ARC Centre of Excellence for Design in Light Metals

The Centre of Excellence is currently seeking to fill the position of Executive Officer for a period of 12 months, based at Monash University in Melbourne.

The Executive Officer is responsible for the coordination of financial functions within the Centre and ensuring that the Centre has a planned, coordinated approach to all aspects of financial administration. The position also takes a lead role in the coordination and delivery of projects across the Centre and will be involved in a number of special projects and initiatives, including the development of promotional material and maintenance of web-based publicity and project monitoring tools. The Executive Officer is expected to use initiative and problem solving skills to support the functions of the Centre Administration, and to comply with OHS instructions, policies and procedures.

The Executive Officer plays a critical role in the effective and efficient administration of the Centre, providing a strategic linkage between the Research Director and the staff and students of the Centre, senior University Administration, other University staff at all levels and senior external Centre contacts.

A part-time appointment may be negotiated for suitable applicants.

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PhD Scholarships in partnership with the International Centre for Light Alloys Research (ICLAR) Location: Melbourne (Monash University)

Two PhD scholarships are currently available within the ARC Centre of Excellence for Design in Light Metals at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

Development of Advanced Al-Mg-Si(-Cu) alloy technology for automotive body panels"

High strength 7xxx series aluminium alloys with improved damage tolerance"

The PhD students will be appointed to work on three-year research projects to be conducted in partnership with the Aluminium Corporation of China (CHALCO) as part of the Australia-China International Centre for Light Alloys Research (ICLAR). The two projects have a combined budget of approximately AUS$2.3m over three years.

The first project focuses on the development of alloys for automotive body panels and is directed to optimisation of composition and processing conditions to preserve primary sheet requirements, while increasing the strength of Al-Mg-Si(-Cu) alloys in the paint-baked condition. The second project addresses high strength aluminium alloys with improved damage tolerance for aeronautical applications and involves strategic fundamental research designed to advance understanding of the strengthening and toughening mechanisms in latest-generation high-performance 7xxx series aerospace aluminium alloys.

The PhD students will use a variety of experimental and modelling techniques, including (i) alloy design, materials preparation and processing, (ii) advanced materials characterisation (metallography, x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, atom probe field ion microscopy), and (iii) evaluation of mechanical properties and performance (mechanical testing, including tensile properties, toughness, fatigue performance and formability).

Essential criterion: First class Honours degree (or HIIA equivalent) in a relevant discipline (e.g. materials science, materials engineering, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry)

The PhD stipend rate is $25,000 p.a. (tax exempt) for three years.

Applications should be directed to:
Dr. Astrid Nordmann, Chief Operating Officer, ARC Centre of Excellence for Design in Light Metals (email: astrid.nordmann@eng.monash.edu.au).

For enquiries and further information, please contact:
Professor Barry Muddle, Research Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for Design in Light Metals (phone: +613 9905 4908 or email: barry.muddle@eng.monash.edu.au).

PhD Scholarship in partnership with the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) Location: Melbourne (Monash University)

A PhD scholarship is currently available within the ARC Centre of Excellence for Design in Light Metals at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

"Effects of Impurity Elements on Consolidation Behaviour of Commercially Pure Titanium Powders”

The PhD student will be appointed to work on a three-year research project to be conducted in partnership with the Korea Institute of Materials Science. The study entitled ‘Effects of impurity elements on consolidation behaviour of commercially pure titanium powders’ will: develop a thorough understanding of the role of interstitial and substitutional impurity elements on the densification and sintering of commercially pure Ti powders; quantify the effects of impurity concentrations on key processing parameters to define tolerance limits and optimise processing conditions, and; develop quantitative computer-based models based on materials and process parameters to optimise and control processing conditions, leading to components of full density with superior properties and performance.

The PhD student will use a variety of experimental and modelling techniques, including powder metallurgy, optical and electron microscopy, mechanical property determination and finite element modelling techniques.

Essential criterion: First class Honours degree (or HIIA equivalent) in a relevant discipline (e.g. materials science, materials engineering, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry).

The PhD stipend rate is $25,000 p.a. (tax exempt) for three years.

Applications should be directed to:
Dr. Astrid Nordmann, Chief Operating Officer, ARC Centre of Excellence for Design in Light Metals (email: astrid.nordmann@eng.monash.edu.au).