An exciting opportunity to work on an interdisciplinary 4-year PhD studentship, fully funded by EPSRC Industrial Doctorate Link Award (IDLA) in collaboration with BAE Systems, open to Home (UK) applicants. We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to develop advanced electrochromic thin-film coating technologies on spherical glass surfaces, enabling dynamic light control with fast response time for critical applications.
The future of active light management requires smart systems that can dynamically control light transmission/reflection/absorption with a fast response time on non-planar surfaces. Current light management techniques based on photochromic technology are not sufficiently fast or precise to support critical applications. Electrochromic technology, where light modulation is electrically triggered by an external power source, provides a pathway to reliably and precisely control the response time and degree of light transmittance. However, current electrochromic materials and manufacturing techniques are heavily optimised for flat glass substrates. This research addresses the critical technological challenges of developing smart and robust multi-layer electrochromic thin-film stacks, along with the application processes and manufacturability required for curved or spherical glass substrates.
This research combines fundamental and applied investigation into materials science, coating deposition process technology, and device engineering for non-flat optics. The main objectives and tasks are as follows:
- Materials Engineering: Critically review literature on electrochromic technologies and their requirements for spherical surfaces. Evaluate current capabilities, strengths, and areas for enhancement (e.g., response times, optical modulation range, and controllability). Develop model systems of transparent electrodes, electrochromic active materials, and solid-state electrolytes compatible with non-planar geometries.
- Process Development: Develop process methods and optimise large-area deposition techniques (e.g., physical vapour deposition) for the manufacture of multi-layer electrochromic thin-film stacks with uniform thickness, microstructure, and composition across highly curved and spherical surfaces. Develop test prototypes and models to demonstrate response times, optical clarity, colour modulation performance, thermal resilience, and ruggedness. The engineering team at BAE Systems Electronic Systems will provide the industrial support with requirements, modelling, and testing of prototype solutions.
- Device Characterisation: Rigorously characterise the prototypes, focusing on switching speed, the quality and range of optical modulation, cycling stability, and the uniformity of colouration and bleaching across the entire curved surface. Employ complementary materials characterisation and electrochemical test techniques (e.g., electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, optical spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry/amperometry) to holistically assess the relationship between device properties and performance.
- Field test and data analysis: Conduct field tests and real-world evaluations of prototypes at both Cranfield University and BAE Systems Electronic Systems. Develop design rules and operating principles for the optimisation and validation of the deposition techniques and device performance. Establish conclusions regarding effectiveness of developed prototypes and their manufacturability.
This 4-year PhD studentship is funded by EPSRC Industrial Doctorate Link Award (IDLA) in collaboration with BAE Systems and is open to Home (UK) applicants.
- An annual stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26).
- Full coverage of PhD tuition fees.
- Cutting-edge foundational research at Cranfield University.
- Opportunities to develop core and transferable skills through workshops and conferences.
- Structured industrial placements of up to 4 weeks per year at BAE Systems Electronic
- Systems, offering exposure to mechanical and electronic design, along with the manufacture of current and next-generation monitoring systems.
At a glance
- Application deadline19 Aug 2026
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date28 Sep 2026
- Duration of award4 years (full-time)
- EligibilityUK
- Reference numberCRAN-0102
Entry requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to have, a Master’s degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, such as materials science, solid-state physics, chemistry. Experience with coatings deposition techniques (e.g., physical vapour deposition, sol-gel), electrochemical voltammetry/amperometry and impedance spectroscopy, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, or UV/Vis/IR spectrophotometry is desirable.
Funding
Sponsored by Sponsored by Sponsored by EPSRC, BAES and Cranfield University, this studentship will provide a bursary of £26,894 (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: Prof Krzysztof Koziol
Email: k.koziol@cranfield.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1234 758302
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.
