Funded PhD studentships at the Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Hydrogen (ENG1366X1)

An exciting new PhD experience

Sustainable Hydrogen provides low-carbon solutions as an energy store, supporting the rapid deployment of renewable energy generation, and as an energy vector, decarbonising the transport and heat sectors. The challenges for sustainable hydrogen innovations are multidisciplinary and encompass science, engineering, social and economic issues. There is a need for creative innovators who have the skill-set to take novel concepts and ideas from initial inspiration through to a commercial reality. The Sustainable Hydrogen Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) is seeking PhD applications from individuals who wish to join a vibrant research community where diverse ideas are shared around a common vision for a low-carbon future.

“This is a really exciting time to be researching hydrogen technologies. There will be big changes needed to the energy system in the next five to ten years.” Professor Gavin Walker, Director of the Sustainable Hydrogen CDT

The Universities of Nottingham, Loughborough, Birmingham and Ulster have joined forces to become a national CDT in Sustainable Hydrogen. The CDT, supported by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC), is collaborating with over 40 companies and organisations to provide a new integrated PhD experience. You will be joining a multidisciplinary team of PhD researchers, supervised by world leading experts, with access to excellent research facilities across the Universities and at our collaboration partners. 

The CDT offers a training programme which supports the cohort throughout their PhD journey and providing the multidisciplinary training you’d expect, but also developing entrepreneurial, project and management skills along with the skills needed to communicate your ideas to a wide range of audiences. The CDT provides opportunities to undertake research in industry and to visit our international research partners. Researchers are also supported and encouraged to present their work at international meetings. There are also opportunities to inspire the next generation of hydrogen innovators, through outreach activities with schools and to learn more about the influence science and engineering can have on policy and policymakers at both a local and national level.

Across the CDT collaboration we have the expertise and facilities to support a range of research projects including (but not limited to):

Hydrogen generation                          Integration of hydrogen systems

Gas upgrade                                       Business economics and energy policy

Storage                                               Hydrogen safety

Hydrogen engines                               Public acceptance

A brochure of available projects will be sent to all short-listed applicants to indicate which projects are of interest.

Join our research community

This year, we are seeking to recruit at least 15 PhD students who will be joining a wider community of energy PhD students across the 4 Universities.

The integrated PhD research programme in Sustainable Hydrogen is a 4 year programme consisting of taught skills, experiential learning and a research project. By the end of year 1 you will have gained 120 credits of multidisciplinary training in Sustainable Hydrogen and the Energy Sector. Half of the taught element is made-up of options, enabling you to tailor the training to your interests and needs. The training also covers research, entrepreneurial and business skills, much of this is undertaken in collaboration with our industry partners. The CDT offers many experiences to develop your skills through industrial secondments, outreach activities, industry challenge days and writing retreats. 

Overseas travel is supported for you to present your work at international conferences and for research visits to leading international labs, enabling you to access unique facilities and extend your global network.

The CDT studentship covers UK/EU tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend of up to £16,909 per annum. The studentship eligibility criteria are defined by the EPSRC. Funding is provided to cover travel and subsistence costs related to the CDT training and research activities and an Equality and Diversity discretionary fund provides additional support where needed to ensure all students within the cohort have access to similar opportunities.

“We are delighted to support the Sustainable Hydrogen CDT and excited about both the multidisciplinary research that will be undertaken, and the training of future hydrogen leaders to join our growing industry.” Dr Rachel Smith, Executive Director for ITM Power.

Apply today

Applications are welcomed from candidates who have taken a non-traditional route, for example those who may have spent some time in industry and are looking to return to education. Candidates need to show in their application an ability equivalent to a 1st or 2(i) honours degree or a MSc with distinction. Candidates with backgrounds in all disciplines will be considered as a wide variety of projects are available. To apply, please email your CV and a covering letter to beinspired@sustainablehydrogen-cdt.ac.uk.

Further information about the CDT including the next Interview Day can be found at the website www.sustainablehydrogen-cdt.ac.uk, or email beinspired@sustainablehydrogen-cdt.ac.uk.

Closing Date: 16 Jun 2020
Category: Studentships