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Advanced materials for a sustainable future

Project summary

Program
PhD
Location
St Lucia
Research area
Chemical sciences, Engineering, Environmental sciences

Project description

Our research group is dedicated to addressing critical energy and environmental challenges by pioneering the rational design of advanced metallic materials

We focus on the precise engineering of mesoporous metals, high-entropy alloys, and complex hybrid architectures, with a primary emphasis on high-efficiency electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution and the innovative upcycling of waste plastics. By integrating sophisticated synthesis strategies with cutting-edge operando characterisation, such as SEM, TEM, and XPS, we strive to unravel the fundamental charge-transfer mechanisms at catalytic interfaces.

Our mission is to bridge the gap between material design and real-world impact, providing our students with a rigorous, state-of-the-art training environment that spans the entire lifecycle of scientific inquiry.

We are actively seeking motivated students with backgrounds in chemistry, materials science, or physics who are driven by curiosity and a passion for creative problem-solving.

As a member of our team, you will not simply be a research assistant; you will be an integral collaborator empowered with the autonomy to explore your scientific interests.

We are committed to fostering your professional development through tailored mentorship, ensuring you gain the technical expertise and interdisciplinary perspective necessary to thrive as an independent researcher

If you are ready to engage in impactful, high-level science and contribute to the next generation of catalytic technology, we warmly welcome you to join our team and contribute your unique talents to our shared goals.

Research environment

Joining this research project offers the opportunity to become part of a highly international and interdisciplinary research environment at the forefront of materials science and electrocatalysis.

You will gain hands-on experience in advanced material synthesis, structural characterisation, and electrochemical analysis, supported by world-class research facilities and collaborative networks in AIBN and UQ.

Our team actively promotes international collaboration and research mobility, providing opportunities to engage with leading institutions across Asia, Europe, and beyond.

Through these collaborations, you will develop expertise in cutting-edge experimental and computational approaches while building a strong global research network.

Beyond scientific training, we are committed to supporting your growth as an independent researcher. With personalised mentorship, a collaborative culture, and opportunities for international exchange, you will be well positioned to pursue a successful career in academia or industry and contribute to next-generation energy and environmental technologies.

Scholarship

This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

  • living stipend of $39,220 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
  • your tuition fees covered.

Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.

Supervisor

Preferred educational background

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

  • previous academic record
  • publication record
  • honours and awards
  • employment history.

A working knowledge of inorganic synthesis, advanced characterisation techniques, or theoretical calculation methods would be of benefit to someone working on this project. Whether your background is primarily experimental or computational, we value a strong curiosity and a drive to explore the intersection of material design and sustainable energy applications.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of materials science, catalysis, or synthetic chemistry is highly desirable.

How to apply

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 3, 2027. You can start in an earlier research quarter.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by the closing date for the research quarter (RQ) you want to start in:

  • RQ 1 (January): 30 September
  • RQ 2 (April): 31 December
  • RQ 3 (July): 31 March
  • RQ 4 (October): 30 June.
  • RQ 1 (January): 30 June
  • RQ 2 (April): 30 September
  • RQ 3 (July): 31 December
  • RQ 4 (October): 31 March.

Before you apply

  1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
  2. Prepare your documentation.
  3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Dr Yunqing Kang (yunqing.kang@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the 'Scholarship/Sponsorship' section with the following details:

  1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
  2. Project: 'Fellowship project scholarship'
  3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: SUSTAINABLE-KANG
  4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/advanced-materials-sustainable-future

Submit an EOI

This project is not available to international students