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- Tasks: Explore innovative energy storage solutions using geotechnical methods.
- Company: University of Nottingham, a leader in engineering research.
- Benefits: Fully funded studentship covering tuition and a tax-free stipend.
- Why this job: Contribute to renewable energy advancements and tackle real-world challenges.
- Qualifications: Background in geotechnics or soil mechanics required.
- Other info: Gain expert knowledge and hands-on experience in a dynamic research environment.
The predicted salary is between 20780 - 20780 ÂŁ per year.
The transition to renewable energy brings the critical challenge of reliable and robust energy storage. Conventional battery storage solutions require high capital investment and rely on lithium, a heavily mined resource.
This project explores an innovative alternative: using land at the base of wind or solar farms to store energy. By pumping water into a sealed flexible membrane beneath a mass of soil, solar energy can be converted into pressure potential energy, mimicking traditional pumped hydro storage but without large elevation differences.
While conceptually promising, this approach poses geotechnical challenges, including cyclical loading and soil–membrane interface effects. The project will use one of the UK’s leading geotechnical centrifuge testing laboratories to model and address these challenges, enabling scalable deployment of this method.
Candidates should have a background in geotechnics or soil mechanics at the undergraduate level.
Skills You’ll Gain
- Expert knowledge of centrifuge modelling challenges and solutions
- Advanced programming and data analysis skills
- Experience communicating complex and novel research effectively
- Opportunities to develop lab demonstration and teaching experience
- Confidence in addressing problems with uncertain outcomes and undefined final solutions
Desirable Skills (Advantageous, Not Required)
- Data analysis skills in Python
- Interest in energy policy or the economics of energy
- Experience in numerical modelling
Open to UK nationals, and in exceptional circumstances international applicants with a strong application. The studentship is fully funded for 3.5 years, covering tuition fees and a UKRI tax-free stipend of approximately ÂŁ20,780. Funding will be secured from the University of Nottingham after a suitable candidate is identified.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should contact the supervisor directly via email with the subject line: “UPHS PhD”. In your application, please refer to Polytechnicpositions.com.
PhD Studentship in Chemical Engineering in Nottingham employer: Polytechnicpositions
Contact Detail:
Polytechnicpositions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship in Chemical Engineering in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty in the Engineering department at the University of Nottingham. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for renewable energy! When you get the chance to speak with potential supervisors, share your thoughts on innovative energy storage solutions. It’ll show you’re genuinely interested in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on geotechnical concepts and recent advancements in energy storage. We want you to feel confident discussing how your background fits into the project’s goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship in Chemical Engineering in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Catchy Subject Line: When you email the supervisor, make sure to use the subject line 'UPHS PhD'. It’s your first chance to grab their attention, so let’s make it count!
Show Off Your Skills: In your application, highlight your background in geotechnics or soil mechanics. We want to see how your skills align with the project, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your email straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your passion for the project shines through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: While reaching out via email is essential, we encourage you to check our website for any additional application steps. It’s the best way to ensure you don’t miss anything important!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polytechnicpositions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of geotechnics and soil mechanics. Familiarise yourself with the latest research in energy storage solutions, especially those related to renewable energy. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your programming and data analysis skills, particularly if you have experience with Python. Prepare examples of how you've used these skills in past projects or studies, as this will demonstrate your capability to tackle the challenges outlined in the project.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the project and the team. This could include inquiries about the specific geotechnical challenges they anticipate or how they envision the lab demonstrations. Asking questions shows that you're engaged and thinking critically about the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex concepts in a simple way. Since effective communication is key in research, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will impress the interviewers. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your delivery.
