We are recruiting a PhD candidate to research the fundamental materials science principles underpinning a key industrial coating deposition process, electrodeposition of platinum. Sponsored by Siemens Energy, one of the world’s leading energy technology companies, and EPSRC through the IDLA programme, this scholarship offers a £23,805 annual stipend (tax free), access to state-of-the-art equipment for coating production (both electroplating and chemical vapour deposition – CVD) and materials characterisation and performance testing, and a combined academic and industrial supervisory team. We are looking for a motivated student able to work independently in an industry-relevant challenge using fundamentally experimental methods supported by key computational modelling.
Turbine blades survive extreme oxidative and corrosive environments thanks to protective coatings, which are manufactured following a complex series of materials deposition methods and heat treatments. Electroplating of platinum is one of those key steps, used to enhance component life and reduce diffusion of undesired elements. The electrochemistry involved is complex and sensitive to the variation of several process parameters, which can lead to inconsistent coating quality. Current industrial practices rely heavily on empirical knowledge, with limited integration of predictive modelling or systematic optimisation.
This project aims to address the current knowledge gap in platinum plating by providing a solid fundamental understanding of the electrochemical process. By integrating first-principles modelling, experimental validation via cutting-edge techniques for both coating production and characterisation, and robust design methodologies, the project seeks to enhance the platinum adhesion, reduce process variability, and improve long-term durability under extreme operating conditions.
Cranfield University is uniquely positioned to address this challenge in materials science. World-class facilities are available in our Centre for Materials to produce the full coating system and test it, together with decades of expertise of a specialised academic team with strong industrial connections. A key and active partner of this endeavour will be the industrial sponsor, Siemens Energy, one of the world’s leading energy technology companies. The company works with its customers and partners on energy systems for the future, thus supporting the transition to a more sustainable world. With its portfolio of products, solutions and services, Siemens Energy covers almost the entire energy value chain – from power generation and transmission to storage.
The research project is expected to provide a fundamental understanding of atomic-scale interactions of platinum deposition on nickel-based superalloys. This would be possible by a systematic identification of key plating parameters and their sensitivity to variation via a robust design of experiments and its statistical analysis, coupled with computational modelling to explain and predict coating adhesion, diffusion and interface stability on superalloy substrates. Ultimately, performance of the optimised coatings will be tested under high temperature, cyclic and potentially corrosive conditions. If successful, the optimised coatings will enable longer component life and higher engine efficiency, which have a positive impact on the sustainability of energy generation at industrial scale.
This represents a unique opportunity for a PhD student to tackle an industrially relevant challenge in materials science hand-in-hand with world-leading organisations from academia and industry. Complemented by key computer modelling, this eminently experimental work will be enabled by access to world-class facilities, which includes the “Materials and Coatings for Extreme Environments” technology platform – Cranfield University’s contribution to The Henry Royce Institute. At these facilities, the full coating system can be manufactured and tested, including platinum plating and gas-phase aluminising (chemical vapour deposition – CVD) at semi-industrial scale, as well as the materials characterisation required to assess coating composition, uniformity and adhesion, and also to reproduce relevant working conditions of oxidation, corrosion, thermal cycling, and thermomechanical fatigue in order to test the coatings deposited. Additional access to Siemens Energy facilities is possible for their advanced characterisation suite.
The PhD student will learn to conduct independent research with the guidance of the combined academic and industrial supervisory team, and will be supported by Cranfield’s and Siemen’s wider PhD student community. The student will earn a unique insight on the intersection of the worlds of academia and industry, experience in the analysis and synthesis of complex information, and first-hand experience in leading coating deposition techniques, advanced materials characterisation equipment, and relevant performance testing methodologies.
At a glance
- Application deadline02 Dec 2026
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date25 Jan 2027
- Duration of award4 year (full-time)
- EligibilityUK
- Reference numberCRAN-0120
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline, such as chemistry, physics, chemical, mechanical, manufacturing, or materials engineering. International students must demonstrate a minimum of English language proficiency (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level C1, equivalent to C1 Advanced from Cambridge English or IELTS overall minimum score of 6.5). Candidates should be able to research independently, be self-motivated, able to develop their computational modelling skills, and most importantly be keen to work in experimental research, ideally proving existing experience in the laboratory or an industrial production facility.
Funding
Sponsored by EPSRC and Siemens Energy, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £23,805 (tax free) plus fees* for four years.
To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a Home fee status student. Eligibility for Home fee status is determined with reference to UK Department for Education rules. As a guiding principle UK or Irish nationals who are ordinarily resident in either the UK or Republic of Ireland pay Home tuition fees. All other students (including those from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees. Further advice can be found on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.
Sharing data
UKRI would like to have a better understanding of the students its training provision attracts and supports. Diversity information on all applicants/recruits applying for UKRI funded studentships will be shared with UKRI. The data will be aggregated and will not be shared as individual data or used to report on individuals or specific universities. The data will be used to analyse general trends in student populations across UKRI's portfolio.
Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield
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.
Our Student Wellbeing and Disability support team provide a range of support and coordinate reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, specific learning differences and mental and physical health conditions. Please contact studentsupport@cranfield.ac.uk for support queries, the information you provide will be confidential.
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, identify opportunities for collaboration and create smaller communities of practice. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge.
Doctoral Researchers’ Core Development (DRCD) Programme
An important part of the research journey is developing key skills that will benefit a research students research and professional development. As a research student at Cranfield, you will be expected to attend the DRCD programme which comprises of four 1 week units which cover the key stages of your research journey. Workshops are held face to face, providing the opportunity for you to network and collaborate with your peers during these valuable development sessions. For further details visit Cranfield's Doctoral Network.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Dr Luis Isern Arrom
Email: l.isernarrom@cranfield.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1234 754159
This vacancy may be filled before the closing date so early application is strongly encouraged.
Note, your application will not be considered unless all relevant documents have been uploaded. For more information please visit Applying for a research degree.
