Nano-scale characterisation of recycled aluminium alloys

Applications are invited for one full-time EPSRC Industrial CASE (ICASE) PhD studentship, at BCAST, Brunel University London, starting from 1st October 2025.

Successful applicants will receive an annual stipend (bursary) of £23,000 + annual EPSRC increase + extra from Constellium plus payment of their full-time home tuition fees for a period of 48 months (4 years).

This project is sponsored by Constellium, a global leading manufacturer of high-quality technically advanced aluminium products and systems. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work alongside our industrial partners, and contribute to Constellium’s strategic R&D aims. This includes a 3-month work placement within Constellium’s international business.

Project Description

The use of recycled aluminium is important for reducing CO2 emissions and moving towards a circular economy. It also presents challenges and opportunities arising from the distribution of elements contained in the recycled aluminium which are not usual found in primary aluminium, such as Pb, Fe and Zn.

The successful applicant will receive expert training and utilise the newly installed state of the art characterisation facilities at BCAST, including Atom Probe Tomography (APT) and Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM).

With these techniques, the project aims to reveal the 3D nano-scale chemical distribution of elements included in the alloy due to the recycling process. This will include characterising the secondary phases particles in the alloy and in particular, interfaces between these phases and the matrix, to observe the segregation behaviour and impact of trace elements.

Please contact Dr James Famelton (james.famelton@brunel.ac.uk) for an informal discussion about the project

Eligibility

Applicants will have or be expected to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a similar discipline. A postgraduate master’s degree is not required but may be an advantage.

To be eligible to apply for this studentship, applicants should be “UK Residents” as defined by the EPSRC. Please check your suitability here

To be treated as a home student, candidates must meet one of these criteria:

• Be a UK national (meeting residency requirements)
• Have settled status
• Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements)
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

Skills required

Applicants will be required to demonstrate basic understanding of metallic processing and characterisation. Previous familiarity with one or more of, atom probe tomography, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, focussed ion beam microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy is not required but may be an advantage.

In addition, applicants should be highly motivated, able to work independently, as well as in a team and have effective communication skills.

How to apply

• Please submit the documents below as a single PDF file by email to cedps-pgr-office@brunel.ac.uk by 16:00 on 10 January 2025.

  • Your up-to-date CV;
  • Your 300 to 500-word personal statement setting out why you are suitable for this project, including your relevant skills and experience;
  • Your Undergraduate and Master’s degree certificate(s) and transcript(s);
  • Your English Language qualification of IELTS 6.5 overall or equivalent, if applicable;
  • TWO referees, one of which should be an academic member and can be from a member of Brunel University staff.

  Interviews will take place in the January 2025.

Remember to state the title of the project in the subject of your email.