Are you interested in pursuing graduate research in the fields of electrochemistry, corrosion science, materials characterization, or nuclear materials? The Skaanvik Research Group, Department of Chemistry at Western University, has two openings for motivated graduate students for research into nuclear corrosion and advanced electrochemistry at the MSc/PhD level. The group, based in London, Ontario, Canada, has graduate positions in nuclear corrosion and electrochemistry for students to research important materials problems related to the expanding nuclear energy field. Suitable candidates will get to experience working with state-of-the-art instrumentation and conduct impactful research in the field of electrochemistry, corrosion, surface science, and materials engineering.
About the Skaanvik Research Group
The research team at Skaanvik will be headed by an incoming assistant professor who will be starting work at Western University’s Department of Chemistry from 1 September.
The research that the group will pursue is centered around key problems in nuclear materials science, such as:
- New techniques for the study of hydrogen uptake in nuclear materials
- Development of accident-tolerant nuclear fuel cladding
- Nuclear waste-related corrosion
- Techniques in scanning probe microscopy for materials degradation studies
- Advanced electrochemical techniques for corrosion investigation
The materials used in nuclear energy systems must withstand tough operating conditions that include high temperatures, reactive atmospheres, radiation, mechanical loading, and corrosive processes. It is thus important to study the degradation of these materials.
Available Graduate Positions
The research team is looking for two graduate students (MSc or PhD).
Graduate Position 1: Hydrogen Absorption in Materials for Nuclear Reactors
The first project will be dedicated to the development of innovative techniques for assessing hydrogen absorption in materials for nuclear reactors.
Hydrogen absorption is possible in metals due to corrosion and electrochemical reactions. In the case of materials for nuclear reactors, hydrogen absorption may affect their strength properties and performance. This project will enhance knowledge on hydrogen absorption under the corresponding conditions.
The student will have the opportunity to use innovative experimental techniques such as the following:
- Scanning probe microscopy
- Mass spectroscopy
- Electrochemical measurements
- Material characterization techniques
These techniques will help develop better methodologies to study hydrogen-induced degradation in materials used in nuclear reactors.
The position is well-suited for candidates who have experience or interest in electrochemistry, corrosion, surface science, microscopy, spectroscopy, hydrogen-metal interaction, and nuclear materials.
Graduate Position 2: Corrosion-resistant Thin Coatings for Nuclear Applications
This position will focus on studying thin coatings that protect against corrosion in nuclear reactor parts.
These kinds of protective coatings may be very useful in increasing the reliability of reactor materials and creating new fuel elements that can tolerate accidents. The project will employ modern methods of material creation along with electrochemical characterization.
The tasks of the student include:
- High-Throughput Materials Synthesis
- Development of Corrosion-Resistant Thin Coatings
- Spatially Resolved Electrochemistry
- Performance Evaluation of the Coating
- Evaluation Under Accident and Operational Conditions
It is aimed at enhancing the functionality and protection against corrosion of reactors operating under difficult nuclear conditions.
Those who have knowledge of thin films, coatings, corrosion testing, electrochemistry, materials science, and surface analysis are advised to look into this post.
Graduate Positions: Research Environment and Training
Students enrolled in the Skaanvik Research Group will have the privilege of utilizing the latest instruments for the characterization of materials and electrochemistry.
Areas where students will be trained include:
- Corrosion science and electrochemical techniques
- Material surfaces and interfaces
- Scanning probe microscopy
- Degradation of materials
- Thin film technology and coatings
- Research on nuclear materials
- Scientific writing and data analysis
This interdisciplinary environment can be extremely useful for those who intend to join the career field of academia, government labs, nuclear research, advanced manufacturing, energy technology, or material innovation.
Preferred Applicant Background
The applicants must have prior academic experience in one of the appropriate disciplines. Such disciplines could be:
- Chemistry
- Materials science and engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Science of corrosion
- Electrochemistry
- Physics
- Nanotechnology
- Mechanical or nuclear engineering
- Physical sciences related to the above
Prior experience in electrochemistry and/or materials science is a plus, especially for PhD applicants.
Technical experience, which could be beneficial, includes cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization, corrosion studies, thin film deposition, SEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, mass spectrometry, etc.
Postdoctoral and PhD in Advanced Materials and Nuclear Energy
How to Apply
If you are interested in pursuing the position, please contact the Skaanvik Research Group directly via email.
