PhD Studentship: Pioneering Multilayer Nitride Dielectrics: Materials Architecture Ul

Overview

Area:
Engineering |

Location:

UK Other | Closing Date:
Friday 01 May 2026 | Reference: ENG
318

Location:

Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, UK |

Start date:

October 2026 | Funding: EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award | Duration: 3.5 years

This opportunity is based within the Thin Films Lab (Advanced Materials Research group) at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, and conducts cutting-edge research into next-generation electronic and energy materials for Net Zero technologies such as electrified transport, power electronics and energy conversion.

You will have the opportunity to design, fabricate and study novel multilayer composite dielectric materials with ultra-high breakdown strength, gaining hands-on experience in advanced thin-film deposition and nanoscale electrical characterisation. The project will allow you to develop a deep, mechanistic understanding of how interfaces and architecture govern dielectric failure under extreme electric fields.

You will work within the Advanced Materials Research Group in the Faculty of Engineering and be supervised by a team of internationally recognised experts:
Dr Zakhar Kudrynskyi, Prof. David Grant and Dr Timothy Cooper. You will also work closely with industrial partners in advanced instrumentation. With access to a substantial travel budget, the PhD researcher will have opportunities for international research visits and to present research at leading international conferences.

The skills and expertise developed during this PhD will prepare you for careers in academic research, high-technology industries, power electronics, semiconductor R&D or advanced materials and instrumentation, while providing a foundation for further research-led funding and fellowship opportunities.

An enthusiastic, self-motivated candidate with a 1st or high 2:1 degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences or a related science discipline. Prior experience in thin-film deposition, microscopy, spectroscopy, electronics or coding is advantageous but not essential; full training will be provided.

After a suitable candidate is found, funding is then sought from the University of Nottingham as part of a competitive process (this will cover home tuition fees and UKRI stipend).

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The Faculty of Engineering provides a thriving working environment for all PGRs, with a strong sense of community and access to training and facilities in collaboration with industry.

Note:

For candidates viewing this vacancy, email details to a friend and site navigation options have been omitted to focus on the role content.