PhD Engineering Studentship 2025 | Fully Funded Scholarship on New Energy Vectors & Computational Chemistry (University of Sussex)

PhD Engineering Studentship 2025: Overview

The University of Sussex is offering a fully funded 3.5-year PhD Engineering studentship under the supervision of Prof. Peter Fussey. The project focuses on developing new sustainable energy vectors to replace fossil fuels, using advanced computational chemistry and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs).

The research aims to accelerate the transition to net-zero energy systems, leveraging computational modelling, quantum chemistry, and machine learning to design efficient molecular energy storage systems.

PhD Engineering Studentship 2025: Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computational Sciences).

• Be open to UK, EU, or international applicants.

• Demonstrate strong interest in:

  • Computational chemistry

  • FPGA programming (Matlab/Simulink toolchains, HDL coding)

  • Matrix algebra & mathematical modelling

  • Energy sustainability research

The University of Sussex welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and strongly supports equality, inclusion, and interdisciplinary research.

Benefits

• Tax-free stipend: £20,780 per year (standard UKRI rate, 2025/26).

• Full tuition fee waiver (UK, EU, or international rate).

• One-off Research & Training Support Grant of £2,000.

• World-class supervision and opportunities to collaborate across academia and industry sectors.

Fellowship/Program Components

• Project Theme: Development of molecular energy vectors as alternatives to fossil fuels.

• Research Phases:

  1. Structure Generation & Property Assessment – Using graph-theoretic methods, fast computational chemistry, and FPGA-based simulations.

  2. Prediction & High-Level Assessment – Applying machine learning and quantum chemical methods to identify and evaluate novel systems.

• Key Skills Gained:

  • Computational chemistry methodologies

  • FPGA programming for scientific applications

  • Machine learning for energy materials prediction

  • Cross-disciplinary communication for industry impact

Application Requirements

Applicants must prepare and submit:

• Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s/Master’s degree).

• Proof of qualifications meeting the 2:1 or equivalent standard.

• A personal statement/research motivation outlining interest in computational chemistry and sustainable energy.

• Academic/professional references.

• English language proficiency (if applicable).

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on:

• Academic background and research potential.

• Skills in computational modelling, coding (FPGA, Matlab/Simulink), and applied mathematics.

• Ability to conduct independent research and communicate results effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Commitment to sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Application Process

• Apply via the University of Sussex postgraduate application portal.

• Select PhD Engineering Studentship: The Search for New Energy Vectors – Application of FPGAs to Computational Chemistry.

• Submit all required supporting documents before the deadline.

• Deadline: 17 October 2025, 23:45 (UK time).
• Location: University of Sussex, United Kingdom.
• Scholarships Available: 1.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the PhD Engineering Studentship 2025 | Fully Funded Scholarship on New Energy Vectors & Computational Chemistry (University of Sussex)