If you want to contact your potential supervisor, please ensure you send an email that includes:
- Your complete name and present institution
- The degree to which you aspire: MSc or PhD
- The project that attracts you the most
- Your research experience in a nutshell
- Relevant lab skills, or electrochemistry, corrosion, or characterization experience
- Your CV/Resume
- Your academic transcripts, if any
- Your publications or research outputs, if any
Contact email: [email protected]
Candidates will also need to satisfy the admission criteria for the Chemistry Graduate Program at Western University before a graduate position is officially offered.
Application Deadlines
Interested applicants need to get in touch with the research group early on in order to have enough time to apply for the graduate program.
International students should start preparing as soon as possible because they may require official transcripts, language test results, financial proof, and permission to study documents.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
Here is a chance for graduate students wishing to gain specialization in a scientifically significant and rapidly expanding domain. The research involves basic science in addition to the technical aspects of nuclear safety, durability of reactor materials, accident-tolerant fuel, and nuclear waste management in the long term.
Graduate students with experience in electrochemistry and materials characterization have a good chance to take advantage of this opportunity and get into nuclear corrosion research while acquiring skills applicable in multiple industries, from energy storage to aerospace and advanced manufacturing to environment and materials design.
If you are interested in electrochemistry, materials degradation, corrosion protection, and the development of safe energy sources, we encourage you to apply for admission to the Skaanvik Research Group at Western University.
Graduate Positions in Nuclear Corrosion FAQ
1. What graduate positions are available?
Positions are available for two graduate students to pursue an MSc or PhD degree in nuclear corrosion and electrochemistry at Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
2. What research areas will the students work on for the graduate positions?
These are research projects involving:
- State-of-the-art techniques to study hydrogen uptake in nuclear reactor materials
- Anticorrosion protective films on reactor structural components
- Accident-tolerant fuel cladding
- Radioactive waste and materials’ resistance to corrosion
- Scanning probe and electrochemical materials characterization
3. Who is eligible to apply for the graduate positions in nuclear corrosion?
Prospective candidates who have studied in areas such as chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, corrosion science, electrochemistry, physics, nanotechnology, mechanical engineering, or nuclear engineering might be considered.
Those who have done research previously in materials science and/or electrochemistry will have an edge, especially in PhD-level applications.
4. Is previous electrochemistry experience required?
Prior work experience is highly recommended, particularly for PhD candidates, although those with significant relevant research experience in the fields of materials characterization, corrosion, coatings, surface science, or chemical engineering may also be eligible.
Electrochemical expertise can include cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization, chronoamperometry, and corrosion testing.
5. What laboratory skills would strengthen an application?
Helpful experience includes electrochemical experiments, corrosion experiments, thin film or coatings synthesis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, mass spectrometry, scanning probe microscopy, and data analysis.
It is expected that the applicant explain all of this information in his CV and first e-mail.
6. Can international students apply?
Yes. Applications from international students are welcome. However, they have to satisfy Western University’s graduate admissions requirements and apply before the deadline of the term they wish to study in.
International candidates are advised to contact the research group well in advance of their application to take care of their graduate admissions and permit applications.
7. Do I need to contact the supervisor before applying for the graduate positions in nuclear corrosion?
Yes. Students interested in participating are requested to make contact with the Skaanvik Research Group via email either before or at the time of submitting their official application to graduate school.
The email should contain a brief introduction along with the level of education that you seek to pursue, your research interests, experience, and attached CV.
8. What should I include in my email to the supervisor for the graduate positions in nuclear corrosion?
A good opening email should contain the following information:
- Your name, nationality, and affiliated university
- Which MSc or PhD position you are applying for
- A brief account of your educational background
- Skills in electrochemistry, corrosion, coatings, or material characterization
- When you expect to graduate from your studies, if applicable
- A CV/résumé
- Transcripts of your academic records and publication list, if any.
Keep the message concise, specific, and tailored to the group’s research areas.
9. What are the application deadlines for the graduate positions in nuclear corrosion?
Application deadlines depend on the desired term of admission and applicant status:
10. Will students receive funding for the graduate positions in nuclear corrosion?
Financial information is not provided in the recruitment announcement. Applicants may inquire with the supervisor regarding financial assistance, which includes graduate funding, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, tuition, and health insurance provisions.
11. Where is Western University located?
Western University is based in London, Ontario, Canada. London is a large university town in southern Ontario and is located within driving distance of Toronto and other major cities in Canada.
12. What career opportunities can this research lead to?
Specialized training in nuclear corrosion, electrochemistry, and materials characterization will help develop career opportunities in universities, national laboratories, nuclear energy organizations, environmental and waste management research, advanced manufacturing, corrosion engineering, coatings development, and other materials-oriented fields.
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