Job Description

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.

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Why This PhD?

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- Impact Clean Energy's Future: Develop next-generation mechanical seals for high-pressure hydrogen systems—key to renewable energy.
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- Work with Industry Leaders: Collaborate with John Crane, a $1B global technology company driving sealing innovation.
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- 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.
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Project Overview

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The world is moving rapidly toward renewable energy. Hydrogen is at the forefront as a clean fuel, but its secure 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.

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The Project's Focus Is To

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- Conduct cutting-edge experiments to investigate how surface texture affects seal performance and explore the use of an ultrasonic sensor for real-time monitoring.
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- Experiment with ultrasonic sensors for real-time seal gap measurement.
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- Combine experimental research and mathematical modelling to pioneer innovative sealing solutions.
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What We Offer

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- 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.
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- Stipend top-up: An additional substantial industrial top-up to the stipend is available.
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- Make a Global Impact: Be at the forefront of clean energy solutions, contributing to a sustainable future.
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- Industry Experience: Gain valuable industry experience with a global leader.
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- World-Class Environment: Develop your research expertise in a world-class tribology group.
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- Flexible Start date.
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Who Are We Looking For?

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We seek a proactive and enthusiastic individual with a first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in:

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- Engineering (Mechanical, Materials, or related disciplines)
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- Physics, Chemistry, or Applied Mathematics
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About the Leonardo Centre: www.sheffield.ac.uk/leonardocentre

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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.

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About John Crane Ltd: www.johncrane.com

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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.

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Funding Minimum

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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.

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Funding Maximum

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

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📌 Exciting Fully Funded PhD Opportunity: Novel Sealing for High-Pressureand Low-Carbon Storag[...] (Sheffield)
🏢 Emerging Scholars Council
📍 Sheffield