Are you passionate about developing novel research and keen to shape the future of energy transfer technologies in areas such as, laser interactions, plasma physics, RF technologies, materials science and engineering? We are recruiting a motivated PhD candidate to undertake an exciting project within the EPSRC Energy Transfer Technologies Doctoral Training Hub. As a student of the Hub, you will receive an enhanced stipend of £23,237 per year, plus additional funds of £7,000 a year for travel, conferences and research equipment. This project is co- funded by MBDA. 

Overview

The studentship will focus on studying the effects of high energy propagation in poor weather and investigate methods for increasing energy transfer on an intended object. The project will allow you to acquire expertise in electro-magnetic propagation and sensing with electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR) and radar systems.

The main objectives of this project are:

  • Investigation of the effects of high energy propagation in poor weather conditions through modelling and simulations,
  • Research into propagation effects as a function of frequency and sensing modality (EO, IR and radars),
  • Investigating the use of pulsed and CW techniques to maximise energy transfer against an intended object at a distance.

Why 扣扣传媒?

The Doctoral Hub specialises in developing research and training the next generation of leaders in energy transfer technologies for defence and related sectors. The successful candidate will be based at 扣扣传媒 and throughout their PhD will benefit from the support and expertise of our diverse academic community, a community of students working towards similar goals, as well as our specialist industrial network. 

Cranfield Defence and Security (CDS) provides unique educational opportunities to the Defence and security sectors of both public and private sector organisations. Based at the UK Defence Academy at Shrivenham in Oxfordshire and at 扣扣传媒 Bedfordshire, CDS is the academic provider to the UK Ministry of Defence for postgraduate education at the Defence Academy, training in engineering, science, acquisition, management and leadership.

Unique Selling Points

  • Industrial Collaboration: Each PhD student within the Hub is partnered with an industry collaborator, providing placement opportunities to work and train alongside industry experts,
  • Comprehensive Training: The Hub offers a blend of academic and industrial training, preparing you for diverse career pathways in research or industry,
  • Cohort Experience: Build your research network through inclusion in a vibrant cohort of PhD students that conduct research with academic leaders across leading UK institutions. Engage in online and face-to-face activities, including cohort-building events and collaborative learning exercises,
  • Funding: A generous fully funded studentship (no fees and a monthly personal payment) with additional support for conferences, travel, training, consumables and extended placement with industry collaborators.

What will you Learn?

As a PhD student, you will have the opportunity to develop strong independent thinking and research skills, focusing on qualitative research methodologies and ontology development. During your studies, you will also gain valuable experience in presenting the outputs of your scientific research at events and conferences. To support you in achieving a high standard in writing and presenting technical reports, scientific papers, and your thesis, the University offers a number of courses. These transferable skills will contribute to your academic development as well as enhance your employability prospects.

The industrial partner, MBDA, is a major international company, being number 1 in Europe and number 3 worldwide in the field. MBDA specialises in developing innovative systems for applications in defence. They will provide PhD supervision, a placement, and be part of the larger Hub community – benefiting in the diverse academic and industrial network offered by the Hub.

Please check the hub website for further details: 

At a glance

  • Application deadline30 Jul 2025
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Start date06 Oct 2025
  • Duration of award4 years
  • EligibilityUK
  • Reference numberCDS089

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of an upper Second-Class UK Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant science or engineering discipline. Candidates must be UK Nationals and be willing to apply for and able to obtain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance. 

The Hub is committed to improving diversity within the sector and as such we aim to provide an inclusive environment in which all students can thrive. We particularly encourage applications from women, disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, and students from low-income/ non-typical backgrounds to apply.  We can also consider part time PhD students.  We encourage and support talented individuals from various STEM backgrounds with ambition and an interest in making a difference.  

Funding

This is a fully funded EPSRC Energy Transfer Technologies Doctoral Training Hub project. The duration of the PhD is 4 years. As a student of the Hub, you will receive an enhanced stipend of £23,237 per year, plus additional funds of £7,000 a year for travel, conferences and research equipment. This project is co- funded by MBDA. The funding is for home students and applicants can be UK Nationals or Internationals.

How to apply

For information about applications please contact: a.balleri@cranfield.ac.uk

Phone: (0)1234 863867

A CV and short cover letter justifying your case to secure the opportunity is required.

If you are eligible to apply for this PhD, please complete the

Exceptions of registration times only apply to the EPSRC National Productivity Studentships, Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs), and iCASE awards where the PhD is specified to take four year full-time study. In such cases students should be registered for 3 years (or four if this is specified) for a full-time PhD.