Xiaorong Zhou
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PhD Studentship: Development of New Generation Corrosion-resistant Aluminium Alloys The University of Manchester in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 15, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
The University of Manchester
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About this position
PhD Studentship at The University of Manchester
This 3.5-year PhD studentship focuses on the development of new generation corrosion-resistant aluminium alloys in the Department of Materials at The University of Manchester. The project sits at the intersection of materials science, alloy design, microstructural characterization, and corrosion performance, with strong relevance to sustainable manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive applications.
The successful candidate will work on high-strength aluminium alloys designed to outperform existing materials, especially in the presence of impurities introduced by recycled or secondary metals. The research aims to improve corrosion resistance while enabling the use of end-of-life recycled aluminium and reducing embedded carbon. The project is highly interdisciplinary and combines alloy chemistry, processing, microstructure control, and performance evaluation.
Research methods include advanced high-resolution electron microscopy, investigation of fabrication process parameters, correlative accelerated laboratory testing, electrochemical measurements, and newly developed X-ray and electron-based nanotomography. The work is designed to identify the microstructural features responsible for alloy degradation and to understand how second-phase particles and recrystallization influence performance.
The studentship offers a tax-free annual stipend at the UKRI rate of £21,805 for 2026/27 (subject to annual uplift), with tuition fees fully covered. The advert states that the opportunity is open to both Home (UK) and international applicants. The start date is October 2027.
Applicants should hold, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline. Early applications are encouraged because the advert may close before the stated deadline.
To apply, candidates should contact the main supervisor, Professor Xiaorong Zhou, and provide their current level of study, academic background, any relevant experience, and a short motivation statement for the PhD project. The deadline shown is 15 December 2026.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering-related discipline. Applicants should include details of their current level of study, academic background, and any relevant experience, plus a paragraph explaining their motivation for the PhD project.
How to apply
Contact the main supervisor, Prof Xiaorong Zhou, to apply. Include details of your current level of study, academic background, relevant experience, and a motivation paragraph for the project. Submit via the application link provided if instructed by the supervisor.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Professors
Professor at The University of Manchester
United Kingdom
Research Interests
Aerospace Materials
Chemistry
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Materials Science
Mechanical Engineering
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.