Scholarship opportunities
17 May 2019
Lewis acid catalysis for organic transformations
PhD project
The opportunity
Expression of interest are sought from outstanding candidates for PhD study in Chemistry.
PhD project – Lewis acid catalysis for organic transformations
A full-time funded scholarship is available for an experimental research project involving the development of various Lewis complexes based on aluminium for various organic reactions.
Recent literature has suggested that the field of Lewis acid catalysis is plagued with the presence and consequent activity of hidden Brønsted acids. We have shown that proper synthesis, identification and use of several aluminium-based complexes were crucial for their remarkable catalytic activity regarding a variety of Diels-Alder cycloadditions. We also realized that proper use of these catalytic systems can lead to unprecedented observations as we were able to polymerise cyclic dienophiles leading to the formation of functionalized polyolefins.
During this PhD project, you will prepare several complexes based on aluminium and will test their catalytic activity with respect to Diels-Alder cycloadditions, Michael additions, borylations etc. You will also try to synthesize, characterize and modify functionalized polyolefins based on cyclic dienophiles.
A strong background in synthetic Inorganic Chemistry is essential while an experience in organic chemistry is beneficial.
Applicants must show excellent communication and inter-personal skills, and the ability to conduct self-motivated research.
Faculty / Portfolio: School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
Location: Clayton campus, Monash University
Main Supervisor: Dr Drasko Vidovic
Remuneration: $27,872 p.a. full-time rate (pro-rata). Applications from exceptional candidates may be granted additional support for international tuition fees (tuition fees are not applicable to the following: Australian and New Zealand citizens and Permanent Residents).
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, over Skype if necessary. The interviews will be conducted in English.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants will be considered provided that they fulfil the criteria for PhD admission at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Details of the relevant requirements are available at
www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/apply
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
EOIs shall comprise:
A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works
A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation (including transcripts)
Contact details of two academic referees and/or reference letters
Evidence of English-language proficiency (international applicants only) such as TOEFL or IETLS.
How to Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
Please visit the following site: www.monash.edu/science/schools/chemistry/postgraduate/express-interest
Successful EOI applications will be provided with an Invitation to Apply letter for the Monash Centrally allocated scholarships rounds.
Enquiries
Enquiries about this particular project should be directed to Dr Drasko Vidovic: drasko.vidovic@monash.edu
Closing Date: 31 Aug 2019
Applications will be accepted until the project has been filled by a suitable candidate.
10 April 2019
Monash-Bath Global PhD Program in Sustainable Chemical Technologies
About
Monash University, Australia in partnership with the University of Bath, UK are pleased to announce the launch of a Joint Award PhD program.
This program will have its first intake in October this year and initially covers the Faculties of Science and Engineering at both Universities. The Joint Award PhD program’s initial projects are currently focused within the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies at the University of Bath, and the School of Chemistry and Department of Chemical Engineering at Monash University.
PhD researchers joining this joint program will enjoy the benefits of training and joint supervision from international experts from Monash University and the University of Bath. At Monash, supervisors will come from the School of Chemistry and/or the Department of Chemical Engineering. At Bath, supervisors will be affiliated with the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies (CSCT). This CSCT is a unique, multidisciplinary university research Centre drawing on expertise from a range of departments including Chemistry, Biology and Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Physics and others.
Features of the program
- PhD researchers will be registered at both institutions and will be awarded a joint PhD degree.
- PhD researchers will be jointly supervised by academics from both Monash and Bath Universities.
- All PhD researchers in the joint program will also undertake a bespoke advanced training plan covering a range of topics focusing on sustainability.
- Applicants can apply to either Monash University or the University of Bath as their nominated home institution.
- PhD researchers will undertake a period of no less than 12 months at the partner institution.
- Up to four scholarships/studentships will be offered. Additional and suitably qualified applicants who can access a scholarship/studentship from other sources will be also considered. Evidence of funding must be provided.
- The scholarships/studentships include:
- a full tuition fee sponsorship provided by Monash or Bath for the course duration (up to a maximum 42 months)
- a living allowance (stipend) provided by Monash or Bath Universities.
PhD Projects
Home Institute: Bath University
Can ionic liquids revolutionise sustainable polymers?
