At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a research team investigating nitrogen behaviour in EAF steelmaking for sustainable steel production.
- Company: University of Warwick's WMG and Tata Steel UK, leaders in innovative steel technology.
- Benefits: Standard UKRI stipend for 3.5 years, access to world-class research facilities.
- Other info: Collaborate with top scientists and gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on decarbonising the steel industry while advancing your academic career.
- Qualifications: 1st or 2.1 degree in relevant science or engineering fields; passion for innovation required.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
University of Warwick - WMG
Qualification Type: PhD
Location: University of Warwick
Funding for: UK Students, EU Students
Funding amount: Tata Steel and WMG (This is the department contribution to the ADAPT-EAF Prosperity Partnership with Tata Steel)
Hours: Full Time
Placed On: 1st July 2026
Closes: 29th September 2026
Stipend: Standard UKRI stipend for 3.5 years
Eligibility: Available to Home fee status
Start Date: October 2026
Project Overview
An enthusiastic individual is being invited to join a team of researchers to work on the nitrogen behaviour in electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking project, as part of the ADAPT-EAF (Accelerating the Development of Automotive and Packaging steel Technology for EAF production) Prosperity Partnership, in collaboration with industry partner Tata Steel UK. Tata Steel UK has committed to its transition to scrap-based EAF production of high-quality flat products to significantly reduce its CO2 emissions. The aim of this project is to create fundamental knowledge of nitrogen behaviour under future green steelmaking scenarios to support steel industry decarbonisation.
Steel is an irreplaceable material in our modern life, while the steel industry accounts for 9% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions. A range of low-emission steel manufacturing processes is being developed, with EAF steelmaking emerging as a key pathway. However, one of the key technical challenges in the scrap-based EAF steelmaking (where scrap is the primary metallic charge) is achieving the desired nitrogen content in the final steel in a cost-effective manner. Some high-quality steels demand good formability and toughness, along with good surface quality, which necessitates controlling nitrogen to very low levels of ~20-30 ppm. This is achieved by the current BF-BOF steelmaking route because of its excellent nitrogen removal capability. However, alternative metallic charges with low or no carbon content (scrap, carbon-free direct reduced iron, remelted direct reduced iron) are expected to adversely impact the thermodynamics and kinetics of N2 in the future green steelmaking routes.
Therefore, to enable CO2 free scrap-based EAF steelmaking, this PhD project will thoroughly investigate the nitrogen absorption and desorption mechanisms of alternate metallic charges with varying conditions of composition, temperature, and pressure, by utilising the experimental facility and modelling expertise at the Advanced Steel Research Centre (ASRC) of WMG. A mathematical model based on the experimental data and fundamentals will be developed to predict the nitrogen in melt with various conditions, validated by industrial scale data. The research will be carried out by using the world leading research facilities (high temperature experiment, advanced characterisation and modelling) at the ASRC of WMG, the University of Warwick. This PhD studentship also offers a unique opportunity to work with the leading scientists at Tata Steel UK.
Essential And Desirable Criteria
We are actively seeking an enthusiastic individual to join the Advanced Steel Research Centre (ASRC) at WMG, the University of Warwick with the following entry requirements and expectations:
- A 1st or 2.1 undergraduate (BEng, BSc, MEng) and/or postgraduate masters' qualification (MSc) in a science and technology field such as Metallurgy, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, Manufacturing.
- A passion and enthusiasm to challenge the state-of-the-art and to apply the world leading research facilities for the creation of critical knowledge and its industrial applications.
Funding and Eligibility
Funding is available to eligible Home fee status and UK domicile EU students.
Supporting Company: Tata Steel UK
Supervisors: University of Warwick: Professor Zushu Li, Dr Guishang Pei; Tata Steel UK: Dr Ciaran Martin, Dr Bin Xiao
PhD Studentship: Nitrogen Behaviour in EAF Steelmaking employer: Emerging Scholars Council
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to research excellence and professional development, employees benefit from access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities for growth in the field of implementation science. Located in a dynamic city known for its rich cultural heritage and supportive community, Newcastle University provides a unique setting for meaningful and impactful work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Nitrogen Behaviour in EAF Steelmaking
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time PhD Studentship: Nitrogen Behaviour in EAF Steelmaking role you’re after at Emerging Scholars Council.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Emerging Scholars Council a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Emerging Scholars Council.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like PhD Studentship: Nitrogen Behaviour in EAF Steelmaking at Emerging Scholars Council, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Nitrogen Behaviour in EAF Steelmaking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like PhD Studentship: Nitrogen Behaviour in EAF Steelmaking, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Emerging Scholars Council a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Emerging Scholars Council specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Emerging Scholars Council
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Emerging Scholars Council, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Emerging Scholars Council want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
