Exciting Fully Funded PhD Opportunity: Novel Sealing for High-Pressure H2 and Low-Carbon Storage Technologies - Help Shape the Future of Clean Energy Storage!

University of Sheffield - School of Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering (MAC)

Qualification Type:PhD Location:Manchester, Sheffield, Slough Funding for:UK Students Funding amount:Bursary/Stipend: £19,795, Fees: £4,925 Hours:Full Time Placed On:5th December 2025 Closes:30th August 2026 Passionate about renewable energy and engineering? Want to tackle sustainable hydrogen challenges? The University of Sheffield’s Leonardo Centre, a global leader in tribology, invites a motivated, curious individual to join an exciting PhD. This opportunity is generously funded by John Crane Ltd, a world-renowned engineering technology leader.

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: www.sheffield.ac.uk/leonardocentre

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: www.johncrane.com

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.

Funding Minimum

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.

Funding Maximum

Stipend top-up: An additional substantial industrial top-up to the stipend is available.