PhD: Next-Gen Superalloys for Gas Turbines

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full funding for 4 years

Rolls-Royce top-up £5,500 per year

Fees: home or eligible international

Job summary

The PhD studentship at the University of Cambridge, in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, aims to develop new polycrystalline nickel-based superalloys for future gas turbine discs. The project is funded by EPSRC and Rolls-Royce plc and includes training across computational and experimental methods.

Applicants should hold a UK Master’s degree (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant science subject and be self-motivated with strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Good UK Master’s degree or overseas equivalent in a relevant science subject (Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering).
• Self-motivated with the ability to take ownership and communicate findings.
• Training in computational and experimental methods will be provided; prior experience is advantageous.
• Applications via University Portal with closing date 1 December 2026.

Responsibilities

• Develop new polycrystalline nickel-based superalloys for disc rotor components.
• Design alloy compositions using computational thermodynamics and ML techniques.
• Prototype alloys by arc melting and characterise by EM, XRD, thermal analysis and mechanical tests.
• Scale up selected compositions via ingot and powder metallurgy and assess properties.

Skills

Self-motivated

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Materials Science/related field

Job description

The PhD studentship at the University of Cambridge, in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, aims to develop new polycrystalline nickel-based superalloys for future gas turbine discs. The project is funded by EPSRC and Rolls-Royce plc and includes training across computational and experimental methods.

Applicants should hold a UK Master’s degree (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant science subject and be self-motivated with strong communication skills.