University of Sussex (US) 2027 Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Recycled Aluminium Alloys: The Opportunity is Open to UK and International Applicants

The University of Sussex (US) has announced a fully funded PhD studentship for an innovative research project focused on microstructure and defect control in recycled aluminium alloys. The opportunity is open to UK and international applicants and is designed for candidates interested in materials science, metallurgy, mechanical engineering and related disciplines.

The successful candidate will investigate how grain refinement, iron impurities and casting defects interact in recycled aluminium alloys.

The research aims to address a major challenge facing the aluminium manufacturing industry: increasing the use of secondary aluminium without compromising the quality, castability and performance of the resulting materials.

The PhD is scheduled to begin in January 2027 and will run for 3.5 years.

Fully Funded PhD Studentship at the University of Sussex

The studentship will provide substantial financial support throughout the doctoral programme. The successful candidate will receive a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years.

In addition, the University of Sussex will waive tuition fees at either the UK or international rate. The award also includes a one-off Research and Training Support Grant of £2,000, providing additional support for research and professional development activities.

The opportunity is classified as a postgraduate research award and is available to applicants from the UK and overseas.

Research Focus on Sustainable Aluminium Production

The doctoral project will examine how grain structure control and solidification defects affect recycled aluminium alloys. Particular attention will be given to the influence of grain refinement strategies and iron impurity levels on microstructure development and susceptibility to defects during casting.

The research is intended to generate knowledge that can help the aluminium industry make greater use of recycled materials while maintaining suitable manufacturing and performance standards.

The PhD researcher will also undertake collaborative studies with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and an industrial aluminium producer. These collaborations will provide opportunities to connect laboratory research with near-industrial-scale processing conditions.

Advanced Research and Characterisation Techniques

The successful PhD candidate will conduct both laboratory-scale casting experiments and near-industrial-scale casting trials. Researchers will systematically examine factors including alloy composition, iron concentration, inoculation conditions, cooling conditions and remelting history.

The project will make use of advanced materials characterisation techniques, including:

• Scanning electron microscopy with EDX and EBSD
• Transmission electron microscopy
• Synchrotron X-ray imaging
• Mechanical testing
• Advanced metallography and materials characterisation methods

This combination of experimental and analytical approaches is expected to provide detailed insight into the relationship between processing conditions, microstructure and casting defects.

Who Can Apply?

The University of Sussex is seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong academic background in materials science, metallurgy, mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline.

Applicants should normally hold an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.

Previous experience in areas such as metallography, materials processing or materials characterisation would be advantageous, although it is not stated as an essential requirement.

The University also welcomes applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and emphasizes the importance of diversity, equality and inclusion within its research community.

Supervision and Research Environment

The PhD will be supervised by Dr. Shikang Feng within the School of Engineering and Informatics at the University of Sussex.

The successful candidate will join a growing research environment focused on sustainable materials engineering. The project will provide access to advanced casting and characterisation facilities, while collaboration with NTNU and industrial partners will offer exposure to internationally relevant research and industrial processing platforms.

The programme will also provide opportunities for collaborative research and engagement with researchers working on sustainable materials and manufacturing.

What the PhD Candidate Will Receive

The successful applicant will benefit from:

• £21,805 annual tax-free stipend for 3.5 years
• Tuition fees waived at UK or international rates
• £2,000 Research and Training Support Grant
• International research and collaboration opportunities
• Access to advanced materials research facilities
• Supervision from an experienced academic researcher
• Potential collaboration with NTNU and an industrial aluminium producer

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to apply online for a full-time PhD in Engineering for January 2027.

The application should include:

• A research proposal
• Curriculum vitae
• Degree certificates and academic transcripts
• Two references, including at least one from an institution attended within the past five years
• Evidence of meeting the University’s English language requirements, where applicable

Applicants should clearly state that they are applying for the Full-funded PhD Studentship on Microstructure and Defect Control in Recycled Aluminium Alloys under the supervision of Dr. Shikang Feng.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is 2 October 2026 at 23:45 GMT. Interviews are expected to take place after 19 October 2026, while the successful candidate is expected to begin the PhD on 4 January 2027.

Only one studentship is available, making early application advisable.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their applications through the University of Sussex’s online PhD application system and ensure that all required documents are included.

Academic enquiries regarding the research project can be directed to [email protected], while practical questions about the online application process can be directed to [email protected].

This University of Sussex opportunity presents an attractive option for researchers seeking fully funded doctoral study in sustainable materials engineering, recycled aluminium processing and advanced materials characterisation.

LEARN MORE HERE

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organisation offering this scholarship or studentship. Applicants should verify all eligibility requirements, funding conditions and application details with the University of Sussex before applying.