1. Applications are invited for a scholarship for a Ph.D. student to work on a project related to nuclear fusion technology, structural integrity assessment and stress analysis of mechanical components under the action of high temperatures and various mechanical loads. The project is being coordinated by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, at the University of Mata (UM) under the supervision of Prof. Ing, Martin Muscat and Prof. Pierluigi Mollicone.
2. The Ph.D. study is endorsed by the Malta Council for Science and Technology under the programme ENDURE - Research and Development towards a European Fusion Reactor. The University of Malta is part of the EUROfusion Consortium. The latter consortium is made up of institutions, universities and industry with expertise in several backgrounds all of which are fundamental for this study, such as Material Science, Component Fabrication and Joining Processes, Design Code of Standards, Electromagnetics, Neutronics, Fluid Dynamics, Heat transfer, Remote handling and general Mechanical Engineering.
3. Applicants must be in possession of a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering (1st cycle) and a relevant Master of Science Degree (2nd cycle). Experience in using code of standards such as RCC-MRx, EN13445 or ASME B&PVC amongst others, and in using state of the art finite element software applied to stress analysis, is highly desirable, but could be compensated by knowledge in the field of mechanics, willingness to dedicate extra effort to learn the required skills and a high level of motivation from the side of the candidate.
4. The selected candidate is expected to enrol in the University of Malta’s Ph.D. programme and conduct research in structural integrity assessment applied to nuclear fusion technology physically on campus. The award is for three years of full-time studies and can be taken up as soon as Senate approves the Ph.D. application based on the recommendations received by the Faculty of Engineering Board and the Doctoral Academic Committee.
5. This scholarship shall provide a maintenance allowance of EUR25,000 per annum together with a waiver not exceeding EUR3,000 per annum from any tuition fees in relation to the same Ph.D. Both the maintenance allowance and the fee waiver are applicable throughout the duration of the three years of full-time studies. The scholarship will not provide the maintenance allowance or a fee waiver during a suspension of studies and/or extension of studies.
6. International candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with information available on the website of the International Office when applying, particularly to the sections concerning, tuition fees, English Language requirements, visas and e-residence permit conditions and requirements. The scholarship may not cover all the costs related to studying and living in Malta, and international candidates will need to provide assurance that they have the funds available to cover their stay in Malta.
7. Applicants should submit their letter of application by not later than 3 November 2023 by email together with a copy of their curriculum vitae, and a scanned copy of heir certificates. The scholarship is intended to support students who have clear goals for their future and applicants are expected to explain how they believe doctoral research will allow them to shape their plans after graduation. Applicants are expected to declare any special attributes and accomplishments that they think make them deserving of the scholarship. Late applications will not be considered.
8. The selection procedure will involve: 
   
   a. scrutiny of qualifications and experience claimed and supported by testimonials and/or certificates (copies to be included with the application) and/or a list of published papers;
   b. shortlisting; and
   c. an interview and/or extended interview.
   
   
9. The selection panel will make the final decision on successful candidates based on academic excellence and research potential.
10. Further information may be obtained by contacting Prof. Ing. Martin Muscat. 

Terms and conditions 

The award may not be held concurrently with another major award for the same purpose. The award holder may not engage in employment which is likely to interfere with the progress of their research and must seek the permission of Senate, on the recommendation of the Faculty Doctoral Committee, the Board and the Doctoral Academic Committee before engaging in any employment; the Faculty Doctoral Committee must be kept informed about the nature and extent of their employment commitments throughout their period of study.

The award holder should abide by all applicable regulations and policies of the UM in force during the course of studies and will be required to provide progress reports on an annual basis (normally in May) to the Faculty Doctoral Committee as required by University regulations and procedures. At the end of the scholarship period a final report must be submitted covering what has been achieved.

The Doctoral School requests that the award holder acknowledges the EUROfusion consortium in any publications arising wholly or partially from the award. 

The Doctoral School, October 2023.