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- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on corrosion in ammonia environments using advanced techniques.
- Company: Join TWI and the University of Leicester in a collaborative PhD programme.
- Benefits: Receive a tax-free stipend, tuition coverage, and research training support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy transition with innovative research.
- Qualifications: Must have a UK BEng 2:1 degree in a relevant field.
- Other info: Access tailored courses, mentoring, and career support as part of a dynamic cohort.
The predicted salary is between 25780 - 25780 £ per year.
Evaluation of Stainless steels and Nickel alloys for ammonia service with TWI and DigitalMetal-CDT.
How to Apply: All applications must be submitted through the University of Leicester portal, regardless of the university where your PhD project will be based.
Start Date: January 2026
Applicants are invited to undertake a 4-year, enhanced stipend PhD studentship, within the Digital Metal CDT at the University of Leicester. This PhD programme is in partnership with TWI.
Project Details: Decarbonised ammonia represents a critical enabler in the global energy transition. It serves both as a versatile carbon-free fuel and as an efficient hydrogen carrier. Its increasing role in large-scale hydrogen transport has intensified the need to fully understand materials behaviour in ammonia environments. Historically, stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in ammonia facilities was widely reported and actively investigated during the 1970s and 1980s. These early studies led to practical mitigation strategies, most notably, the controlled addition of water and restrictions on material strength. However, limited research has been conducted since then in this area. Fundamental uncertainties remain regarding the mechanisms of ammonia corrosion and SCC. Earlier investigations lacked standardised test methodologies and environmental control, resulting in fragmented mechanistic understanding and inconsistent susceptibility criteria. With the recent demand for larger ammonia storage and transport infrastructure, it is important to revisit and update our understanding of material behaviour in ammonia environments, particularly for alloys not traditionally deployed in these applications.
This PhD research aims to understand the corrosion and SCC behaviour of corrosion-resistant alloys (CRAs), such as stainless steels (316L) and Nickel alloys (625) in aqueous ammonia environments. The project will develop and apply advanced electrochemical techniques to quantitatively characterise corrosion kinetics and SCC susceptibility of stainless steels and nickel alloys. The influence of key metallurgical variables, environmental parameters, and applied stresses will be investigated to establish susceptibility criteria and mechanistic insight. High throughput experiments will be performed to generate data on the performance of materials. AI and ML tools will be used to analyse the data and develop models to correlate the performance to materials and microstructural variables. The outcomes of this work will contribute to the understanding of degradation mechanism in aqueous ammonia and support further development and deployment of ammonia transport and storage systems.
As a part of a CDT cohort, you will have access to tailored courses, mentoring, career support and conference opportunities.
Qualification: This position is only open to UK students. The candidate must have at least an equivalent of a UK BEng 2:1 degree in materials/mechanical/manufacturing/chemistry or any related discipline. This project is based at Leicester University for Year 1 taught elements and at TWI for research project.
Project Supervisor: Dr Shiladitya Paul, Director for UoL/TWI Materials Innovation Centre (MatIC). For informal enquiries please contact Dr Shiladitya Paul, shiladitya.paul@leicester.ac.uk.
Funding Notes: The PhD studentship will cover:
- Tuition fees at UK (Home) rates
- A tax-free stipend of up to £25,780 per annum
- £4,000 Research training support grant
TWI Culture: As one of the world’s leading independent research and technology organisations, we are committed to attracting, motivating and retaining the best talent from around the world. Our goal is to develop the next generation of experts to address future industry challenges. We are committed to creating a culture that recognises and respects the differences between people while valuing the contribution everyone makes to TWI. The diversity of our staff and students makes a positive and important contribution to our continuing success. TWI offers a comprehensive training programme, incorporating both in-house and external courses to support staff development.
TWI Values: Our six values provide a point of reference for the way we expect our people to operate and behave.
- Inclusion: Valuing the contribution from every individual, creating value for our customers
- Teamwork: Building effective working relationships, we accomplish more together
- Adaptability: Engaging positively with change to meet the needs of the business
- Taking Responsibility: Achieving our objectives and personal development
- Innovation & Expertise: Championing new ideas and sharing knowledge to solve industry problems
- Customer Focus: Building trusting relationships with our customers
TWI Ltd is a world expert in engineering, materials and joining technologies with significant property assets. We provide industry with advice and know-how in design, fabrication, failure analysis and prevention. We offer opportunities to collaborate with inspiring and expert teams and a supportive environment in which you are actively encouraged to share your ideas and continually develop your own skills and knowledge. If you are looking to join an organisation that is fuelled by innovation, teamwork, and openness, this role could be for you.
EPSRC CDT in Digital Transformation of Metals Industry (DigitalMetal CDT) in Leicester employer: TWI Ltd.
Contact Detail:
TWI Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EPSRC CDT in Digital Transformation of Metals Industry (DigitalMetal CDT) in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past students of the DigitalMetal CDT, and connect with professionals in the metals industry. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the latest trends in ammonia corrosion and SCC. Show us that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field. Bring your A-game!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing enthusiastic candidates who follow the rules!
We think you need these skills to ace EPSRC CDT in Digital Transformation of Metals Industry (DigitalMetal CDT) in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. Understand what the DigitalMetal CDT is looking for in a candidate and tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with their needs.
Show Your Passion for the Project: Let us know why you're excited about this PhD opportunity! Share your enthusiasm for the research on stainless steels and nickel alloys in ammonia environments. A genuine interest can really make your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless necessary, and make sure your key points shine through. We want to see your qualifications and motivations without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, all applications must be submitted through the University of Leicester portal. Don’t get sidetracked by other platforms like TWI Workday. Stick to the official route to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at TWI Ltd.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the specifics of stainless steels and nickel alloys, especially in relation to ammonia environments. Familiarise yourself with the latest research and methodologies in corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) to show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your technical skills and how they relate to the project. Be ready to talk about any relevant experience you have with electrochemical techniques or AI/ML tools, as these will be crucial for the role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the project and the team at TWI. This shows that you’re not just interested in the position but also in how you can contribute to the ongoing research and development efforts.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to demonstrate your qualifications, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. TWI values teamwork and adaptability, so showing that you can fit into their culture is just as important as your technical skills.
