Karthikeyan Hariharan

Corrosion Metallurgy (CorrMet) Lab at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay is looking for a prospective PhD student for an industry-funded project on Naphthenic Acid Corrosion of Fe and Fe-based alloys . The research is centered on understanding corrosion mechanisms relevant to the oil and gas industry, with attention to the effects of impurities, alloy chemistry, and temperature. The project includes development of electrochemical testing protocols for non-aqueous corrosion studies at elevated temperatures, selection of support electrolytes, microelectrochemical testing, and validation of microelectrochemistry results using bulk electrochemical experiments. Materials of interest include Fe, steels, and stainless steels with varying Cr contents. This opening is intended for candidates who want to pursue a PhD at IIT Bombay. The position will be converted into a regular PhD position in TAP mode within 6 months of joining. Eligibility highlights: a bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline with a valid GATE score, or a degree from a CFTI with CGPA/CPI above 8.0/10, or two years of experience after degree completion; alternatively, a master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline. Prior experience with electrochemistry or chemicals is helpful but not required. How to apply: email your CV and cover letter to [email protected]. Expected start date: July-August 2026.

New PhD opportunity under the IIT Bombay–Tohoku University Double Doctoral Degree Program in Materials Science / Metallurgical Engineering , focused on oxidation and stress corrosion cracking behavior of alumina-forming Fe-based alloys for high-temperature, high-pressure water/steam applications . The project is especially relevant to advanced power generation technologies, including advanced ultra-supercritical (AUSC) steam plants . The selected PhD student will be jointly supervised across IIT Bombay and Tohoku University and will earn degrees from both institutions upon successful completion. The program is research-intensive and international in scope, with students typically spending 1–2 years in Japan at Tohoku University as part of the doctoral research plan. Research collaboration for this topic involves Prof. Tetsuo Shoji , Prof. Yutaka Watanabe , Prof. Hiroshi Abe , Prof. Xiangyu Zhong , and Prof. Pan Liu , alongside the IIT Bombay supervisor Karthikeyan Hariharan (Assistant Professor, Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, IIT Bombay). Eligibility highlights: a first-class Master’s degree in Engineering/Science from a recognized university, or a strong Bachelor’s/Master’s academic record from IITs, NITs, BITS, or equivalent institutions. GATE may be required according to IIT Bombay PhD admission norms. Japanese language proficiency is not mandatory for admission, but selected candidates must complete a basic Japanese language course before travel to Japan. Funding: the post states that selected candidates receive financial support as per program guidelines, including fellowship and travel support. IIT Bombay provides support while the student is at IITB, and Tohoku University provides support while the student is in Japan. Tohoku University tuition fees are waived under the program, while IIT Bombay fees follow standard PhD norms. Hostel/accommodation support is also mentioned at both institutions. Application deadline: 16 April 2026 (portal deadline). Interested candidates should apply through the online portal and review the IITB–TU program webpage for detailed instructions, eligibility criteria, and research topic information. Questions can be directed to the announcer by email.