PhD Studentship: Phase transformation behaviour in high Zr biomedical materials
Join to apply for the PhD Studentship: Phase transformation behaviour in high Zr biomedical materials role at University of Cambridge.
Location
The PhD studentship will be based at the University of Cambridge in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, as part of the Structural Materials Group.
Supervisors
Dr Nicole Church and Prof Nick Jones.
Closing date
2 Dec 2025 with interviews shortly afterwards.
Funding
This project is not funded; successful applicants must be in receipt of a scholarship.
Start date
1 October 2026.
Fees
Positions are open to UK citizens or overseas students who meet entry requirements for graduate study at the University of Cambridge and are in receipt of a scholarship for the duration of their study.
Project description
Superelastic alloys typically exhibit a very low elastic modulus (40–80 GPa) making them suitable for biomedical implant applications. Historically these alloys have been based on NiTi, but recent efforts have focused on Ni‑free alternatives to enhance biocompatibility. The Ti‑Nb system has received most attention but is limited by a relatively low transformation strain and superelastic recovery. Ti‑Zr and Zr‑based alloys can exhibit larger recovery strains, but many alloys show similar transformation behaviour across a wide range of Zr compositions. In this PhD, synchrotron diffraction data will be used to track phases evolving in high Zr samples under varying loading and thermal conditions. Ancillary microstructural examination using electron microscopy will confirm the phase identifications from the synchrotron XRD data.
Responsibilities
* Track the phases evolving in high Zr samples using synchrotron diffraction.
* Confirm phase identifications with ancillary microstructural examination (electron microscopy).
Qualifications
* Good UK Master’s degree (or overseas equivalent) in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering.
* Self‑motivated, able to take ownership of research, and effectively communicate research findings.
* Relevant previous experience in computational and experimental methods is advantageous.
Application process
Applications for PhD projects should be submitted via the University Application Portal: www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply.
For further details on postgraduate study at Cambridge, visit the University website. Informal enquiries can be sent to structuralmaterials@msm.cam.ac.uk.
Please quote reference LJ47977 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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