Are you passionate about developing novel research and keen to shape the future of power systems and power electronics for energy transfer technologies and pulsed power applications? 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 £24,780 per year, plus additional funds of £7,000 a year for travel, conferences and research equipment. This project is co- funded by Ultra Maritime.

The studentship will focus on advanced converter topologies that can handle high peak power levels and maintain efficiency while delivering short-duration pulses. Invaluable expertise in the fast-moving domains of EMT modelling and hardware-in-the-loop experimentation, power electronics, power systems, pulsed power, and marine systems will be developed during the studentship, enhanced by specialist training including national summer schools and industry placements.

 The main objectives of this project are: 

• Research into the design and optimisation of specific power converter topologies using both simulation and experimental validation.
• Evaluation of advanced semi-conductor devices to enhance converter efficiency and power density.
• Investigation of innovative control strategies and modulation techniques to ensure accurate and precise pulse generation, response time, and robustness.

The student will develop skills and experience in a domain commanding strong demand in the jobs market, and fundamental to the electrification of many sectors.

The Hub

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 the University of Strathclyde and throughout their PhD will benefit from the support and expertise of our diverse academic community, cohorts of students working towards similar goals, as well as our specialist industrial network.

Why Join Us?

• 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.

Key Details

• Host Institution: University of Strathclyde
• Industry Partner: Ultra Maritime
• PhD Duration: 4 years
• Start Date: 1st October 2025
• Enhanced stipend of £24,780 per year

The industrial partner, Ultra Maritime, is a major international company, specialising in maritime technological advancement for innovative, mission specific solutions. The partner 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: Energy Transfer Technologies Doctoral Training Hub - Energy Transfer Technologies Doctoral Training Hub - University of Liverpool

Equality, diversity and inclusion

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. Use project id: PhD-ST25