APPLY NOW! University of Alberta’s MSc and PhD Program 2025

The Opportunity
The areas of both additive manufacturing and restorative dentistry are rapidly evolving. Additive manufacturing (AM) of ceramics (e.g., zirconia) opens the door for processing and fabrication of patient-specific custom components (e.g., crowns, implants) in dentistry. There is a need for designing new feedstock materials that are compatible with the requirements and limitations of AM processes with an emphasis on the process-structure-performance relationships to produce high-performance dental components.

Similarly, the field of materials in dentistry is receiving significant attention as a result of digital planning methods, rapid improvements in manufacturing, and advancements in material science and characterization. In a joint project between the Alberta Next-Generation Additive Manufacturing (ANGAM) Lab (Dr. Yakout) and the Craniofacial Biomechanics and Biomaterials Research (CBBR) Group (Dr. Romanyk) at the University of Alberta, we are exploring the additive manufacturing of zirconia-based ceramics for use in dental applications. The project will focus on developing optimized manufacturing routes (e.g. feedstock material and post-processing) to obtain targeted outcomes in dental applications (e.g. superior mechanical performance with biological and esthetic considerations).

Necessary research will involve hands-on training and methods related to additive manufacturing and advanced characterization from a range of perspectives.

Specialized Training & Skills Development
Training of undergraduate and graduate research assistants is paramount within our groups. Through the advertised project, trainees will be exposed to world-class additive manufacturing equipment, advanced material characterization facilities (e.g. through the nanoFAB Institute), and mechanical analysis. Finally, the highly multi-disciplinary nature of the research project exposes trainees to expertise in manufacturing, mechanical and materials characterization, and highly-relevant clinical applications.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters of Science (or Engineering) degree in Mechanical or related program
• Willing to register in the University of Alberta’s MSc or PhD Program
• Keen interest and/or experience (coursework, research, and/or industrial) in: additive manufacturing, materials characterization, experimental methods, advanced modeling techniques (e.g. finite element analysis), and use of MATLAB or other programming tools are assets
• Minimum GPA of 3.3
• Proven ability to work independently
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; proficiency in English
• Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and foreign students

Start Date: September 2025 or January 2026