Doctoral Student Opportunity: The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta, under the guidance of Dr. André McDonald and Dr. Mostafa Yakout, is seeking applications for a doctoral (PhD) student position in the Development of Ultra High-Strength High Entropy Alloy Coatings. This opportunity is open to candidates with a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Engineering Physics, or related fields. The project focuses on enhancing mechanical characteristics for applications involving high heat loads and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. Financial support is provided, and this position is available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, refugees, and international applicants.
Summary Table:
- Position: Research Assistant (Doctoral Student)
- Field: Development of Ultra High-Strength High Entropy Alloy Coatings
- Eligibility: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, refugees, and international applicants
- Financial Support: Provided
- Start Date: As soon as feasible
- Application Deadline: Ongoing until the position is filled
Study Area: This research focuses on the development of ultra high-strength high entropy alloy (HEA) coatings with robust mechanical properties, suitable for extreme heat and mechanical conditions, and capable of resisting hydrogen stress corrosion cracking.
Scholarship Description:
Doctoral Student Opportunity – Development of Ultra High-Strength High Entropy Alloy Coatings for Heating and Hydrogen Embrittlement Resistance (Research Assistant Position Available)
The project aims to design and create next-generation HEA coatings that can withstand high heat loads and harsh mechanical and thermal conditions. These multifunctional lightweight coatings will have robust mechanical properties, making them ideal for sustainable energy generation systems in extreme environments, including those related to hydrogen fuel production, transportation, and storage. The selected candidate will contribute to materials design, connecting it to process-property-performance outcomes, and integrate critical minerals or rare earth metals into the coatings. Mechanical testing and materials characterization will be key aspects of the research.
Eligibility: This position is open to candidates who meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Engineering Physics, or related fields.
- Possess expertise or experience in areas such as heat transfer, materials modeling, strength of materials, fracture and damage assessments, hydrogen stress corrosion cracking, and additive manufacturing with rare earth or critical minerals.
- Must be proficient in English, both written and verbal.
- Able to work independently and may be required to travel nationally and internationally.
Required Documents: Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- A cover letter.
- Detailed curriculum vitae highlighting career achievements, research areas, publications, awards, and three professional references.
- Unofficial transcripts from undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Score sheets from a test of English as a second language (if applicable).
How to Apply: Submit your completed application package and direct any inquiries to Dr. Ophelia Jarligo, Thermal Spray Research Manager, at miarligo@ualberta.ca, with Dr. André McDonald (andre.mcdonald@ualberta.ca) and Dr. Mostafa Yakout (yakout@ualberta.ca) in carbon copy.
Last Date: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
