PhD Studentship: Thermodynamic Modelling of Minority Phases in EAF Steels

About the role

The University of Cambridge offers a 3.5-year PhD studentship funded by Tata Steel, starting on 1 October 2027. It is based in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy within the Structural Materials Group, which works across aerospace, automotive, energy, defence and biomedical sectors. The supervisors are Prof Howard Stone and Prof David Collins.

Key responsibilities

• Use thermodynamic modelling to predict equilibrium and, where possible, non-equilibrium phases for a range of compositions covering flat-rolled products with elevated levels of Cu, Mo, Ni and Sn.
• Incorporate these predictions into machine learning models to forecast face formation in EAF steels with elevated residual contents.
• Compare model predictions with phases identified experimentally in high-throughput samples.
• Characterise samples using scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, synchrotron X-ray diffraction, nano-secondary ion mass spectrometry and 3D atom probe tomography, then use the data to refine thermodynamic database parameters.

Required profile

• A good UK Master's degree (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant science subject such as Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or Engineering.
• Self-motivated, able to take ownership of research and communicate findings clearly.
• Previous experience in the computational and experimental methods is advantageous, though training is provided.

What we offer

• Full funding for 3.5 years, including a personal maintenance stipend starting at £22,437 per year, with a £5,500 annual top-up from Tata Steel.
• Positions are open to UK citizens and overseas students meeting UK residency requirements; exceptional overseas candidates may be eligible for an International Doctoral Scholar award.

Applications close on 1 December 2026 and are submitted through the University's postgraduate application portal, quoting reference LJ51572. Early applications are encouraged.