New PhD Positions

We are looking for 3-6 PhD candidates under A/Prof Shibo Kuang's supervision to develop and apply computational models (CFD, CFD-DEM, or data-driven models) for low-carbon metallurgy, focusing on one of the following areas: ironmaking blast furnaces, fluidized beds, shaft furnaces, electric arc furnaces, and electric smelting furnaces. Applications Open Until 31 December 2028.

Scholarship Information

Successful candidates will receive a tuition fee scholarship and a stipend/living allowance scholarship (AUD $37,100–$43,100 per year) for 3.5–4 years.

Research Experience

(1) At least one first-authored publication in a JCR Q1 journal.

(2) Candidates with coding experience in CFD, FEM, CFD-DEM, or related numerical methods, using either in-house or open-source codes, are highly preferred.

English Language Proficiency

IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0, or

PTE Academic: Overall score of 58, with no communicative skill below 50

The minimum academic qualification requirements are:

(1) A bachelor's degree of at least four years in a relevant discipline

(2) A master's degree in a relevant discipline

(3) Typically ranked near the top of the cohort in both undergraduate and master's studies

(4) Undergraduate and postgraduate institutions with strong national standing

Additional Information

The PhD will be conducted in the Process Technology Laboratory (PTL), led by A/Prof Shibo Kuang at Monash University (QS World Ranking = 31 in 2027).

About Process Technology Laboratory (PTL)

PTL is dedicated to advancing process technologies in the fields of chemical engineering, metallurgical engineering, and mineral processing by integrating physics-based (mechanistic) modelling, data-driven (artificial intelligence) modelling, and measurement technologies.

The primary goal of PTL is to deepen the understanding of fundamental mechanisms in particulate and multiphase systems, develop robust and reliable theoretical and methodological frameworks, optimise industrial processes, and pioneer new technologies.

Current Research Focuses

(1) Low-carbon metallurgy — exploring clean and efficient pathways for metal extraction and conversion to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption.

(2) Waste management — studying the recovery and utilisation of solid wastes and by-products to support a circular economy and sustainable development.

(3) Smart processes — integrating artificial intelligence, sensing technologies, and mechanistic models to enable process prediction, optimisation, and online control, thereby enhancing system adaptability and reliability.

PTL's research contributes to improving system efficiency and reliability, reducing energy and material consumption, and mitigating environmental impacts. Through continuous innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, the laboratory is committed to advancing sustainable industries and contributing to

society.

About A/Prof Shibo Kuang

A/Prof Shibo Kuang has published over 200 papers, including one co-edited special issue, one book chapter, four invited review papers, and over 185 journal articles indexed in the ISI Web of Science, with 98% appearing in field-leading JCR Q1 and Q2 journals. Over the past five years, he has maintained an average publication rate of 18 papers per year, rising to 23 papers per year over the past three years.

His work has gained significant recognition, with over 8,000 citations on Google Scholar and an h-index of 50 (48 in Scopus). Two of his papers have been recognised as Highly Cited Papers for more than three years. He has been recognised among the World's Top 2% Scientists (Stanford/Elsevier) annually since 2021.

He has graduated more than 30 PhD graduates as a principal or associate supervisor. He is currently an Associate Editor of Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, an Editor of Next Energy, and serves on the editorial boards of four journals, including Journal of Iron and Steel Research International, International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials, cScience, and the Carbon Neutrality Youth Editorial Board.

Please refer to one of the following links for information on his research activities:

https://www.monash.edu/engineering/shibokuang

https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=fOiHcFAAAAAJ&hl=en

https://sciprofiles.com/profile/httpswwwmonasheduengineeringshibokuang

https://www.monash.edu/engineering/ptl

How to Apply

Please send your CV to: Shibo.Kuang@monash.edu

The CV must clearly include:

(1) Publication list (with JCR rankings)

(2) Class ranking

(3) Institutional ranking (national and international)

(4) Awards and scholarships

(5) Relevant research and coding experience

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.