Catalytic arene functionalization with nucleophilic heavier alkaline earth reagents
Molecular Surface Species and Mechanisms in Energy Conversion
Printed cell scaffolds for rapid, robust toxicity testing of new chemicals – beyond animal testing
Stabilising biopolymer based hydrogels for delivery of actives
Home Institute: Monash University
New bismuth-based biopolymer composites for challenging anti-microbial resistance
Advanced, Tuneable Encapsulates prepared from Biodegradable Polymers and Silica
β-elemene as facile building block in sustainable polymer synthesis
Multi-detector online monitoring of precision polymerizations
Developing Thymidine-Based Green Self-healing Polymers
Development of Analytical Methods for Enantioselective Assessment of Licit and Illicit Drugs
How to apply
Please fill out the Expression of Interest form if you would like to be considered for the Monash-Bath Global PhD Program in Sustainable Chemical Technologies.
Please express interest for up to three projects in order of preference.
The deadline to submit applications is Sunday 12 May
Before you begin your Expression of Interest, please ensure you have copies of the following:
- Official Academic Transcripts
- Key to Grading System for your transcripts
- CV
- Proof of Meeting English.
8 March 2019
Luminophores and Photochromes: Towards Molecular Componentry
PhD Project - Novel Environmental Sensors for Single Molecule Protein Dynamics
We recently discovered a new class of highly fluorescent zwitterionic fluorophores, derivatives of which display extreme environmental sensitivity. These exciting molecules have physical properties that make them interesting candidates for utility in a range of technologies. Of interest to us is the possibility that these molecules could be used to correlate conformational changes at G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) which are an important class of drug targets. GPCRs is often activated by several different agonists, both endogenous and as medicines. The significance of this study is that differences in GPCR conformation are thought to be related to the ability of particular agonists to elicit cellular responses. This is because the cellular response is not simply a product of GPCR occupancy, as would be expected in an “on” – “off” switch or indeed to how tightly the agonist is bound.
The project will involve the synthesis of novel fluorophores (School of Chemistry), that will be subsequently conjugated with GPCRs or their signal transducers; G-Proteins. Interaction of these fluorescent, environmentally sensitive, GPCR or G-protein conjugates will then be investigated using single-molecule dynamics with an emphasis on the utility of (Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy – Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer) FLIM-FRET in addition to a suite of other techniques.
A suitable candidate will have broad interests spanning synthetic chemistry, biology, and photo-physics. The candidate will receive all the required training to conduct the project but must have a strong desire to assume ownership of the project and work independently.
Supervisors: Dr. Chris Ritchie (chris.ritchie@monash.edu) and Dr. Sebastian Furness (sebastian.furness@monash.edu)
Faculty / Portfolio: School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Clayton Campus, Monash University AND the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville Campus
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants will be considered if they fulfil the criteria for Ph.D. admission at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Details of the relevant requirements are available at http://www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/eligibility2/eligibility/
Interested Candidates that meet the requirements detailed in the previous link MUST submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) AND email both prospective supervisors:
- A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
- A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works
- A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation (including transcripts)
- Contact details of two academic referees and/or reference letters
- Evidence of English-language proficiency (international applicants only) such as TOEFL or IETLS.
Remuneration: Successful applicants will receive $27,353 p.a. as a full-time stipend (pro-rata).
Relevant Project References
“Highly Fluorescent Pyridinium Betaines for Light Harvesting” Angew. Chemie. Int. Ed., 2017, 56, 13882. (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/anie.201704832).
“Ligand-Dependent Modulation of G Protein Conformation Alters Drug Efficacy” Cell, 2016, 167, 3, 739. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2016.09.021).
PhD Project - Polyoxometalates as Antennae in Photochromic Molecular Materials
We recently discovered that Polyoxometalates (POMs) can be used as sensitizers to trigger the photochemical transformation of diarylethene (DAE) photochromes using visible light, a process that would otherwise require irradiation with higher energy UV. Lowering of the energy barrier for the photochemical reaction results from coordination of the photochrome to the POM, with excitation of POM based electronic transitions promoting the photochemical reaction. This process results in the ultrafast conversion (picoseconds) of the assembly to a more highly conjugated species that results in a dramatic colour change from pale yellow to deep blue. The photoinduced cyclization can be revered by irradiation of the sample with red light.
Extension of this project will involve the synthesis of polyoxometalates with appropriate binding sites for attachment of diarylethene ligands using a range of chemical approaches. The resulting compounds will be structurally characterized with an emphasis on understanding how the POMs impact the steric and electronic properties of the attached DAEs. The photophysical properties of these molecules will be investigated within our international collaborative network.
To achieve these project goals, we are seeking two excellent Ph.D. candidates with a passion for synthetic chemistry and a curiosity to discover new molecular materials with potential application in emerging photochromic technologies. The candidate will receive all the required training to conduct the research but must have a strong desire to assume ownership of the project and work independently.
