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- Tasks: Develop innovative mechanical seals for high-pressure hydrogen systems to impact clean energy.
- Company: Join John Crane, a global leader in sealing technology with a rich engineering history.
- Benefits: Fully funded 4-year PhD with competitive stipend and industry top-up.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of renewable energy solutions and contribute to a sustainable future.
- Qualifications: First-class or upper second-class honours degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or Applied Mathematics.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with world-class researchers and flexible start date.
The predicted salary is between 19795 - 19795 £ per year.
Why This PhD?
- Impact Clean Energy's Future: Develop next-generation mechanical seals for high-pressure hydrogen systems—key to renewable energy.
- Work with Industry Leaders: Collaborate with John Crane, a $1B global technology company driving sealing innovation.
- Gain Research/Industry Experience: Split your time between advanced laboratories at The University of Sheffield and John Crane’s Research Centre in Manchester and Manufacturing site in Slough.
Project Overview
The world is moving rapidly toward renewable energy. Hydrogen is at the forefront as a clean fuel, but its safe storage and use at high pressures require advanced, reliable technology. By joining this project, you’ll be developing innovations critical to a greener, more sustainable future. In hydrogen storage and transport, high-performance mechanical seals are essential. These seals prevent gas leakage by maintaining a sub-micron-thin layer of hydrogen between a rotating ceramic face and a stationary face. The project’s focus is to:
- Conduct cutting-edge experiments to investigate how surface texture affects seal performance and explore the use of an ultrasonic sensor for real-time monitoring.
- Experiment with ultrasonic sensors for real-time seal gap measurement.
- Combine experimental research and mathematical modelling to pioneer innovative sealing solutions.
What We Offer
- Full 4-year Funding for UK applicants: Includes UK-only tuition fees and a stipend at standard EPSRC rates (2025/2026: Bursary/Stipend: £19,795, Fees: £4,925). Please note that non-UK/EU students must cover additional fees from their own funds.
- Stipend top-up: An additional substantial industrial top-up to the stipend is available.
- Make a Global Impact: Be at the forefront of clean energy solutions, contributing to a sustainable future.
- Industry Experience: Gain valuable industry experience with a global leader.
- World-Class Environment: Develop your research expertise in a world-class tribology group.
- Flexible Start date.
Who Are We Looking For?
We seek a proactive and enthusiastic individual with a first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in:
- Engineering (Mechanical, Materials, or related disciplines)
- Physics, Chemistry, or Applied Mathematics
About the Leonardo Centre
The Leonardo Centre at the University of Sheffield is one of the UK’s leading tribology research centres, home to over 50 PhD students working in a highly collaborative, dynamic environment. You’ll benefit from working alongside top academics and fellow researchers with a shared passion for innovation.
About John Crane Ltd
John Crane is the world leader in mechanical seals and related technology. With a rich history of engineering excellence, John Crane provides essential sealing solutions for industries ranging from energy to pharmaceuticals.
Ready to Join? Apply for this transformative PhD now and power the future of hydrogen! Contact Prof. Rob Dwyer-Joyce at r.dwyerjoyce@shef.ac.uk.
Exciting Fully Funded PhD Opportunity: Novel Sealing for High-Pressure H2 and Low-Carbon Storag[...] in Manchester employer: University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Exciting Fully Funded PhD Opportunity: Novel Sealing for High-Pressure H2 and Low-Carbon Storag[...] in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or alumni from the University of Sheffield and John Crane. They can give you insider tips on the application process and what it’s really like working in this exciting field.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss how your background in engineering, physics, or maths can contribute to developing those next-gen mechanical seals. Show them you’re passionate about clean energy!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply—engage! Follow John Crane and the University of Sheffield on social media. Comment on their posts or share relevant articles. This shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. Make sure to highlight any relevant projects or experiences that align with the PhD focus. Tailor your application to show how you can make an impact in the world of hydrogen storage!
We think you need these skills to ace Exciting Fully Funded PhD Opportunity: Novel Sealing for High-Pressure H2 and Low-Carbon Storag[...] in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for clean energy and mechanical seals! In your application, share why this PhD excites you and how it aligns with your career goals. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the project’s focus. We want to see how your background in engineering, physics, or maths makes you a perfect fit for this innovative research opportunity.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the ideal candidate for this PhD. Be specific about your experiences and how they relate to the cutting-edge work we’re doing at the Leonardo Centre and John Crane.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the fundamentals of mechanical seals and their role in hydrogen storage. Brush up on recent advancements in sealing technology and be ready to discuss how your background in engineering or related fields can contribute to this project.
✨Show Your Passion for Clean Energy
This PhD is all about making a difference in renewable energy. Be prepared to share why you're passionate about clean energy solutions and how you envision your research impacting the future of hydrogen technology.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the collaboration with John Crane, the research environment at The University of Sheffield, and what a typical day might look like. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Research Skills
Since this role involves cutting-edge experiments and mathematical modelling, be ready to discuss any relevant research experience you have. Highlight specific projects where you've applied similar skills, and don't hesitate to mention any innovative ideas you might have for the PhD project.