PHD studentship: Synthesis, characterisation​/modelling of hydrogen storage materials

Overview

Area Engineering

Location UK Other

Closing Date Thursday 19 March 2026

Reference ENG
302

We are recruiting highly motivated and enthusiastic doctoral students in the field of synthesis, characterisation and/or modelling of next generation materials for hydrogen storage and compression at the University of Nottingham. We are seeking applications to join our multidisciplinary team of currently 8 academics, 7 research fellows, and 15 PhD students investigating novel multinary Reactive Hydride Composites and phases with enhanced hydrogen density for hydrogen storage, increased ion mobility for hydrogen storage as well as solid ion conductors and low enthalpy metal hydrides for hydrogen compressors.

The PhDs will cover a wide range of skill sets and range from experimental work on synthesis, characterisation to the modelling of hydrogen metal reactions. For funding reasons we are particularly looking for UK applicants.

Efficient energy storage of hydrogen and hydrogen rich carriers is of utter importance for future zero carbon economies, and there is an exciting opportunity to join our hydrogen research team to investigate novel energy materials for the compact storage and/or compression of hydrogen. The role holders will investigate hydrogen reaction properties of metal hydrides, complex hydrides, their composites, and analyse, characterise, or model the reaction pathways and the properties of involved phases.

Funding and environment The role will be conducted within a larger project with several PhD students and postdocs, collaborating with researchers at the University of Nottingham and international partners. We seek good team players and will involve periods working at partner labs or synchrotron and neutron facilities. There are initiatives to support early career researchers with mentoring, idea incubation, flexible working, and guidance when applying for prestigious fellowships or grants.

Team and opportunities The role holders will work closely with Professors Martin Dornheim, David Grant or Sanliang Ling and the hydrogen storage team at Nottingham, as well as research labs and partner institutions worldwide. Researchers are encouraged to present at national or international conferences; budget is allocated for this.

Funding specifics The funding is from Leverhulme Trust and will be for up to 4 years depending on start time and candidate. The tax-free stipend is £20,622 (October 2025) and increments annually.

Application instructions Please send your CV to Prof. Martin Dornheim
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Equality and inclusion The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

• Conduct synthesis, characterisation, and/or modelling work on hydrogen storage materials and related systems.
• Analyse, characterise, or model reaction pathways and properties of metal and complex hydrides, composites, and related phases.
• Collaborate with internal and external researchers across national and international facilities.
• Present research at national and international conferences; participate in seminars and group meetings.

• Very good knowledge and expertise in material physics and/or chemistry or computational solid-state physics/chemistry.
• Experience in synthesis, characterisation and performance testing or modelling of metal hydrides, complex hydrides, or their composites preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience in characterisation of fast ionic conductors is welcome.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and willingness to spend periods at partner labs or large facilities.