Supervisor: Dr Chris Ritchie (chris.ritchie@monash.edu)
Faculty / Portfolio: School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Clayton Campus, Monash University
Candidate Requirements: Applicants will be considered if they fulfil the criteria for Ph.D. admission at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Details of the relevant requirements are available at http://www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/eligibility2/eligibility/
Interested candidates that meet the candidate requirements detailed in the previous link MUST then submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) AND email me the following:
- A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
- A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works
- A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation (including transcripts)
- Contact details of two academic referees and/or reference letters
- Evidence of English-language proficiency (international applicants only) such as TOEFL or IETLS.
Remuneration: Successful applicants will receive $27,353 p.a. as a full-time stipend (pro-rata).
Relevant Project References
"Visible-Light-Driven “On”/“Off” Photochromism of a Polyoxometalate Diarylethene Coordination Complex", Jingjing Xu, Henrieta Volfova, Roger J. Mulder, Lars Goerigk, Gary Bryant, Eberhard Riedle, and Chris Ritchie*. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2018, 140 (33), 10482-10487, DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b04900
PhD Project - Multifunctional Covalent Molecular Cages for Sensing Applications
This collaborative project will target the preparation of nanoscopic molecular cages constructed from environmentally sensitive zwitterionic dyes. Using recently developed protocols we propose that stable molecular containers will be constructed that will selectively bind Cs+ ions based on recent findings (see references). Incorporation of fluorophores with (Twisted Intramolecular Charge Transfer) TICT properties into structurally similar molecular architectures is anticipated to result in a unique fluorescence response to Cs+ on the binding of the cations within the molecular cage. The solution state dynamics of the resulting “host-guest” complexes will be studied using spectroscopic and x-ray diffraction techniques. The justification for this study is based on the detection of Caesium ions in aqueous media due to the environmental impact of the radioactive isotope 137Cs which is a major component of nuclear waste.
Furthermore, the candidate will be expected to develop and implement new methodologies towards the preparation of novel covalent molecular cages that have the potential to discriminate between other analytes such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the solid state.
To achieve these project goals, we are seeking an excellent Ph.D. candidate with a passion for synthetic chemistry and a curiosity to discover new molecular materials with potential sensing properties. The candidate will receive all the required training to conduct the research but must have a strong desire to assume ownership of the project and work independently.
Key Project Activities: Inorganic and organic synthesis, Single crystal x-ray diffraction, NMR Spectroscopy, Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Supervisors: Dr. Chris Ritchie (chris.ritchie@monash.edu); A/Prof Brendan Abrahams (bfa@unimelb.edu.au); Dr. Roger Mulder (Roger.Mulder@csiro.au)
Faculty / Portfolio: School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Clayton Campus, Monash University; School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Parkville Campus, the University of Melbourne; CSIRO Manufacturing, Clayton.
Candidate Requirements: Applicants will be considered if they fulfill the criteria for Ph.D. admission at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Details of the relevant requirements are available at http://www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/eligibility2/eligibility/
Interested Candidates that meet the requirements detailed in the previous link MUST submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) AND email all prospective supervisors:
- A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
- A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works
- A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation (including transcripts)
- Contact details of two academic referees and/or reference letters
- Evidence of English-language proficiency (international applicants only) such as TOEFL or IETLS.
Remuneration: Successful applicants will receive $27,353 p.a. as a full-time stipend (pro-rata).
Relevant Project References
“Highly Fluorescent Pyridinium Betaines for Light Harvesting” Angew. Chemie. Int. Ed., 2017, 56, 13882. (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/anie.201704832).
“Self-Assembly of a Si-Based Cage by the Formation of 24 Equivalent Covalent Bonds” Chem. Commun. 2018, 54 (84), 11877–11880. (https://doi.org/10.1039/c8cc06405a)
14 December 2018
Bio efficacy of neuro-active metabolites of food
PhD position
A PhD position is available to work with Dr John Haynes (Monash institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences) and Prof Louise Bennett (School of Chemistry, Monash University). We are looking to recruit a motivated, talented student with an interest in neurophysiology. This project is part of a larger well-resourced project between the Fraunhofer Institute (Germany) and Monash University investigating the relationship between poor diet, and mental health and depression.
