Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) on Phase Transformations in Advanced Steel Design

About the Project

Host: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University

Location: Clayton campus, Melbourne, Australia

Duration: 3.5 years, full time

Supervisors: Dr Yuxiang Wu (yuxiang.wu@monash.edu) and Professor Chris Hutchinson (christopher.hutchinson@monash.edu)

Start: Early 2026

Stipend: AUD 37,145 per annum, tax free (2026 rate)

Course code: 3291 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Project overview

We are seeking an outstanding PhD candidate to investigate how local phase transformations can be harnessed to design new classes of advanced steels. The project will develop a thermodynamic and kinetic framework to understand pattern selection during steel phase transformations and its morphological evolution, with a particular focus on how chemical composition influences local transformation behaviour.

You will join the Metallurgy and Corrosion Research Cluster in a collaborative environment combining experimental studies, computational modelling, and data-driven alloy design to:

• Understand mechanisms of local austenite to ferrite transformation in low-alloy steels.
• Develop frameworks to predict and control these transformations.

Monash University hosts a unique suite of characterisation facilities, including advanced electron microscopy, in situ analytical tools, and high-temperature testing systems. The project forms part of the Baosteel–Australia Joint Centre collaboration, with opportunities to travel to Baosteel’s Central Research Institute in Shanghai.

Candidate profile

Applications are invited from candidates with backgrounds in one or more of the following: Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines.

You should demonstrate:

• Strong interest in the thermodynamics and kinetics of solid-state phase transformations.
• Enthusiasm for applying modelling approaches and advanced microscopy techniques.
• Capacity for independent, self-motivated research.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Your application will be viewed favourably if you:

• Graduated in the top 10% of your cohort.
• Graduated from a well-ranked university.
• Have authored peer-reviewed publications.
• Possess excellent written and spoken English.

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

Eligibility

Applicants must meet Monash PhD entry and English language requirements.

• PhD minimum entry requirements: https://www.monash.edu/graduate-research/faqs-and-resources/content/chapter-two/2-1
• English language requirements: https://www.monash.edu/graduate-research/faqs-and-resources/content/chapter-two/2-2
• Course information: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2020/engineering-3291

How to apply

Instructions on applying for a PhD with Monash Engineering: https://www.monash.edu/engineering/future-students/graduate-research/how-to-apply

1. Check eligibility

Review the PhD entry and English language requirements linked above.

2. Contact the supervisors

Email Dr Yuxiang Wu (yuxiang.wu@monash.edu) with your CV and academic transcript to discuss the project and obtain supervisor support. Supervisor endorsement is required before submitting an Expression of Interest.

3. Submit an Expression of Interest

Complete the Expression of Interest form:

https://service.eng.monash.edu/servicedesk/customer/portal/6/group/7/create/73

Submitting an Expression of Interest is not a formal application.

4. Invitation to Apply

If the project fit is confirmed and resources are available, you will receive an Invitation to Apply. Upload this invitation with your formal application.

5. Lodge the formal application

Submit your application via the Monash online portal:

https://myapp.monash.edu/s/

Full position details:

https://careers.pageuppeople.com/513/cw/en/job/685997/doctor-of-philosophy-phd-on-phase-transformations-in-advanced-steel-design

Enquiries

• Project enquiries: Dr Yuxiang Wu — yuxiang.wu@monash.edu
• General graduate research enquiries: Graduate Research Office — eng-gradresearch@monash.edu
• Faculty PhD information: https://www.monash.edu/engineering/future-students/phd

Keywords

Materials science; metallurgy; steel; phase transformations; austenite; ferrite; thermodynamics; kinetics; in situ microscopy; alloy design; computational modelling.

Funding Notes

This is a fully funded PhD project. Scholarships are available for both domestic and international applicants. Applicants may be Australian citizens, Australian Permanent Residents, New Zealand citizens, or international candidates holding or eligible to obtain a valid student visa. Scholarship is attached to the project and subject to Monash eligibility and competitive selection.