Fully-funded PhD projects

This studentship is funded by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Developing National Capability for Materials 4.0 and the Department of Materials. It is open to candidates eligible for Home fees only, as defined by UKRI guidelines. 

Campus: South Kensington

Funding Details:

• Coverage: Home tuition fees, stipend and consumables (£1,000 for the first 3 years)
• Duration: 48 months
• Study mode: Full-time
• Annual stipend: UKRI rate - £22,780 AY 2025/26
• Supervisor(s): Oriol Gavalda Diaz (Imperial College London), and Andres Gameros (Rolls-Royce)

Deadline: Applications are accepted all year round

The long-term performance of energy generation (e.g., nuclear plants) and transport applications (e.g., aviation) is underpinned by ceramic-based coatings and composites that can withstand demanding environments. For instance, thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), environmental barrier coatings (EBCs), and ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are examples of ceramics which can continue to improve product performance and promote sustainability in the aero-engine industry. Given the harsh conditions, these materials may experience degradation through-life driven by complex combinations of thermal, mechanical, and chemical processes, often accelerated by contaminants such as CMAS (calcium–magnesium–alumino–silicates).

Rolls-Royce has identified Raman spectroscopy as a promising technology for non-destructive and potentially on-wing (without dismounting the aero-engine) inspection of such materials. However, the Raman spectra collected in-service are highly complex, and their interpretation requires new approaches that integrate databases of lab-based characterisation data and data-driven analysis protocols. The key challenge is linking spectral features to specific degradation mechanisms and relate these to the environmental degradation of the component. Moreover, a holistic view of the degradation of the material will require to link these degradation mechanisms to other sources of inspection data (e.g. advanced microscopy techniques or visual inspection).

This project will create a data-rich experimental and analytical framework to overcome these challenges. It will combine the following:

• Controlled laboratory experiments that simulate degradation mechanisms in ceramics, generating reference datasets of Raman spectra across different conditions (temperature, stresses, and contaminant exposure).
• Complementary nanoscale characterisation data (e.g., electron microscopy) to validate the key spectral signatures.
• Advanced data-analysis protocols to link lab data to real applications. Methods such as spectral decomposition, machine learning, and database-driven comparison will be applied to extract characteristic features from the Raman datasets. The goal is to create a systematic approach for data-informed inspection, in which spectra are not simply recorded but actively interpreted against a material database.

Rolls-Royce will provide real aero-engine samples to validate our laboratory-generated databases and analysis protocols. Hence, the outputs of the project will directly support the implementation of in-situ/on-wing inspection tools by Rolls-Royce, reducing reliance on destructive testing, enabling predictive maintenance strategies and extending the lifetime of components.

Although the scope of the project is aimed solely at the aero-engine industry, it is possible that the techniques and protocols developed within this project will expand beyond this remit. The testing methodologies and data analysis protocols developed will be relevant for any sector in which ceramics are exposed to complex, extreme environments and require careful inspection routines. For instance, we envisage that nuclear energy, where ceramic composites are likely to play a critical role in future fusion and fission reactors, is one example of this. In summary, this project will deliver both fundamental scientific insights into ceramic degradation mechanisms and practical data-informed frameworks and databases for inspection of materials.

For general enquiries, please contact doctoral-training@royce.ac.uk.

For application-related queries, please contact Annalisa Neri. If you have specific technical or scientific queries about this PhD, we encourage you to contact the lead, Oriol Gavalda Diaz.

This studentship is open to candidates eligible for Home fees only, as defined by UKRI guidelines. 

Campus: Diamond Light Source, with occasional visits to Imperial College White City Campus and Johnson Matthey Techology Centre

Funding Details:

• Coverage: Home tuition fees, stipend and consumables (£1,000 for the first 3 years)
• Duration: 48 months
• Study mode: Full-time
• Annual stipend: UKRI rate - £22,780 AY 2025/26
• Supervisor(s): Reshma R Rao, Georg Held, Tugce Eralp Erden

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD studentship, which is a collaborative project between Department of Materials, Imperial College, Diamond Light Source and Johnson Matthey. The student will be primarily based at Diamond Light Source and will visit Imperial College and Johnson Matthey Technology Centre regularly. Through this unique opportunity, the student will gain diverse expertise and experiences working across academia, industry and UK’s national synchrotron facility.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic and inclusive team committed to world-class research and academic excellence.

The development of electrochemical technologies such as proton exchange membrane fuel cells and water electrolysers is accelerating in response to the rapidly evolving markets for clean energy conversion and utilisation. At the core of these devices lie complex electrochemical interfaces that govern their performance and durability.

Historically, research in heterogeneous catalysis has been constrained by the so-called “complexity gap.” On one side, surface science studies on well-defined single-crystal model catalysts—using advanced spectroscopic and crystallographic techniques—have provided detailed, atomistic insights into reaction mechanisms. On the other, studies on supported catalyst nanoparticles under realistic operating conditions offer valuable macroscopic data such as activity, selectivity, and stability, but provide limited understanding of the atomic-scale processes that are essential for rational catalyst design. In particular, the chemical (oxidation) state of the catalyst under working conditions is often unclear and remains a subject of debate.

Only in recent years have significant efforts been made to bridge this gap through operando studies—investigations of catalysts under actual reaction conditions using advanced surface science techniques. These studies are crucial for linking model systems to real-world catalysts, thereby enabling a deeper understanding of catalytic processes. Some of the most powerful techniques in this regard are ambient-pressure photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (AP-XAS), exemplified by the capabilities of the VerSoX beamline at Diamond Light Source. AP-XPS/XAS enable detailed analysis of oxidation states and surface chemistry changes in catalyst materials during exposure to reactive environments.