Project details: The direct relationship between food ingredients and health is well known. In contrast, the health impact of conversion products (metabolites) formed during food processing and digestion remains unproven. The current status of research in this area supports a relationship between functional components of foods and their role in health/well-being. This foundation of knowledge relates to functional components identified in foods, but is not necessarily translatable to metabolites, which are formed during food processing and digestion. Metabolites that are formed during food processing, preparation or digestion have not, up to now, been systematically investigated for their efficacy and implications for risk or benefit to the consumer. Understanding the fate of nutrients and functional ingredients from food is key to supporting the food industry to validate product quality and safety, and promote accordingly. The proposed research project investigates the impact of food metabolites upon pluripotent stem cell-derived neuron function and survival.
Scholarship details: The scholarship is available for domestic students interested in doing a PhD. The 3.5 year award includes all course fees and a $27 353 AUD per year tax-free stipend.
Monash University, the School of Chemistry and the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences:
Monash is a member of the Group of Eight, a coalition of top Australian universities recognized for their excellence in teaching and research. Monash University is located in Melbourne, one of the most liveable cities in the world and a cultural and recreational hub. The School of Chemistry and the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences are highly regarded in their respective fields. The project will be based within the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville.
Application process:Interested candidates should send their CV, academic transcript, and a brief outline of research interests and motivation to Dr John Haynes (john.haynes@monash.edu) or Prof Louise Bennett (louise.bennett@monash.edu). Applicants must possess Australian citizenship or Australian permanent residency; an undergraduate (Honours) or Masters degree in Pharmacology, Physiology, Biochemistry or stem cell related sciences; some laboratory skills as well as good written and oral communication skills. Cell culture experience; an understanding of neurophysiology, pharmacology or biochemistry related to neuron function, and experience with any of in vitro imaging, PCR, immunocytochemistry or cell morphometry would be highly advantageous. Review of applications will begin immediately and short-listed candidates will be asked for more information and invited to interview.
Expression of interest are sought from outstanding candidates for PhD study in Chemistry.
PhD project – Lewis acid catalysis for organic transformations
A full-time funded scholarship is available for an experimental research project involving the development of various Lewis complexes based on aluminium for various organic reactions.
Recent literature has suggested that the field of Lewis acid catalysis is plagued with the presence and consequent activity of hidden Brønsted acids. We have shown that proper synthesis, identification and use of several aluminium-based complexes were crucial for their remarkable catalytic activity regarding a variety of Diels-Alder cycloadditions. We also realized that proper use of these catalytic systems can lead to unprecedented observations as we were able to polymerise cyclic dienophiles leading to the formation of functionalized polyolefins.
During this PhD project, you will prepare several complexes based on aluminium and will test their catalytic activity with respect to Diels-Alder cycloadditions, Michael additions, borylations etc. You will also try to synthesize, characterize and modify functionalized polyolefins based on cyclic dienophiles.
A strong background in synthetic Inorganic Chemistry is essential while an experience in organic chemistry is beneficial.
Applicants must show excellent communication and inter-personal skills, and the ability to conduct self-motivated research.
Faculty / Portfolio: School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
Location: Clayton campus, Monash University
Main Supervisor: Dr Drasko Vidovic
Remuneration: $26,682 p.a. full-time rate (pro-rata). Applications from exceptional candidates may be granted additional support for international tuition fees (tuition fees are not applicable to the following: Australian and New Zealand citizens and Permanent Residents).
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, over Skype if necessary. The interviews will be conducted in English.
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants will be considered provided that they fulfil the criteria for PhD admission at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Details of the relevant requirements are available at
http://www.monash.edu/graduateresearch/future-students/eligibility2/eligibility/
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
EOIs shall comprise:
A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works
A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation (including transcripts)
Contact details of two academic referees and/or reference letters
Evidence of English-language proficiency (international applicants only) such as TOEFL or IETLS.
How to Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
Please visit the following site: http://www.monash.edu/science/schools/chemistry/postgraduate/express-interest
Successful EOI applications will be provided with an Invitation to Apply letter for the Monash Centrally allocated scholarships rounds.
Enquiries:
Enquiries about this particular project should be directed to Dr Drasko Vidovic: drasko.vidovic@monash.edu
Closing Date:
Applications will be accepted until the project has been filled by a suitable candidate.
PhD project – Catalytic deuteration of lipids/fats
A full-time funded scholarship is available for an experimental research project involving the development of ruthenium-based complexes as catalyst for site-selective deuteration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).
Recent literature has suggested that site-selectively deuterated PUFAs are able to prevent various neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, atherosclerosis, etc. We have managed to identify a Ru-based complex as an efficient catalyst for site-selective deuteration of several PUFAs. This complex, however, could not deuterated the simplest PUFA i.e. linoleic acid.
