PhD Studentship: Thermodynamic modelling of minority phases in EAF steels

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The PhD studentship is based at the University of Cambridge, within the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy's Structural Materials Group. It focuses on thermodynamic modelling of minority phases in EAF steels, with machine learning integration and advanced materials characterisation.

Applicants should hold a good UK Master’s degree (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant science subject and be able to communicate findings clearly.

Qualifications

• Good UK Master’s degree (or overseas equivalent) in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or Engineering.
• Self-motivated with ability to take ownership of research.
• Ability to communicate research findings effectively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thermodynamic modelling of minority phases in EAF steels.
• Develop ML models to predict phase formation in steel alloys.
• Characterise phases using STEM, XRD, synchrotron XRD, nano-SIMS and 3D atom probe tomography.
• Refine thermodynamic database parameters to improve predictions.

Skills

Research communication

Self-motivation

Ownership of research

Education

Master's degree (UK or overseas equival.)

Job description

Funder: Tata Steel and the University of CambridgeDuration: 3.5 years from 1 October 2027Supervisors: Prof Howard Stone and Prof David CollinsLocation: The PhD studentship will be based at the University of Cambridge in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy as part of the Structural Materials Group. The Structural Materials Group is a diverse and dynamic research team working across aerospace, automotive, energy, defence, and biomedical sectors. The group's expertise includes alloy design, microstructure-property relationships, phase transformations, and advanced materials processing.Closing date for applications: 1 Dec 2026 with interviews shortly afterwards. Stipend: Full funding for 3.5 years covering a personal maintenance stipend starting at £22,437 (current rate) per annum with a top up of £5,500 per annum from Tata Steel.Fees: These positions are open to UK citizens or overseas students who meet the UK residency requirements (home fees) or are able to augment the funds to cover the extra costs associated with international student fees. Exceptional overseas candidates may be eligible for an International Doctoral Scholar award.Thermodynamic modelling of minority phases in EAF steelsThe transition to EAF steelmaking creates challenges for the reliable production of thin rolled steel products where residual element accumulation may compromise processability and properties. This PhD will utilise thermodynamic modelling to obtain predictions of equilibrium and, where possible, non-equilibrium phases for a matrix of compositions covering flat rolled products including elevated levels of Cu, Mo, Ni & Sn. These will be incorporated into machine learning models to predict face formation in EAF steels with elevated residual contents. Direct comparisons will be made with experimentally identified phases from high throughput samples. Subsequent characterisation will be performed using a combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and, where necessary, synchrotron X-ray diffraction, nano-secondary ion mass spectroscopy, and 3D atom probe tomography. The data acquired will be used to modify thermodynamic database parameters to improve the predictions.Applicants should have (or expect to be awarded) a good UK Master's degree (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant science subject (Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering) and should be self-motivated, able to take ownership of their research, and effectively communicate their research findings. Training in all the computational and experimental methods will be provided in the projects, although relevant previous experience would be advantageous.Applications for the PhD projects should be submitted via the University Application Portal: www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply. Early applications are encouraged as the positions may be filled once suitable candidates are identified.For further details on postgraduate study at Cambridge, visit the University website. Informal enquiries can be sent to [e-mail] quote reference LJ51572 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.