Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physical Metallurgy of Hydrogen-Based Iron Oxide Reduction Full-time

Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Metallurgy of Hydrogen-Based Iron Oxide Reduction

Applications are invited from outstanding candidates for PhD study in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering.

Project title: Physical Metallurgy of Hydrogen-Based Iron Oxide Reduction.

We are seeking an outstanding PhD candidate to investigate the physical metallurgy of hydrogen-based iron oxide reduction, with applications to low-carbon and green ironmaking. The project will investigate how phase transformations, reduction pathways and microstructure evolution interact during the conversion of iron oxides to metallic iron.

Particular emphasis will be placed on how temperature, gas atmosphere, starting microstructure and ore chemistry influence reduction kinetics, porosity and the morphology of the resulting iron. The candidate will combine high-temperature reduction experiments with advanced materials characterisation and modelling.

Techniques may include thermogravimetric analysis, in situ X-ray diffraction, SEM, EBSD, image analysis, thermodynamic calculations and kinetic modelling. The aim is to develop a microstructure-informed physical framework for iron oxide reduction, moving beyond purely empirical descriptions of reduction kinetics.

The candidate will be supervised by Dr Yuxiang Wu in a multidisciplinary environment spanning physical metallurgy, advanced characterisation, computational modelling and green ironmaking.

Project Details

• Start: 2027, flexible by agreement
• Graduate research degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Location: Clayton campus
• Department: Materials Science and Engineering
• Funded PhD project for domestic and international applicants, subject to Monash eligibility, competitive selection and formal approvals.

Preferred Background

• Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines.
• Strong interest in physical metallurgy, thermodynamics, kinetics and phase transformations.
• Previous experience with phase transformations, SEM/EBSD, XRD, thermal analysis, modelling or scientific programming is desirable.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants will be considered provided they fulfil the criteria for PhD admission at Monash University. Details of the relevant requirements are available at www.monash.edu/engineering/future-students/graduate-research/how-to-apply.

Your application will be looked upon favourably if you:

• Graduated in the top 10% of your year level.
• Graduated from a well ranked university.
• Have authored peer-reviewed research publications.
• Possess excellent written and verbal English skills.

Note: applicants who already hold a PhD degree will not be considered.

Applicants must show strong communication and problem-solving skills and the capacity to conduct independent, quantitative research. They should have either completed, or be in the process of completing, a Bachelors H1 Honours Degree or already hold an H1E Bachelors and/or Masters degree. Candidates who are in the process of completing their H1 degree will be considered.

Application Process

To apply for a graduate research degree and/or scholarship at Monash Engineering please follow the following steps:

• Check your eligibility, including the PhD entry requirements and Monash's English Language Proficiency requirements.
• You may contact Dr Yuxiang Wu by email with your CV, academic transcript, and a brief statement outlining your interest in the project.
• Submit a full application through My.App at myapp.monash.edu/s, listing Dr Yuxiang Wu as your preferred supervisor.
• You are not required to submit an Expression of Interest or receive an invitation to apply before submitting your My.App application.

Enquiries

For enquiries about the project, please contact Dr Yuxiang Wu at yuxiang.wu@monash.edu.

Further enquiries about the scholarship or application process should be directed to the Graduate Research Office at eng-gradresearch@monash.edu or visit www.monash.edu/engineering/future-students/graduate-research.

Applications Close: Friday 30 April 2027, 11:55pm AEST