During this PhD project, you will work on heterogenization of the known complexes as it would dramatically improve PUFA separation and clean-up. You will also try to synthesize a bis-metallic complex that could be used for deuteration of linoleic acid.
A strong background in synthetic Inorganic Chemistry (i.e. Organometallics) is essential.
Applicants must show excellent communication and inter-personal skills, and the ability to conduct self-motivated research.
Faculty / Portfolio: School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
Location: Clayton campus, Monash University
Main Supervisor: Dr Drasko Vidovic
Remuneration: $26,682 p.a. full-time rate (pro-rata). Applications from exceptional candidates may be granted additional support for international tuition fees (tuition fees are not applicable to the following: Australian and New Zealand citizens and Permanent Residents).
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, over Skype if necessary. The interviews will be conducted in English.
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants will be considered provided that they fulfil the criteria for PhD admission at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Details of the relevant requirements are available at
http://www.monash.edu/graduateresearch/future-students/eligibility2/eligibility/
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
EOIs shall comprise:
A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works
A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation (including transcripts)
Contact details of two academic referees and/or reference letters
Evidence of English-language proficiency (international applicants only) such as TOEFL or IETLS.
How to Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
Please visit the following site: http://www.monash.edu/science/schools/chemistry/postgraduate/express-interest
Successful EOI applications will be provided with an Invitation to Apply letter for the Monash Centrally allocated scholarships rounds.
Enquiries:
Enquiries about this particular project should be directed to Dr Drasko Vidovic: drasko.vidovic@monash.edu
Closing Date:
Applications will be accepted until the project has been filled by a suitable candidate.
Pathways of anoxic metabolism in permeable sediments
PhD Position
A PhD position is available to work with A/Prof Perran Cook, Dr. Chris Greening (Monash University) and Dr. Damien Callahan (Deakin University). We are looking to recruit motivated, talented students with an interest in biogeochemistry and microbial ecology. This project is part of a larger well-resourced project on metabolism in permeable sediments with a strong interdisciplinary and publication focus.
Project details: Coastal sediments act as a critical site for the mineralisation of organic matter and recycling of nutrients. The ‘redox cascade’ provides a classical framework though which biogeochemists view the oxidation of organic matter. Electron acceptors are used sequentially from highest energy yield (oxygen) to lowest (sulphate reduction or methanogenesis). This framework works well in mud sediments where the redox regime remains relatively stable over timescales of weeks to months. In highly dynamic environments such as sand sediments, where redox regimes change on timescales of minutes to hours, we have recently found the redox cascade does not describe metabolic pathways well (Bourke et al 2017, Nat Geosci, 10, 30-35). This PhD project will explore the metabolic pathways involved in the anoxic degradation of carbon (fermentation) in permeable sediments including the organisms responsible (photoautotrophs vs heterotrophs).
Scholarship details: The scholarship is available for domestic and international students interested in doing a PhD. The 3.5 year award includes all course fees and a $27 353 AUD + 5000 AUD (top up) per year tax-free stipend. Additional expenses for relocation, coursework, and conference attendance will also be covered.
Monash and the Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences:
Monash is a member of the Group of Eight, a coalition of top Australian universities recognized for their excellence in teaching and research. The project will be based within the Water Studies Centre located The School of Chemistry which is one of the top ranked chemistry schools in Australia. In addition, the student will have access to The School of Biological Sciences is a dynamic unit with strengths in ecology, genetics, and physiology and the nexus between these disciplines. Additional expertise in Lipidomics will be provided by through access to Deakin University, School of Life Sciences. The Universities are located in Melbourne, one of the most liveable cities in the world and a cultural and recreational hub.
Application process: Interested candidates should send their CV, academic transcript, and a brief outline of research interests and motivation to perran.cook@monash.edu Applicants must possess a Bachelor's or equivalent degree with first-class Honours, MSc or MPhil degree in a relevant subject (e.g., microbiology, chemistry). Review of applications will begin immediately and short-listed candidates will be asked for more information and invited to interview.
Expanding the Organometallic Toolbox and Constructing Novel Heterocycles
PhD Project
This PhD research project will establish the synthetic and structural chemistry of unique and unusual families of main group organometallic complexes and explore their application in a series of unprecedented cyclisation reactions, generating new families of N-heterocyclic compounds. This will open new pastures in the synthetic and structural organometallic chemistry, establishing new roles for the complexes in directed synthesis. A key feature of this research and of the study of organometallic chemistry in general, is that the structure, reactivity and behaviour of highly reactive metal-based compounds are all intrinsically linked to the nature of the metals themselves. Thus, size, charge and oxidation state help define Lewis acidity, basicity, solubility, aggregation state and redox behaviour.
