PhD applications are welcomed from candidates wishing to conduct research on plasma and surface engineering in the National High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HIPIMS) Technology Centre. HIPIMS is a ground-breaking technology used to pre-treat surfaces and deposit innovative coatings that significantly enhance the performance and properties of the treated material. The technology has applications in a wide range of industries, from components in jet turbines to replacement hip joints, and it has even allowed satellites to journey into deep space. 

HIPIMS is a plasma vapour deposition (PVD) method for surface treatment and coating. It enables the production of highly ionised vapour that is free of macro-particles. The vapour can be used to treat surfaces or to deposit specific coatings that enhance the properties and utility of a variety of end products with a wide range of industrial applications.

Applicants wishing to develop a PhD project in this area, please contact either Arutiun Ehiasarian or Papken Hovsepian.

How to apply

Applicants should email their completed postgraduate application form to meri@shu.ac.uk by 12 noon on Thursday 1 February 2018.

The application form asks candidates for a 1,500 word research proposal. In addition to this (and in the same box), please outline a) how your skills and experience to date prepare you to embark on your proposed project b) any challenges that you foresee in conducting the research, and how you might approach or solve them.

We strongly recommend that you contact a prospective supervisor to discuss your research proposal before submitting an application. Potential supervisors are indicated for each advertised research theme (with links to staff profiles). Please note that applications are welcome in any area of PhD research that can be supported in the Materials and Engineering Research Institute (MERI).

Where English is not your first language, you must show evidence of English language ability to a minimum level of proficiency: an overall IELTS score of 7.0 or above, with at least 6.5 in each component or an accepted equivalent. Please note that your test score must be current, ie within the last two years, and that relevant certification must be submitted at the point of application. We also require two references, copies of academic certificates and module transcripts and a photocopy of your passport/ID.

For all queries about the application process please email meri@shu.ac.uk

Graduate Teaching Assistant scholarships (GTAs)

These scholarships are Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA), sponsored by the College of Business, Technology and Engineering. GTA scholarships offer training and professional development in teaching practice alongside PhD research. This includes a requirement (within the terms and conditions of the scholarship) to deliver up to a maximum of 180 hours of teaching related activity per year, for the duration of the award. This opportunity may be of particular interest and benefit to PhD candidates wishing to pursue a career in Higher Education.

Please view our eligibility criteria before submitting an application.

Selection process

Interviews will be held in the weeks beginning 5 March 2018 and 12 March 2018

Shortlisted applicants will be required to give a 10 minute presentation followed by an interview. Interview panel members include the head of postgraduate research, a prospective director of studies and a senior member of the Department of Engineering and Maths. Where travel to Sheffield is not possible, interviews are conducted by Skype or conference call.

The presentation should outline and discuss your PhD research proposal, targeted to a non-expert audience. You may use visual aids as you feel appropriate, but this isn't compulsory.

Find out more about the Materials and Engineering Research Institute (MERI)

MERI is a partner in Sheffield Robotics, National Centre for Food Engineering and Manufacturing and Universities Alliance Doctoral Training Partnership in Energy. Research in MERI is organised into research centres providing a focus for research in Automation and Robotics; Materials Analysis; Polymers, Nanocomposites and Modelling, Structural Materials and Integrity and Thin Films. In REF2014, 56% of research outputs submitted were rated as either world leading or internationally excellent. MERI is located in a purpose built facility with access to first class laboratories and facilities including workshops in precision and model-making, a flight simulator, wind tunnel, automotive workshop, structural integrity, thermofluids and robotics labs.