The ARC Training Centre for Resource Efficient Alloys in a Circular Economy is an Australian funded, five-year research and training initiative. This Centre brings together two leading Australian universities (Deakin University and UTS) and five forward-thinking industry partners to deliver cutting-edge research and foster the next generation of research leaders in sustainable alloy innovation. We are seeking motivated, creative, and collaborative PhD candidates who are passionate about addressing global challenges through science and engineering.

Why complete a PhD with us?

• Work at the forefront of materials science and sustainability, contributing to real-world impact.
• Be part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment supported by leading academics and industry experts.
• Gain professional development and mentoring that supports both academic and career growth.
• Access opportunities for national and international networking and research exposure.

Who Should Apply

• We welcome applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, especially those with a degree in: Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Modelling or related disciplines.
• We encourage applications from individuals who are inquisitive, driven, and eager to collaborate across disciplines to make meaningful contributions to sustainable materials development.
• Prior experience with circular economy or life cycle assessment based studies of metal or alloy supply chains would be highly desirable.

Available Project Scholarships

UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures

Alloys in the Australian economy – towards circularity | Supervised by Prof. Damien Giurco

Achieving net reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across life cycle stages through alloy design | Supervised by Dr Stephen Northey

Deakin University

fastAlloy: accelerating assessment of recycled cast alloys | Supervised by Prof. Matthew Barnett

Durable and sustainable cast irons for severe wear applications | Supervised by Prof. Daniel Fabijanic

High strength light alloys via solid state recycling | Supervised by A/Prof. Thomas Dorin

Corrosion and wear resistant steel through inclusion engineering | Supervised by Prof. Daniel Fabijanic

Recycling of titanium through low energy melt-free processing | Supervised by Prof. Daniel Fabijanic

Alloys that foster re-use | Supervised by Prof. Matthew Barnett & Prof. Kon Mouzakis

Advanced material and manufacturing solutions for novel electrolysis technologies | Supervised by A/Prof. Matthias Weiss

Design for recycling and re-use in construction | Supervised by A/Prof. Matthias Weiss & Prof. Jane Matthews

Applicants must meet the entry requirements for a PhD at UTS or Deakin University.

For further information please contact Dr Stephen Northey (stephen.northey@uts.edu.au) (UTS) or Dr Ramesh Varma (ramesh.varma@deakin.edu.au) (Deakin University).