Applicants must have completed, or are soon to complete, a relevant chemistry degree (e.g. Honours/Master degree) at a high level (HD1 or 2.1 minimum or equivalent). Good communication skills, the ability to work safely, independently and in a team environment, as well as a strong interest in synthetic molecular inorganic/organometallic chemistry are essential. Previous experience in the handling and characterisation of air and moisture sensitive compounds is desirable but not essential.
Faculty / Portfolio: School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
Location: Clayton campus, Monash University
Main Supervisor: Dr Victoria Blair and Professor Phil Andrews
Remuneration: $26,682 p.a. full-time rate (pro-rata). Applications from exceptional candidates may be granted additional support for international tuition fees (tuition fees are not applicable to the following: Australian and New Zealand citizens and Permanent Residents).
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, over Skype if necessary. The interviews will be conducted in English.
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants will be considered provided that they fulfil the criteria for PhD admission at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Details of the relevant requirements are available at
http://www.monash.edu/graduateresearch/future-students/eligibility2/eligibility/
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
EOIs shall comprise:
A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works
A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation (including transcripts)
Contact details of two academic referees and/or reference letters
Evidence of English-language proficiency (international applicants only) such as TOEFL or IETLS.
How to Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
Please visit the following site: http://www.monash.edu/science/schools/chemistry/postgraduate/express-interest
Successful EOI applications will be provided with an Invitation to Apply letter for the Monash Centrally allocated scholarships rounds.
Enquiries:
Enquiries about this particular project should be directed to Dr Victoria Blair: Victoria.blair@monash.edu.au and/or Prof. Phil Andrews: phil.andrews@monash.edu.au
Closing Date:
Applications will be accepted until the project has been filled by a suitable candidate.
Expression of interest are sought from outstanding candidates for PhD study in Chemistry.
PhD project 1
The opportunity
Expression of interest are sought from outstanding candidates for PhD study in Chemistry.
PhD Project – Smart bubbles for theranostics
A full-time funded scholarship is available for an experimental research project involving the fabrication of novel ultrasound contrast agents.
Colloidal bubbles have attracted significant attention in the ultrasound community as cavitation nuclei and/or drug carriers to enhance therapeutic effects. The successful utilisation of these bubbles as drug delivery vehicles is their responses when exposed to ultrasonic waves. We have found that they can be used to delivery drugs to cancer cells while at the same time image them.
During this PhD project, you will fabricate acoustically responsive smart bubbles and investigate their nanomechanical and acoustic properties. You will also try to encapsulate therapeutic molecules and investigate the delivery of these therapeutic molecules under ultrasound triggered systems.
A strong background in Physical Chemistry and Materials Chemistry is essential.
Applicants must show excellent communication and inter-personal skills, and the ability to conduct self-motivated research.
Faculty / Portfolio: School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
Location: Clayton campus, Monash University
Main Supervisor: Dr Boon Teo
Remuneration: $26,682 p.a. full-time rate (pro-rata). Applications from exceptional candidates may be granted additional support for international tuition fees (tuition fees are not applicable to the following: Australian and New Zealand citizens and Permanent Residents).
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, over Skype if necessary. The interviews will be conducted in English.
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants will be considered provided that they fulfil the criteria for PhD admission at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Details of the relevant requirements are available at
http://www.monash.edu/graduateresearch/future-students/eligibility2/eligibility/
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
EOIs shall comprise:
A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works
A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation (including transcripts)
Contact details of two academic referees and/or reference letters
Evidence of English-language proficiency (international applicants only) such as TOEFL or IETLS.
How to Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
Please visit the following site: http://www.monash.edu/science/schools/chemistry/postgraduate/express-interest
Successful EOI applications will be provided with an Invitation to Apply letter for the Monash Centrally allocated scholarships rounds.
Enquiries:
Enquiries about this particular project should be directed to to Dr Boon Teo: boonmian.teo@monash.edu
Closing Date: TBA
Applications will be accepted until the project has been filled by a suitable candidate.
PhD project 2
The opportunity
Expression of interest are sought from outstanding candidates for PhD study in Chemistry.
PhD Project – Janus nanoparticles for remotely actuated applications
A full-time funded scholarship is available for an experimental research project involving the fabrication of anisotropic nanoparticles.
