Xiaorong Zhou

[Tax-free annual stipend of £21,805 for 2026/27 (subject to annual uplift) with tuition fees fully covered; 3.5-year PhD studentship, with Home tuition fees covered for 4 years as stated in the advert.] 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 .

[4-year EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award studentship with annual tax-free stipend of £20,780 for 2025/26 (subject to annual uplift), full tuition fees paid, and substantial extra maintenance from the industrial sponsor.] The University of Manchester is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship in the Department of Materials, in collaboration with Constellium, on the optimisation of thermomechanical ageing processing of high-strength 6xxx aluminium alloys. This project focuses on how quenching and pre-ageing influence the performance of AA6xxx AlMgSiCu alloys, which are widely used for lightweight automotive structures, including body-in-white applications and electrification-related vehicle components. The research aims to address important gaps in understanding precipitation behaviour, solute retention, quench sensitivity, and the effect of pre-ageing conditions on microstructural evolution. Key investigations will examine how quenching rate affects precipitate formation and precipitate-free zones, how variations in Si, Mg, and Cu content influence precipitation and sensitivity to quenching, and how temperature, duration, and natural ageing time during pre-ageing shape the ageing response. The project will also connect these microstructural features to mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. The successful candidate will use correlative accelerated laboratory testing and analytical electron microscopy, gaining experience with advanced microscopy techniques and materials characterisation in a highly applied research setting. The project combines academic research with strong industrial engagement: the student will work with leading academics at Manchester and interact closely with industrial experts at Constellium, including exposure to an industrial manufacturing environment. This creates an excellent opportunity for a student interested in both fundamental materials science and real-world engineering applications. Funding is provided through an EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA). The studentship is open to Home (UK) and overseas students. It includes an annual tax-free stipend of £20,780 for 2025/26 (subject to annual uplift), full tuition fees for 4 years, and additional maintenance support from the industrial sponsor. The intended 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 discipline. Applications should be submitted early, as the advert may be removed before the deadline. The application deadline is 14 August 2026. To apply, use the provided application link and contact Prof. Xiaorong Zhou by email with your study background, experience, and a brief statement of motivation for the project.

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].

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 .

[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 .