Masters Student - Chemical Engineering

Open MScE Position in Chemical Engineering:
High-Temperature Boiler Corrosion Research at UNB-CNER

The Centre for Nuclear Energy Research (CNER) at the University of New Brunswick is seeking a Master of Science in Engineering (MScE) student to join our high-temperature aqueous corrosion research program, starting Fall 2026 or Winter 2027. The student will be supervised by Dr. William Cook, working closely with Dr. Benjamin Loder (Postdoctoral Fellow).

Boiler water contaminant concentration limits are defined largely from plant operating experience due the lack of rigorous experimental data at representative conditions. Recent work at UNB-CNER has successfully determined active corrosion thresholds for carbon steel under chloride and sulphate contamination for all-volatile (AVT) and phosphate (PT) treatment chemistries at temperatures up to 350 °C.

This MScE project will extend the work to caustic (NaOH) boiler water treatments. Using a custom-built high-temperature electrochemical cell capable of in-situ corrosion rate measurements up to 350 °C (17.2 MPa), the successful candidate will:

• Perform and interpret in-situ electrochemical measurements (LPR, EIS, and potentiodynamic polarization) on carbon steel in simulated boiler water under NaOH treatment chemistry.
• Determine active corrosion thresholds for chloride and sulphate contamination under caustic treatment.
• Support results with thermodynamic equilibrium modelling and post-test surface characterization (Raman, SEM, and EDX).
• Relate experimental thresholds to boiler drum contaminant specifications and industry guidance.

The results from this study will directly inform boiler water chemistry guidance for fossil power plants.

• Full funding (Competitive Research Stipend + Teaching Assistantships).
• Hands-on training in high-temperature electrochemistry, autoclave operation, and water chemistry for the power industry.
• Well-equipped laboratories with established experimental infrastructure.

• A bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, materials science / engineering, chemistry, or a related field.
• Interest in electrochemistry, corrosion science, and power plant chemistry (prior electrochemistry experience is considered an asset).
• Comfortable working hands-on with experimental equipment and an aptitude / willingness to troubleshoot.
• Preference will be given to candidates with previous industrial or research experience, particularly in a laboratory setting.
• Eligibility for admission to UNB's School of Graduate Studies.
• Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status.

The Centre for Nuclear Energy Research is a research and development institute at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, with over three decades of expertise in water chemistry control, corrosion science, and material performance for nuclear and thermal power systems. CNER operates a suite of high-temperature, high-pressure test loops that simulate the coolant circuits of CANDU® reactors and the steam-raising systems of thermal power plants, and maintains long-standing partnerships with NB Power, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, the CANDU Owners Group, and utilities and research organizations worldwide.

CNER is also active in advanced reactor research including molten salt thermophysical property measurement, in-situ sensor design, and corrosion in chloride and fluoride salt systems, supported by its recently opened Advanced Nuclear Reactors Laboratory (ANRL), purpose-built for handling molten salts and liquid metals. Graduate students at CNER work at the interface of academic research and industrial application, with UNB being the only university east of Ontario offering nuclear engineering courses.

For more details on graduate programs in the department of Chemical Engineering at UNB as well as specific admission requirements please consult: