[Annual tax-free stipend at UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26, subject to annual uplift), plus full tuition fees for 4 years. Additional maintenance provided by industrial sponsor.] This fully funded 4-year PhD studentship at The University of Manchester offers an exciting opportunity to advance research in the optimisation of thermomechanical ageing processing, focusing on the influence of quenching and pre-ageing on the performance of high strength 6xxx aluminium alloys. The project is based in the Department of Materials and is conducted in collaboration with Constellium, providing a unique blend of academic and industrial experience. As the automotive industry moves towards lightweight and high-performance materials, AA6xxx AlMgSiCu aluminium alloys have become the preferred choice for vehicle structures, including body-in-white and components for both on- and off-road vehicles. While optimised thermomechanical ageing processes have improved alloy performance, the critical steps of quenching and pre-ageing remain insufficiently understood. This research aims to fill that gap by leveraging advanced electron microscopy and correlative accelerated laboratory testing to study microstructural evolution during processing. The project will investigate how quenching rate and pre-ageing steps affect microstructural evolution and the resulting mechanical and corrosion properties of AA6xxx alloys. Key research questions include: the impact of quenching on precipitate formation and precipitation-free zones (PFZs); the influence of alloy chemistry (Si, Mg, Cu) on quench sensitivity and precipitation behaviour; the role of pre-ageing conditions (temperature, duration, natural ageing time) in shaping microstructural response; and the correlation between microstructural features and alloy performance. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and work closely with leading academics and industrial experts. The collaboration with Constellium offers exposure to industrial manufacturing environments and the opportunity to develop interdisciplinary skills in a team setting. The studentship includes an annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26, subject to annual uplift), full tuition fees for 4 years, and substantial extra maintenance from the industrial sponsor. Eligibility requires at least a 2.1 honours degree in materials science/engineering, metallurgy, physics, chemistry, or a related subject. Applicants should provide details of their academic background, current level of study, relevant experience, and a motivation paragraph. The start date is October 2026, and early application is recommended as the advert may be removed before the deadline. For informal enquiries and to apply, contact Prof. Xiaorong Zhou at [email protected]. Formal applications should be submitted via the university's application portal at https://uom.link/pgr-apply .

[Annual tax-free stipend at UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26, subject to annual uplift), full tuition fees paid for 4 years, substantial extra maintenance from industrial sponsor.] This fully funded 4-year PhD studentship at The University of Manchester offers an exciting opportunity to advance research in the optimisation of thermomechanical ageing processing, specifically focusing on the influence of quenching and pre-ageing on the performance of high strength 6xxx aluminium alloys. Hosted by the Department of Materials and in collaboration with Constellium, the project is part of the EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Awards (IDLA) and provides a unique blend of academic and industrial experience. As the automotive industry continues its transition towards lightweight, high-performance materials, AA6xxx AlMgSiCu aluminium alloys have become the preferred choice for vehicle structures, including body-in-white and components for both on- and off-road vehicles. While optimised thermomechanical ageing processes have significantly improved alloy performance, the critical steps of quenching and pre-ageing remain insufficiently understood. This research aims to fill that gap by leveraging advanced electron microscopy and correlative laboratory testing to study microstructural evolution during processing, with the goal of refining alloy design and extrusion practices for automotive applications. The project will investigate how quenching rate and pre-ageing steps affect microstructural evolution and the resulting mechanical and corrosion properties of AA6xxx alloys. Key research questions include: the impact of quenching on precipitate formation and precipitation-free zones (PFZs); the influence of alloy chemistry (Si, Mg, Cu) on quench sensitivity and precipitation behaviour; the role of pre-ageing conditions (temperature, duration, natural ageing time) in shaping microstructural response; and the correlation between microstructural features and alloy performance. The student will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and will work closely with leading academics and industrial experts, gaining exposure to industrial manufacturing environments through collaboration with Constellium. Funding for this studentship includes an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26, subject to annual uplift), payment of full tuition fees for 4 years, and substantial extra maintenance provided by the industrial sponsor. The programme is open to both Home (UK) and overseas students, with a start date in October 2026. Applicants should hold or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in materials science/engineering, metallurgy, physics, chemistry, or a related discipline. Relevant experience and a strong motivation for the project are desirable. To apply, candidates should contact the main supervisor, Prof. Xiaorong Zhou, via email ([email protected]), providing details of their current level of study, academic background, relevant experience, and a paragraph outlining their motivation for pursuing this PhD. Early application is recommended as the advert may be withdrawn before the stated deadline of 31 January 2026. For further details and to submit a formal application, visit the online application portal.

