PhD Studentship - High Throughput Kinetics Data for Steel Optimisation (Fixed Term)

Location: West Cambridge

Funder: Tata Steel and the University of Cambridge

Duration: 4 years from 1 October 2026

Supervisors: Prof Howard Stone and Dr David Collins

Location: 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: 2 Dec 2025 with interviews shortly afterwards.

Stipend: Full funding for 4 years covering a personal maintenance stipend starting at £20,780 (current rate) per annum with a top up of £5,500 per annum from Tata Steel.

Fees: This position is 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 candidates may be eligible for an International Fee Bursary.

High throughput kinetics data for steel optimisation

The reliable production of EAF processed steels requires a robust understanding of the kinetics of microstructure formation and how they are influenced by compositional and processing variations. In this PhD, synchrotron X-ray diffraction will be used to track the evolving crystallography in steel samples over a wide range of cooling rates and isothermal dwells. The diffraction data will be interpreted to quantify the phase fractions and lattice parameter evolution, which in turn will allow quantification of the phase transformations taking place. This approach has advantages over other methods as it utilises direct measurement of the crystal structures of the phases present and is sensitive to low volume fractions. Ancillary microstructural examination using electron microscopy will confirm the phase identifications from the synchrotron X-ray data. The data acquired will be compared with existing transformation kinetics models to assess their reliability and, where necessary, will provide the data needed to underpin their refinement.

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 project, although relevant previous experience would be advantageous.

Applications for this PhD project should be submitted via the 'Apply' button above. Early applications are encouraged as this position may be filled once a suitable candidate is identified.

For further details on postgraduate study at Cambridge, visit the University website. Informal enquiries can be sent to structuralmaterials@msm.cam.ac.uk.

Applicants are asked to upload the following:

1. A short research statement (maximum 1 page) describing the applicant's past research, future goals, and why the applicant is interested and suitable for this position.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. A publication list.
4. The contact details of two referees that can provide a letter of recommendation for the applicant.

Please quote reference LJ47628 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.

Advert information