Properties of Slags in an Electric Smelting Furnace

Closing date: 31 Dec 2024

An opportunity is available for a PhD candidate to undertake a research project on a low emission ironmaking technology – the Electric Smelting Furnace (ESF), in collaboration with BlueScope Steel at the University of Wollongong (UOW). The project aims to investigate key slag properties for slag metal reactions in the ESF. Working within a team of UOW and industry investigators, the candidate will focus on advanced numerical modeling of multi-phase and multi-physics phenomena in the ESF, with opportunities

An exciting opportunity is now available for a PhD candidate to undertake a research project on a future, low-emission ironmaking technology – the Electric Smelting Furnace (ESF). Based at the University of Wollongong (UOW) in the School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, the project is one of several related collaborations with BlueScope Steel.

The specific research aim is to investigate key slag properties on slag-metal reactions in the ESF. The research is part of the ESF program which includes complex physical experiments and numerical studies. The PhD candidate will work within a team of UOW investigators and their industrial partner investigators, and be trained to undertake high-quality, high temperature experimental research.  

There will be ample opportunity for the PhD candidate to work in both industrial and academic environments, and hence, develop industry-related project management skills. The professional training and personal development through this project and the university’s overall mentoring scheme, will help prepare the candidate for a career in academia or industry.


Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences

Study area: Engineering

Student type: Domestic students, International students

Student status: Current student in first year of study, Future Students


Scholarship amount

Successful candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of up to $AUD 45,000 per annum for the duration of the award. 

Duration

3.5 years full-time study

Application process

Applicants should submit:

  • A cover letter detailing relevant experience and research interest,
  • CV with names and addresses of two referees, and
  • Academic transcripts.

We seek applicants from diverse backgrounds, reflecting all facets of prior experience or history.

The EOI should be sent via email to Xuefeng Dong xuefeng_dong@uow.edu.au and Ray Longbottom ray_longbottom@uow.edu.au.

Eligibility requirements

Essential

  • Academic qualification - Applicants should hold an honours (or equivalent) undergraduate degree, or a Masters degree, in a closely related discipline, or the equivalent combination of professional experience and academic qualifications
  • High level written and verbal communication skills in English, presenting research work and outcomes to both the industrial and academic communities
    Highly Desirable
  • Knowledge in metallurgical processes, specifically with a background in ironmaking or steelmaking
  • Experience in one or more areas: materials characterisation, pyrometallurgy, materials engineering, or thermo-physics.
  • Good experimental skills, and ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Desirable but not essential

  • Experience in high-temperature experimentation 

Application closing date

31 Dec 2024

Contact information

Ray Longbottom

raymond_longbottom@uow.edu.au