PhD Studentship - Next-Generation Membrane Testing for Fuel Cells and Electrolysers Using Terah[...]

University of Warwick; Coventry; On-site; GBP 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is offering a PhD position focused on next-generation membrane testing for energy technologies. The scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 for 3.5 years. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and may have experience in MATLAB, Python, and CAD. This unique project collaborates with industry experts to advance research in electrochemical devices.

Benefits

Tax-free stipend of £20,780

Opportunity to work with industry partners

Cutting-edge research environment

Qualifications

• Good 2.1 Bachelors or Masters degree required.
• Experience in MATLAB/Python and signals processing is a plus.
• Understanding of electromagnetics is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Characterise conventional membranes using humidity-controlled terahertz spectroscopy.
• Develop and optimise terahertz spectroscopy techniques.
• Apply techniques to characterise both commercial and custom-designed membranes.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

Signals processing

Understanding of electromagnetics

CAD

Mechanical design

Education

Good 2.1 Bachelors or Masters degree in Electronic, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, Physical Sciences or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Qualification: Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (PhD)

Eligibility: UK Students, EU Students, International Students

Award value: Home fees and tax-free stipend - See advert for details

Project Title:

Next-Generation Membrane Testing for Fuel Cells and Electrolysers Using Terahertz Spectroscopy

Abstract:

This is a unique opportunity to join a cutting-edge PhD project in collaboration with leading energy materials researchers and industry partners. Ion-exchange membranes are key to electrochemical devices, yet balancing performance and stability remains a challenge. This project will develop humidity-controlled terahertz spectroscopy to probe water properties within membranes, advancing material insights to optimise trade-offs for next-generation energy technologies.

Project Detail:

You will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team that will begin by characterising conventional membranes using our recently developed humidity-controlled terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. The PhD candidate will then push the boundaries by developing and optimising the technique further, integrating with advanced instrumentation and custom software to unlock new functionalities. In latter phases of the project, the refined technique will be applied to characterise both commercial and custom-designed membranes, generating fundamental insights that will guide the design of next-generation energy materials in close collaboration with world-leading membrane experts and key manufacturers such as Johnson Matthey. This will not only advance scientific understanding but also contribute to innovations in fuel cells, electrolysers, and green hydrogen systems.

Scholarship:

The award will cover the UK tuition fee level, plus a tax-free stipend, currently £20,780, paid at the prevailing UKRI rate for 3.5 years of full-time study.

Non-UK students can apply but will have to personally fund the difference between the Home and the Overseas rate.

Eligibility:

The candidate should have a good 2.1 Bachelors, or Masters degree in Electronic, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, Physical Sciences or equivalent. Experience in one of the following topics will be a plus:

• Working knowledge of MATLAB/Python and signals processing
• Understanding of electromagnetics
• Experience with CAD and mechanical design

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit a full formal application: guidance and the application form are here. (via the Apply button above).

The award will cover the tuition fee level, plus a tax-free stipend, currently £20,780, paid at the prevailing UKRI rate for 3.5 years of full-time study