“Till we have faces: a myth retold” was C.S. Lewis's arguably finest novel and retells the ancient Greek story of beautiful, human Psyche and divine Cupid. The title comes from a line in the book in which Psyche's older sister says “How can they (the gods) meet us until we have faces” or, to paraphrase, “how can the gods communicate with us until we show them our true self”. Communication in both the divine and physical worlds needs a face.
The aim of this PhD project is to fabricate a range of Janus nanoparticles for a range of applications. The dissimilar faces of Janus particles are made from materials with dissimilar characteristics. They take their name from another ancient divine – the two-faced Roman god Janus who can simultaneously look to the future and the past. As such, due to the anisotropic nature of such particles, they have a wide range of applications, ranging from catalysis, to electronic displays and environmental sustainability and drug delivery. Particularly interesting is their autonomous motion in the right choice of fuel and can therefore be utilized as artificial micro/nano motors.
You will chemically synthesize a range of Janus particles with interesting physical properties and apply them to a variety of applications, specifically in the biomedical fields, in biosensing and drug delivery.
A strong background in Physical Chemistry and Materials Chemistry is essential.
Applicants must show excellent communication and inter-personal skills, and the ability to conduct self-motivated research.
Faculty / Portfolio: School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
Location: Clayton campus, Monash University
Main Supervisor: Dr Boon Teo
Remuneration: $26,682 p.a. full-time rate (pro-rata). Applications from exceptional candidates may be granted additional support for international tuition fees (tuition fees are not applicable to the following: Australian and New Zealand citizens and Permanent Residents).
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, over Skype if necessary. The interviews will be conducted in English.
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants will be considered provided that they fulfil the criteria for PhD admission at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Details of the relevant requirements are available at
http://www.monash.edu/graduateresearch/future-students/eligibility2/eligibility/
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
EOIs shall comprise:
A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works
A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation (including transcripts)
Contact details of two academic referees and/or reference letters
Evidence of English-language proficiency (international applicants only) such as TOEFL or IETLS.
How to Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
Please visit the following site: http://www.monash.edu/science/schools/chemistry/postgraduate/express-interest
Successful EOI applications will be provided with an Invitation to Apply letter for the Monash Centrally allocated scholarships rounds.
Enquiries:
Enquiries about this particular project should be directed to to Dr Boon Teo: boonmian.teo@monash.edu
Closing Date:
Applications will be accepted until the project has been filled by a suitable candidate.
PhD Scholarship in Chemical Engineering
Scholarship
The Opportunity
Expressions of interest are sought from outstanding candidates for PhD study in Chemical Engineering.
PhD Project – Understanding Reaction Mechanism of Liquid Phase Catalytic Hydrogenation of Carbon Oxides
A full-time funded scholarship is available for a fundamental research project on experimental and theoretical research based on physical organic chemistry.
The project will focus on the understanding of reaction mechanisms involved in the catalytic hydrogenation of CO and CO2 into formaldehyde in liquid media using spectroscopic methods at infrared and x-ray wavelengths. A strong background in Physical Chemistry or Chemical Physics is essential. Additional skills and interest in molecular dynamics simulation is desirable.
Applicants must show excellent communication and inter-personal skills, a willingness to travel (including project related travel to Singapore and US for several weeks during the candidature), and the ability to conduct self-motivated research.
Note: applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.
Faculty / Portfolio: Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, in collaboration with the School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
Location: Clayton campus, Monash University
Main Supervisor: Dr Akshat Tanksale
Remuneration: $26,682 p.a. full-time rate (pro-rata). Applications from exceptional candidates may be granted additional support for international tuition fees.
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, over Skype if necessary. The interviews will be conducted in English.
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants will be considered provided that they fulfil the criteria for PhD admission at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Details of the relevant requirements are available at http://www.monash.edu/graduateresearch/future-students/eligibility2/eligibility/
The successful applicant will be expected to enrol on 1st August 2017. There may besome flexibility as to the date of commencement.
Submit an Expression of Interest
EOIs shall comprise:
A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
- A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works
- A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant
certified documentation - Contact details of two academic referees
- Evidence of English-language proficiency (international applicants only)
EOIs shall be sent, preferably in the form of a single PDF attachment to an e-mail, to:
Ms Lilyanne Price
Academic Programs Manager [HDR]
Department of Chemical Engineering
Engineering
Monash University
Level 2, Building 35, Room 226D, Clayton Campus
Wellington Road
Clayton Vic 3800
Australia
Enquiries:
Enquiries about the Scholarship should be directed to Ms Lilyanne Price
Closing date:
Friday 28 April 2017, 11:55 p.m. Australian Eastern Daylight Time.
