PhD Scholarship
7 hours ago
The OpportunityExpressions of interest are sought from outstanding candidates for a PhD study in the Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering at Monash University. This project is jointly supported by industry and the Australian Government.Project SnapshotWe invite motivated and passionate candidates to join our innovative research project focused on the thermocatalytic conversion of biomass into high-value platform chemicals and bio-slurry fuels. The project builds on our patented and published bench-scale work, aiming to scale up the process to continuous operation using fluidized bed reactor. Alongside the production and separation of high-purity chemicals such as Levoglucosenone (LGO) and 5-Chloromethyl furfural (CMF), the project also explores the valorisation of biochar residues into bio-slurry fuels for stationary or industrial heating applications, thereby enabling full-spectrum utilisation of biomass andzero-waste process integration.Project SignificanceThe global market for platform chemicals and bio-based fuels is expanding rapidly, driven by the need to reduce fossil fuel dependency. This project directly contributes to this transition by:Scaling up a continuous process for chemical and fuel production from waste biomassProducing high-value chemicals like LGO and CMF (worth >$10,000/kg and $15,000/kg respectively)Developing biochar-to-bioslurry fuel applications, which can replace coal in low-to-medium temperature combustion or co-firing unitsSupporting circular economy and sustainable manufacturing aligned with Australia's national Recycling and Clean Energy priorityProject ScopeThe core scope involves the design, construction, and commissioning of a novel two-stage continuous fluidized bed reactor system capable of 5 kg/h feed capacity, a development that is already underway. The research will explore acid-catalysed pyrolysis pathways using both organic (e.g., acetic/citric acid) and inorganic (HCl) acids, with subsequent optimisation of reaction conditions to maximise product yield and selectivity. Advanced separation and analytical methods will be used to isolate and purify the chemical products, while the solid biochar by-product will be formulated into slurry fuels through rheological control. The project also encompasses fundamental kinetic modelling, mechanistic studies using in-situ spectroscopy, and preliminary techno-economic assessments for future scale-up to industrial capacities (up to 50 kg/h). Through collaboration with industry partner this research will contribute to a zero-waste, circular bioeconomy and demonstrate a scalable, sustainable alternative to fossil-derived chemical and energy sources.Expected OutcomesDemonstrated yields and separation of high-purity LGO and CMF under optimised conditionsA detailed kinetic model and mechanistic insights into acid-catalysed biomass pyrolysisDevelopment of bio-slurry fuels with measurable energy density, stability, and combustion characteristics suitable for industrial usersA comprehensive process and techno-economic model for commercial deployment with the industry partnerContributions to high-impact journals and potential IP commercialisation through Monash InnovationQualificationsA strong academic background in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or a related fieldExperience with experimental design, sound knowledge on laboratory experiments, reactor construction, and process optimizationFamiliarity with analytical techniques such as GC, GC-MS, HPLC, FT-IR, SEM, and TGAExcellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary teamStrong communication skills, both written and verbal, for documenting and presenting research findingsTo ApplyDomestic and international applicants with engineering or chemistry backgrounds can apply. Prior Q1 journal publications will be an advantage for obtaining scholarships. For initial details, if required, please contact Note: Applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.Candidate RequirementsApplicants 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 Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, over zoom if necessary.Enquiries: Chandan Kundu, Applications Close: Friday 31 October 2025, 11:55pm AEDTSupporting a diverse workforce
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PhD Scholarship in Philosophy
4 days ago
Clayton South, Victoria, Australia Monash University Full time $50,000 - $70,000 per yearThe OpportunityThis PhD scholarship is funded as an important part of an ARC funded projectThe Moral Significance of Being Human, conducted by Suzy Killmister.The project will explore three fundamental philosophical questions:In what sense (if at all) is being human morally significant?What explains that significance?What follows, socially and politically,...
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PhD Scholarship in History
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Master of Arts Scholarship in Philosophy
4 days ago
Clayton South, Victoria, Australia Monash University Full time $60,000 - $80,000 per yearThe OpportunityThis Master of Arts scholarship is funded as an important part of an ARC funded projectThe Moral Significance of Being Human, conducted by Suzy Killmister.The project will explore three fundamental philosophical questions:In what sense (if at all) is being human morally significant?What explains that significance?What follows, socially and...
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Phd Scholarship in Australian Archaeology
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Phd Scholarship in Public Policy
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Phd Scholarship
2 days ago
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Clayton, Australia Monash University Full time**The Opportunity** Monash University is offering a fully paid PhD scholarship - with funding for fieldwork and conference travel - for a passionate social scientist to explore how climate change adaptation is a part of Australia’s emerging climate economy! Join our thriving Geography community in Australia’s largest School of Social Sciences for a PhD...
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Clayton, Australia Monash University Full time**The Opportunity** This PhD scholarship is funded as an important part of an ARC funded project Hydrogen Hub Futures**, **conducted by Dr Kari Dahlgren, as part of her Discovery Early Career Researcher Award. This project will critically examine the emerging hydrogen industry in Australia and its impact on regional communities. It aims to contribute to...
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Phd Zema Scholarship
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Phd Zema Scholarship
2 days ago
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Clayton, Australia Monash University Full time**The Opportunity** The project aims to demonstrate energy-efficient generation of compressed hydrogen by water electrolysis in a high pressure electrolyser test-rig produced by Melbourne company Energys Australia P/L, using high-performance membrane-electrode assemblies. Innovative electrode architectures, membranes, and method for their high through-put...
