nickel based super alloys following hydrogen charging using a combination of techniques including scanning electron microscopy; transmission electron microscopy; micro mechanical testing with digital image correlation; and atomic force microscopy. The results obtained will help guide the design of new hydrogen-resistant superalloys needed to realise hydrogen powered aircraft.
Applicants should have (or expect to be awarded) a good UK Master's degree (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant science subject (Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering) and should be self-motivated, able to take ownership of their research, and effectively communicate their research findings. Training in all the computational and experimental methods will be provided in the projects, although relevant previous experience would be advantageous.
Applications for the PhD projects should be submitted via the University Application Portal: Apply. Early applications are encouraged as the positions may be filled once suitable candidates are identified.
For further details on postgraduate study at Cambridge, visit the University website. Informal enquiries can be sent to structuralmaterials@msm.cam.ac.uk.
Please quote reference LJ51570 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.