PhD Studentship: Accelerating emerging PV deployment through standardized device to system level operational testing

Award summary 

100% fees covered for four years and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate). An additional allowance will be provided to contribute towards consumables, equipment, and travel related to the project. 

Overview 

ReNU+ is a unique and ambitious programme that will train the next-generation of doctoral carbon champions who are renowned for research excellence and interdisciplinary systemic thinking for Net Zero. The ReNU+ vision is that they will become living examples of a highly skilled workforce delivering an equitable energy transition so that Net Zero is inclusive for all. 

​​This project will support faster commercialisation of emerging photovoltaic (PV) technologies by establishing a platform for system level operational testing, in real world settings. It would be of interest to candidates with a science or engineering background, with an interest in emerging photovoltaics and how they behave under real-life conditions.​ The collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) will enable the specific features of emerging PV technologies such as perovskite PV at device and system level to be evaluated. Metrics for such features will be determined and through system level data analysis, modelling and lab measurements. This will also allow the development of new relevant modelling tools and system level metrics for performance assessment of emerging PV technologies. The student will also benefit from networking, internship and placement opportunities arising from the supervisors’ UK SES Network+. The project falls under UN SDG 7, with alignment with 8, 9, 11, 12.​​ 

The ReNU+ CDT will be running a number of online pre-application workshops to provide guidance on the application process. To sign up please fill out the registration form. 

Number of awards 

1 

Start date  

1st October 2025

Award duration 

4 years 

Application closing date 

3rd February 2025 

Sponsor 

EPSRC 

Name of supervisor/s 

Prof Elizabeth Gibson (Newcastle University) 

Dr George Koutsourakis (NPL) 

Eligibility Criteria 

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (inc. chemistry, physics, engineering). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.  

If you do not hold the entry requirements above but have evidence of equivalent skills and expertise, please get in touch with institution director (Prof Elizabeth Gibson) to discuss further. 

Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.  

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. 

How to apply 

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal 

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’. 

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study: 

• search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8208F  
• leave the ‘Research Area' field blank 
• select ‘PhD Energy Materials' as the programme of study 

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section: 

• a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form. 
• the studentship code ReNU25_2 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field 
• when asked for a research proposal, please upload a competency assessment form instead. You do not need to upload a research proposal. 

In the ‘Supporting Documentation’ section please upload: 

• an up to date CV 

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application. You are welcome to apply to other studentships at the same time, as long as you cite the relevant code on each application (e.g. ReNU25_2 for this studentship).

Contact Details 

Prof Elizabeth Gibson Elizabeth.gibson@newcastle.ac.uk