This PhD project will employ AP-XPS and AP-XAS, alongside a number of more conventional laboratory techniques, to investigate the surface chemistry of fuel cell and electrolyser catalysts under working conditions. A key objective is to understand how to maintain high catalytic activity across a wide range of operating conditions. The student will design and develop a dedicated electrochemical cell to study complex electrocatalysts under realistic conditions. By focusing on state-of-the-art materials, the project seeks to uncover how the catalyst–support–ionomer interfaces evolve with applied potential, and how these complex redox processes drive fuel cell and electrolyser operation.

The student will spend a minimum of 2 months at Imperial College London and will be primarily based at Diamond Light Source, working closely with the VerSoX beamline team, and supervised by Principal Beamline Scientist Prof. Georg Held. Diamond is the UK’s world-leading synchrotron facility located at Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. Its high-brilliance synchrotron radiation and state-of-the art on-campus facilities support cutting-edge research across academia and industry for a wide range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, and materials science. The student will also be part of Dr. Reshma R. Rao’s research group at Imperial College London, and will benefit from industrial supervision by Dr. Tugce Eralp Erden at Johnson Matthey. Johnson Matthey is a global leader in sustainable clean technologies. They apply cutting-edge science to create solutions with customers that make a real difference to the world around us. They have been leaders in the field for more than 200 years, applying unrivalled scientific expertise to enable cleaner air, improved health, and the more efficient use of our planet's natural resources. JM operates in over 30 countries with a strong research, development, and manufacturing base in the UK. As the world faces the challenges of climate change and resource scarcity, we have an even bigger role to play. Johnson Matthey will be central in accelerating the big transitions needed in transport, energy, chemicals production and creating a circular economy. Within these areas JM applies science to a wide range of technologies. Examples include emission control catalysis, process chemistry and catalysis, green hydrogen, fuel cells, biotechnology, and recycling of critical raw materials.

This studentship presents a unique opportunity to bridge fundamental and applied research by working at the interface of academia, industry, and using world-class national research infrastructure.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree or (equivalent) with First Class or Upper Second Class in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics or Chemistry. For information on how to apply, go to:  Application process | Study | Imperial College London.

You will be required to submit:

• Personal statement
• CV
• the contact details of two referees – please note that the prospective supervisor cannot be a referee

Please contact Dr Annalisa Neri for further information on the application process.

For further information or informal discussions about the position, please contact:
Reshma R Rao, Assistant Professor, Georg Held, Principal Beamline Scientist VERSOX, or Tugce Eralp Erden, Johnson Matthey.

Closing date: open until filled

Our values are at the root of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate Imperial:

• Respect
• Collaboration
• Excellence
• Integrity
• Innovation

Students are also required to comply with all Imperial policies and regulations

We are committed to equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage candidates to apply irrespective of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages.

This studentship is funded by the Centre for Industry-Partnered Doctoral Training in ACM and Rolls-Royce. It is open to candidates eligible for Home fees only, as defined by UKRI guidelines. 

Campus: South Kensington

Funding Details:

• Coverage: Home tuition fees, stipend and consumables (£1,000 for the first 3 years)
• Duration: 42 months
• Study mode: Full-time
• Annual stipend: UKRI rate - £22,780 AY 2025/26
• Supervisor(s): Stella Pedrazzini and David Dye

Deadline: 30/01/2026

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD studentship at Imperial College in the Department of Materials.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic and inclusive team committed to world-class research and academic excellence.

Applications are invited for a 3.5-year PhD studentship for the study of hot corrosion of polycrystalline superalloys for aero-engine applications, available at Imperial College London, in collaboration with Rolls-Royce plc, starting in October 2026.

Your project will study several compositional variations of a novel disc alloy and their effect on the corrosion resistance. Nickel superalloys are used in the turbine discs of aero-engines because of their outstanding mechanical properties up to elevated temperatures. Rolls-Royce plc, as a world-leading aero-engine manufacturer, has a strong interest in understanding the failure mechanisms of alloys in service, to improve them. Some nickel-based superalloys fail substantially faster than others when exposed to sulphur-containing compounds; however, the mechanisms are not well understood. Some alloying elements, such as Mn, Si, etc, can alter the rate of corrosion when the alloy is exposed to corrosive gases and molten salts. A systematic study performed on alloys with varying compositions is required to understand the effect of those elements. This project will involve the characterisation of new alloys using advanced techniques such as scanning/transmission electron microscopy, atom probe tomography and synchrotron-based techniques. It will involve mechanical testing under different environments and some thermodynamic modelling to understand the failure mechanisms. It may involve characterisaiton of samples that are tested at Rolls-Royce or by one of our collaborators too.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree or (equivalent) with First Class or Upper Second Class in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Chemistry. For information on how to apply, go to:  Application process | Study | Imperial College London.

You will be required to submit:

• Personal statement
• CV
• The contact details of two referees – please note that the prospective supervisor cannot be a referee

Please contact Annalisa Neri for further information on the application process.

For further information or informal discussions about the position, please contact: Dr Stella Pedrazzini, s.pedrazzini@imperial.ac.uk 

Our values are at the root of everything we do, and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate Imperial:

• Respect
• Collaboration
• Excellence
• Integrity
• Innovation

Students are also required to comply with all Imperial policies and regulations

We are committed to equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage candidates to apply irrespective of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages.