We are recruiting one fully funded Ph.D. student to conduct research on carbon formation, thermochemical processes, and electrified thermal systems.

Applicants may be considered through one of two research tracks on thermochemical processes and carbon materials:

1. Computational modeling

2. Experimental design and characterization

Applicants should clearly identify the track that best matches their experience and interests. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Research Areas

Current and prospective projects include:

• Methane and hydrocarbon pyrolysis

• Hydrogen and solid-carbon production

• Carbon-particle formation and structural evolution

• Electrified thermal reactors

• Thermochemical reactor modeling

• Carbon-material synthesis and characterization

• Relationships between processing conditions, carbon structure, and material properties

The specific dissertation topic will be developed based on the selected student’s background and interest in the laboratory’s active research projects.

Track 1: Computational Modeling

This track is intended for applicants with demonstrated experience writing or substantially modifying scientific code. Relevant backgrounds include:

• Scientific programming in Python, Fortran, C++, MATLAB, Julia, or related languages

• Numerical methods, computational fluid dynamics, or transport modeling

• Chemical kinetics, reacting flows, particle modeling, or population balances

• Heat transfer, fluid mechanics, or reaction engineering

• Scientific data analysis, optimization, or parameter estimation

Applicants should be prepared to discuss a model, solver, or computational research project to which they made a substantial personal contribution.

Experience limited to operating commercial simulation software without code or model development is not sufficient on its own.

Track 2: Experimental Thermochemical Processes and Carbon Materials

This track is intended for applicants with hands-on research experience in one or more of the following:

• Pyrolysis, combustion, gasification, catalysis, or chemical vapor deposition

• Reaction engineering or high-temperature processes

• Experimental thermofluids, heat transfer, or multiphase flow

• Carbon or catalyst synthesis

• Materials characterization

• Reactor construction, gas-delivery systems, furnaces, vacuum systems, or analytical instrumentation

Qualifications and Funding

Applicants must:

• Hold a completed master’s degree before beginning the Ph.D.

• Applicants do not need previous experience specifically in methane pyrolysis. Strong candidates may come from mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, chemistry, energy engineering, applied physics, or related disciplines.

• Demonstrate research experience relevant to one of the two tracks

• Meet Oakland University’s admission requirements for the Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (https://www.oakland.edu/secs/doctoral-programs/)

• Be able to enroll full-time and begin in person by the agreed-upon start date

The selected student will receive a graduate assistantship that includes:

• Tuition support

• A research and/or teaching assistantship stipend

• Standard benefits associated with the appointment

Funding is anticipated for up to four years, subject to satisfactory academic and research progress, assistantship performance, continued eligibility, and university policies.

The preferred start date is the earliest feasible academic term.