PhD Positions in Data-Driven Laser Additive Manufacturing of Stainless Steel for Small Modular Reactors University of Alberta in Canada

PhD positions are available in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta for research on data-driven laser additive manufacturing of 316L and 316H stainless steel for small modular reactors (SMRs).

The project is led by Dr. Mostafa Yakout and is part of an interdisciplinary, funded research effort supported by NSERC and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) through the NSERC-CNSC SMRs Research Grant Initiative (Phase II). The work is connected with collaborators including the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, the University of Regina, and the University of New Brunswick, and experiments will be conducted in the Alberta Next Generation Additive Manufacturing (ANGAM) Lab.

Research topics include laser additive manufacturing, metal additive manufacturing, materials characterization, computational modeling, and nuclear materials. The project aims to develop corrosion-resistant, high-temperature functionally graded materials and to establish process-structure-property relationships for laser-based powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition.

Applicants should have an MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related discipline. Experience with PBF-LB and/or DED-LB, SEM, EBSD, XRD, FEA, or molecular dynamics is preferred. Familiarity with high-temperature materials or nuclear-grade alloys such as 316L/316H stainless steel is also highlighted. English proficiency is requested if applicable.

To apply, submit a single PDF with a cover letter, CV, referee contacts, transcripts, proof of English proficiency if needed, and relevant publications. Email the application to [email protected] with the subject line PhD Application: NSERC-CNSC SMR. The positions remain open through June 2026, and the successful candidates are expected to enroll in Fall 2026 or Winter 2027.