Are you passionate about developing novel research and keen to shape the future of energy transfer technologies in areas such as laser interactions, coatings, materials science and engineering? We are recruiting a motivated PhD candidate to undertake an exciting project within the EPSRC Energy Transfer Technologies Doctoral Training Hub. As a student of the Hub, you will receive an enhanced stipend of £27,780 per year, plus additional funds of £7,000 a year for travel, conferences and research equipment. This project is co- funded by BAE Systems.
Materials irradiated by high-power lasers can be affected by increased temperatures, modifying the functionality and capability of key components.
This project aims to provide a suitable means of controlling and influencing the effects on materials through the application surface engineering solutions based on advanced materials science. The project will likely require the use of computer modelling, analytical techniques to characterise candidate materials, materials performance testing of key design aspects, and the production of a prototype system using the advanced coating deposition capabilities available at Cranfield University.
The Doctoral Hub specialises in developing research and training the next generation of leaders in energy transfer technologies for defence and related sectors. The successful candidate will be based at Cranfield University and throughout their PhD will benefit from the support and expertise of our diverse academic community, a community of students working towards similar goals, as well as our specialist industrial network. Please check the hub website for further details. The industrial partner, BAE Systems, is a major international company providing some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. The partner will provide further increased student stipend, PhD supervision, a possible placement and be part of the larger Hub community benefiting in the diverse academic and industrial network offered by the Hub.
The main objectives of this project are:
- Proposal, critical analysis and evaluation of strategies to successfully control and influence laser-material interactions.
- Compilation of a candidate list of materials, coatings and/or surface treatment candidates to achieve the required effects.
- Description and evaluation of the method of manufacture of the candidate systems, considering scalability, cost, repairability and integration with the substrate or base component.
- Evaluation of the expected performance of the candidate systems under working conditions and selection of the most promising system.
- Production of a physical prototype of the proposed surface engineered system.
Why join us?
- Industrial Collaboration: Each PhD student within the Hub is partnered with an industry collaborator, providing experience and guidance, and possible placement opportunities to work and train alongside industry experts.
- Comprehensive Training: The Hub offers a blend of academic and industrial training, preparing you for diverse career pathways in research or industry.
- Cohort Experience: Build your research network through inclusion in a vibrant cohort of PhD students that conduct research with academic leaders across leading UK institutions. Engage in online and face-to-face activities, including cohort-building events and collaborative learning exercises.
- Funding: A generous fully funded studentship (no fees and a monthly personal payment) with additional support for conferences, travel, training, consumables and possible extended placement with industry collaborators.
At a glance
- Application deadline01 Apr 2026
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date28 Sep 2026
- Duration of award4 years (full-time) and up to 8 years (part-time)
- EligibilityUK
- Reference numberCRAN-0054
Entry requirements
NOTE: funder requires minimum of upper second class UK honours degree
Applicants should have a first or upper Second-Class UK Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant science or engineering discipline, such as but not limited to Materials Science or Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering.
Funding
Candidates must be UK Nationals and be willing to apply for and able to obtain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.
Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield
We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. Cranfield strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential.
At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.
We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum and Stonewall University Champions Programme.
Cranfield Doctoral Network
Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Dr Luis Isern Arrom
Email: l.isernarrom@cranfield.ac.uk
Phone: 01234 754159
Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received. Therefore, we encourage early submission, as the position may be filled before the stated deadline.