Successful EOI applications will be provided with an Invited to Apply letter for the Monash Centrally allocated scholarships (e.g. APA, MGS, IPRS, MIPRS), which closes on 31 May 2017. Candidates who are successful in securing centrally funded scholarships may be provided a top-up stipend of $6000 p.a.
PhD Scholarship Opportunity in Artificial Photosynthesis
PhD project
A unique, exciting opportunity exists for gifted candidates interested in undertaking their PhD in the field of materialschemistry at Monash University.
PhD project:
On a globalscale, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has risen by about25% since the industrial revolution. The greenhouse effect of CO2has been identified as a critical environmental problem. On the other hand,carbon dioxide is a potential source of single carbon fragments for futurefuels and chemicals. Therefore, converting CO2 to fuels and valuablechemicals is one of the best solutions to both the greenhouse effect and theenergy shortage problem.
We are developing advanced catalysts based onnanomaterials for conversion of CO2 to fuels and chemicals. We invited applications forenthusiastic PhD candidates to investigate the amazing properties of novelfunctional materials and their applications in CO2 conversion. The PhD projects focus onthe development of advanced catalysts and membranes based on mesoporous nanomaterialsfor solar-driven conversion of CO2 to liquid fuels under ambientconditions.
The project academic supervisors are Dr Xinyi Zhang andProf. Douglas Macfarlane.
The research team is looking for a highly qualified (H1 Honoursor Masters degree or equivalent) in Chemistry or a related subject.
Location: Clayton campus, Monash University
Remuneration: $25,849.00 per annum full-time rate(tax-free stipend for 3 years)
Candidate requirements
Successful applicants will have an excellent academictrack record in chemistry or materials science. An Honours or Masters degreewith H1 or equivalent is essential.
A strong interest in materials chemistry at universitylevel is essential as is a passion to work to improve outcomes forundergraduate students.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently as well as in a team
Ability to plan, organise, manage multiple tasks and meetdeadlines
Evidence of data analysis and interpretation skills and experiencewith statistical analysis is desirable.
Some experience or understanding of qualitative researchwould be an advantage but not essential.
Candidates will be required to meet Monash entryrequirements which include English-language skills.
Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time andon-campus.
Applications and further information
To submit an expression of interest application, pleaseemail the following documents to xinyi.zhang@monash.edu as PDF attachments:
- Cover letter (1 x A4 page maximum)
- CV
- Copy of academic transcripts (university level qualifications)
- IELTS/TOEFL English test results (if applicable or available)
Closing date
Applications will be accepted until the project has beenfilled by a suitable candidate up.
PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Enhancing Chemistry Education at Monash
PhD project
A unique, exciting opportunity exists for an enthusiasticand talented candidate interested in undertaking a PhD in the field ofchemistry education at Monash University.
PhD project:
The Chemistry Education Research Group is a vibrant andgrowing group situated within the School of Chemistry. The area of research isflexible and the project can be designed to suit the interests of thesuccessful candidate. Current and recent research in the group covers areassuch as problem solving, developing conceptual understanding, inquiry-basedlearning, industry-based learning, graduate employability, developing higherorder cognitive skills, work integrated learning and visualization andrepresentation in chemistry. It is anticipated that the project will complementone of these areas.
The project academic supervisors are Professor TinaOverton and Dr Christopher Thompson.
The research team is looking for a highly qualified (H1Honours or Masters degree or equivalent) in Chemistry or a related subject.
Location: Clayton campus, Monash University
Remuneration: $25,849.00 per annumfull-time rate (tax-free stipend for 3 years)
Candidate requirements
Successful applicants will have an excellent academictrack record in theoretical and practical chemistry. An Honours or Mastersdegree with H1 or equivalent is essential.
A strong interest in chemistry education at universitylevel is essential as is a passion to work to improve outcomes forundergraduate students.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently as well as in a team
Ability to plan, organise, manage multiple tasks and meetdeadlines
Evidence of data analysis and interpretation skills andexperience with statistical analysis is desirable.
Some experience or understanding of qualitative researchwould be an advantage but not essential.
Candidates will be required to meet Monash entryrequirements which include English-language skills.
Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time andon-campus.
Applications and further information
To submit an expression of interest application, pleaseemail the following documents to tina.overton@monash.edu as PDF attachments:
- Cover letter (1 x A4 page maximum)
- CV
- Copy of academic transcripts (university level qualifications)
- IELTS/TOEFL English test results (if applicable or available)
Closing date
Applications will be accepted until the project has beenfilled by a suitable candidate up.