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- Tasks: Conduct research on hydrogen storage materials through synthesis, characterisation, and modelling.
- Company: Join the University of Nottingham's innovative hydrogen research team.
- Benefits: Tax-free stipend of £20,622, mentoring, and opportunities for international collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the transition to zero carbon economies with cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: Strong background in material physics or chemistry; experience with metal hydrides preferred.
- Other info: Collaborate with a diverse team and present at national and international conferences.
The predicted salary is between 20622 - 20622 £ per year.
We are recruiting highly motivated and enthusiastic doctoral students in the field of synthesis, characterisation and/or modelling of next generation materials for hydrogen storage and compression at the University of Nottingham. We are seeking applications to join our multidisciplinary team of currently 8 academics, 7 research fellows, and 15 PhD students investigating novel multinary Reactive Hydride Composites and phases with enhanced hydrogen density for hydrogen storage, increased ion mobility for hydrogen storage as well as solid ion conductors and low enthalpy metal hydrides for hydrogen compressors.
The PhDs will cover a wide range of skill sets and range from experimental work on synthesis, characterisation to the modelling of hydrogen metal reactions. For funding reasons we are particularly looking for UK applicants.
Efficient energy storage of hydrogen and hydrogen rich carriers is of utter importance for future zero carbon economies, and there is an exciting opportunity to join our hydrogen research team to investigate novel energy materials for the compact storage and/or compression of hydrogen. The role holders will investigate hydrogen reaction properties of metal hydrides, complex hydrides, their composites, and analyse, characterise, or model the reaction pathways and the properties of involved phases.
The role will be conducted within a larger project with several PhD students and postdocs, collaborating with researchers at the University of Nottingham and international partners. We seek good team players and will involve periods working at partner labs or synchrotron and neutron facilities. There are initiatives to support early career researchers with mentoring, idea incubation, flexible working, and guidance when applying for prestigious fellowships or grants.
The role holders will work closely with Professors Martin Dornheim, David Grant or Sanliang Ling and the hydrogen storage team at Nottingham, as well as research labs and partner institutions worldwide. Researchers are encouraged to present at national or international conferences; budget is allocated for this.
The funding is from Leverhulme Trust and will be for up to 4 years depending on start time and candidate. The tax-free stipend is £20,622 (October 2025) and increments annually.
Please send your CV to Prof. Martin Dornheim at martin.dornheim@nottingham.ac.uk
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Responsibilities
- Conduct synthesis, characterisation, and/or modelling work on hydrogen storage materials and related systems.
- Analyse, characterise, or model reaction pathways and properties of metal and complex hydrides, composites, and related phases.
- Collaborate with internal and external researchers across national and international facilities.
- Present research at national and international conferences; participate in seminars and group meetings.
Qualifications
- Very good knowledge and expertise in material physics and/or chemistry or computational solid-state physics/chemistry.
- Experience in synthesis, characterisation and performance testing or modelling of metal hydrides, complex hydrides, or their composites preferred.
- Knowledge of and experience in characterisation of fast ionic conductors is welcome.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and willingness to spend periods at partner labs or large facilities.
PHD studentship: Synthesis, characterisation, and/or modelling of hydrogen storage materials in Nottingham employer: University Of Nottingham
Contact Detail:
University Of Nottingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PHD studentship: Synthesis, characterisation, and/or modelling of hydrogen storage materials in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or researchers in the field of hydrogen storage. They can provide insider info about the team and the application process, plus you might even get a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of metal hydrides and their properties. Be ready to discuss your previous research experiences and how they relate to the role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for the project! When you get the chance to chat with the team, express your passion for hydrogen storage and how you see yourself contributing to their research goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our awesome team at the University of Nottingham.
We think you need these skills to ace PHD studentship: Synthesis, characterisation, and/or modelling of hydrogen storage materials in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in material physics, chemistry, or computational solid-state physics. We want to see how your skills align with the synthesis and characterisation of hydrogen storage materials!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about hydrogen storage research. Share your enthusiasm for working in a multidisciplinary team and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Let your personality shine through!
Showcase Relevant Experience: If you have experience with metal hydrides or complex hydrides, make sure to showcase it! We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their hands-on skills in synthesis and characterisation, so don’t hold back on those details.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at University Of Nottingham
✨Know Your Materials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of hydrogen storage materials, especially metal hydrides and their composites. Be ready to discuss specific examples of your experience with synthesis and characterisation, as well as any modelling work you've done.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before, especially in research settings, and express your enthusiasm for collaborating with others.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to material physics and chemistry. Review key concepts and be prepared to explain your thought process when tackling problems related to hydrogen storage and compression. This will show your depth of understanding and problem-solving abilities.
✨Engage with Their Research
Familiarise yourself with the current research being conducted by Professors Dornheim, Grant, and Ling. Mention specific projects or papers during your interview to demonstrate your genuine interest in their work and how you can contribute to their ongoing research efforts.
