Overview

The University of Liverpool is offering a PhD program in Atmospheric Plasma Polymer Coatings and Sensor Integration for Harsh Energy & Defence Environments. This project is co-funded by DSTL and is part of the EPSRC Energy Transfer Technologies Doctoral Training Hub.

About this Opportunity

The project aims to develop novel plasma coating for photodiode devices to operate reliably in harsh environments, including energy generation, industrial processing, and defence-related settings. The research will investigate how plasma process parameters and precursor chemistries can be engineered to deliver coatings with enhanced barrier performance, corrosion resistance, radiation tolerance, and mechanical durability.

Key Details

• Host Institution: University of Liverpool
• Industry Partner: DSTL
• PhD Duration: 4 years
• Start Date: 1st October 2026
• Enhanced stipend of È25,805

Who is this For?

PhD candidates must hold a minimum of an upper Second-Class UK Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant science or engineering discipline. Candidates must be UK Nationals and be willing to apply for and able to obtain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.

How to Apply

To apply, candidates should:

1. Contact the supervisors to discuss the project further.
2. Prepare application documents, including a research proposal, university transcripts, and degree certificates.
3. Apply online using the University of Liverpool application form, including the project title and reference number EEPR001.

Funding your PhD

As a student of the Hub, you will receive an enhanced stipend of È25,805 per year, plus additional funds of È7,000 a year for travel, conferences, and research equipment. This EPSRC-funded Studentship will also cover full tuition fees.

The Hub

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 benefit from the support and expertise of the diverse academic community, a community of students working towards similar goals, and specialist industrial network.

Why Join Us?

• Industrial Collaboration: Each PhD student within the Hub is partnered with an industry collaborator, providing 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.
• Funding: A generous fully funded studentship with additional support for conferences, travel, training, consumables, and extended placement with industry collaborators.

University of Liverpool