[Annual tax-free stipend at UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26, subject to annual uplift) plus full tuition fees for 3.5 years. Funding available for Home (UK) and overseas students.] This 3.5-year PhD studentship at The University of Manchester offers an exciting opportunity to develop new generation corrosion-resistant aluminium alloys, addressing critical challenges in the aerospace and automotive industries. The project is motivated by the increasing global demand for aluminium alloys, which is driving the use of secondary metals and recycled aluminium. This introduces impurities that can negatively impact corrosion resistance, especially in accelerated qualification tests for automotive OEMs. The research aims to improve the corrosion performance of high strength aluminium alloys, with a focus on reducing embedded carbon levels and moving towards Net Zero carbon targets. The successful candidate will work on the development of high strength aluminium alloys, carefully controlling microstructure—particularly second phase particles and recrystallization—to achieve superior performance compared to existing alloys. The project will investigate the complex interactions between alloy chemistry, processing, microstructure, and performance. Advanced high resolution electron microscopy and newly developed X-ray and electron-based nanotomography will be used to characterize microstructural features responsible for alloy degradation. Performance assessment will involve correlative accelerated laboratory testing and electrochemical measurements. This studentship provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and the opportunity to develop interdisciplinary skills in a collaborative environment with over 8 PhD students, researchers, leading academics, and industrial experts. Regular seminars and social events are organized by the group, and industrial collaborators will work closely with the student, offering exposure to manufacturing environments in Europe. The project combines pioneering academic research with valuable industrial experience. Funding includes an annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26, subject to annual uplift) and full tuition fees for both Home (UK) and overseas students. The start date is October 2026, and early application is recommended as the advert may be removed before the deadline. Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in materials science/engineering, metallurgy, physics, chemistry, or a related subject. To apply, contact Prof Zhou at [email protected] and submit your academic background, current level of study, relevant experience, and a paragraph about your motivation for this PhD project. For further details and to apply online, visit https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425 .

This EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Awards (IDLA) PhD studentship at The University of Manchester offers a unique opportunity to research the optimisation of thermomechanical ageing processing in high strength 6xxx aluminium alloys, with a particular focus on the influence of quenching and pre-ageing steps. The project is conducted in collaboration with Constellium, a leading industrial partner, and is based in the Department of Materials. As the automotive industry moves towards lightweight, high-performance materials, AA6xxx AlMgSiCu aluminium alloys are increasingly used for vehicle structures, including body-in-white and electrification applications. While thermomechanical ageing processes have advanced alloy performance, the critical steps of quenching and pre-ageing remain insufficiently understood. This research aims to fill that gap by employing advanced microscopy to study microstructural evolution during processing, ultimately refining alloy design and extrusion practices for automotive applications. The project will investigate how quenching rate and pre-ageing steps affect microstructural evolution and performance of AA6xxx alloys processed via advanced thermomechanical methods. Key research questions include: the impact of quenching on precipitate formation and PFZs; how variations in alloy chemistry (Si, Mg, Cu) influence quench sensitivity and precipitation behavior; the role of pre-ageing conditions (temperature, duration, natural ageing time) in shaping microstructural response; and the correlation between microstructural features, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance. Correlative accelerated laboratory testing and analytical electron microscopy will be central to the research. The programme combines pioneering academic research with industrial experience, offering access to state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to develop interdisciplinary skills. The student will work closely with industrial collaborators at Constellium, gaining exposure to manufacturing environments and benefiting from substantial extra maintenance provided by the sponsor in addition to the standard EPSRC stipend. Eligibility requires at least a 2.1 honours degree in materials science/engineering, metallurgy, physics, chemistry, or a related subject. Applicants must submit transcripts, certificates, CV, a supporting statement outlining motivation and relevant experience, and contact details for two referees with official email addresses. An English language certificate is required if applicable. Flexible study arrangements, including part-time options, may be considered. The studentship is open to Home (UK) and overseas students, with an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26, subject to annual uplift), and full tuition fees paid. The expected start date is October 2026, and applications are accepted year-round. Early application is recommended as the advert may be removed before the deadline. For informal enquiries, contact Prof. Xiaorong Zhou at [email protected]. For application queries, contact the admissions team at [email protected]. Apply online at https://uom.link/pgr-apply .

Advanced aluminium alloys are essential for structural components in aerospace and automotive industries. With rising global demand, the use of secondary metals and recycled aluminium is necessary, but introduces impurities such as iron, copper, and nickel, which can negatively impact corrosion resistance. This project addresses the urgent need to improve the corrosion performance of high strength aluminium alloys, especially those formulated from end-of-life recycled aluminium, aiming to reduce embedded carbon levels and move towards Net Zero carbon targets. The research focuses on developing new high strength aluminium alloys with superior performance compared to existing materials. Key aspects include careful control of microstructure, particularly second phase particles and recrystallization, and understanding the complex interactions between alloy chemistry, processing, microstructure, and performance. Advanced high resolution electron microscopy and newly developed X-ray and electron-based nanotomography will be used to characterize alloy microstructure and spatially determine features responsible for corrosion initiation and propagation. Performance assessment will involve correlative accelerated laboratory testing and electrochemical measurements. This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to combine pioneering academic research with industrial experience. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and work in a collaborative team environment with over 8 PhD students, leading academics, and industrial experts. Regular seminars and social events are organized, and industrial collaborators provide close support and opportunities for exposure to manufacturing environments in Europe. The position is based in the Department of Materials at The University of Manchester. The successful candidate will receive a 3.5-year PhD studentship, open to both Home (UK) and overseas students, with an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26, subject to annual uplift) and tuition fees paid. The stipend is expected to increase each year. The start date is October 2026. Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in materials science/engineering, metallurgy, physics, chemistry, or a related subject. English language certificate is required if applicable. Supporting statement, CV, transcripts, and contact details for two referees are mandatory. The university actively encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and offers flexible study arrangements, including part-time options. To apply, contact Prof Zhou ([email protected]) before submitting your application. Apply online via the university website , specifying the project title and supervisor. Ensure all required documents are submitted, as incomplete applications will not be considered. For questions, contact the admissions team at [email protected].