PhD Studentship: Thin Film Ceramic Electrical Insulation Enabling Temperature Motor Windin

Area

Engineering

UK Other

Friday 27 February 2026

ENG
298

This project is an exciting opportunity to undertake industrially linked research in partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). It is based within the Advanced Materials Research group (AMRG) at the Faculty of Engineering (FoE), University of Nottingham.

This fully funded 3-year studentship is available only to UK nationals. The successful applicant will receive a generous tax‑free annual stipend of £25,000, full‑time home tuition fees paid, and £2,000 per year for consumables and travel. Funding from MTC requires passing their security checks before starting the PhD.

As part of this project, you’ll have the chance to travel internationally, present your work at major conferences, and collaborate with partner universities in France and Germany, gaining valuable global experience and expanding your research network.

To achieve Net Zero targets
, the transport sector needs high power density electric motors (see ATI roadmap link and APC roadmap link). Current polymer insulation fails above 200–280°C, limiting motor performance. Our project objective is to develop durable ceramic coatings via sputtering on metal hairpin windings, raising possible operating temperatures to over 500°C and boosting power density and efficiency. Early results (link) indicate a potential 50% increase in motor power density
, supporting future propulsion goals. This PhD offers the chance to contribute to innovative materials science with real engineering impact for net‑zero technologies.

This PhD aims to develop a new class of thin‑film high‑performance ceramic insulation coatings with high dielectric strength ( >1 kV/µm ) and thermal stability above 500°C using advanced magnetron sputtering. These aluminium‑nitride‑based materials will enable smaller, lighter, and more powerful electric motors, supporting next‑generation electrified aircraft, efficient EVs, and innovative propulsion systems. The goal is to surpass current insulation technologies and deliver a significant advancement in electric machine performance.

We seek a motivated candidate with at least a high 2:1 degree in Engineering, Physical Sciences, or a related field. Prior experience (such as sputtering deposition, thermal stress simulation, electrical machine engineering, or materials science), strong analytical skills, and excellent communication are required. Independence and enthusiasm for research are also valued.

The University values equality, diversity, and inclusion, inviting applications from all backgrounds.

5 October 2026

• Dr Zakhar Kudrynskyi (zakhar)
• Henry Greenhalgh ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).)
• Yijun Liu (Yijun.
  
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