PhD Scholarship
1 day 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
5 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
2 weeks ago
Clayton South, Victoria, Australia Monash University Full time $60,000 - $70,000 per yearThe OpportunityThis PhD scholarship is funded as a significant part of an ARC funded project, "Asterix and the Making of Modern France: The Creation of a National Myth", conducted by Professor Julie Kalman. This project will undertake a comparative study of the extraordinary popularity of the Asterix comic book series across at least two of the following...
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Clayton South, Victoria, Australia Monash University Full time $60,000 - $80,000 per yearThe OpportunityMonash 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 economyJoin our thriving Geography community in Australia's largest School of Social Sciences for a PhD project...
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Clayton South, Victoria, Australia Monash University Full time $60,000 - $90,000 per yearThe OpportunityGenerative artificial intelligence is a significant and highly visible use of machine learning which has become commonplace in a matter of a few short years. Without common guardrails or clear precedent, humanity now contends with a technology that has potential to reshape valued parts of our social life, individually and collectively. In...
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Master of Arts Scholarship in Philosophy
5 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 History
1 week ago
Clayton, Australia Monash University Full time**The Opportunity** This PhD scholarship is funded as a significant part of an ARC funded project, “Asterix and the Making of Modern France: The Creation of a National Myth”, conducted by Professor Julie Kalman. This project will undertake a comparative study of the extraordinary popularity of the Asterix comic book series across at least two of the...
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2025 Monash Education Phd Scholarship
2 weeks ago
Clayton, Australia Monash University Full time**The Opportunity** Do you have a passion for promoting a healthy, safe and sustainable teaching workforce that reflects the diversity of the Australian population? Do you want to make a contribution to knowledge through research? Monash Education is offering two PhDs projects as part of the Education Workforce for the Future Laboratory on the related...
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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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Clayton, Australia Monash University Full time**The Opportunity** As a result of the generosity and vision of the late Francine V McNiff, the Social and Political Sciences Graduate Research Program in the Faculty of Arts will annually offer the Francine V McNiff PhD Scholarship in Criminology at Monash University. The late Francine V McNiff, was a Monash alumna (LLB 1976), former staff member,...
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Clayton, Australia Monash University Full time**The Opportunity** Generative artificial intelligence is a significant and highly visible use of machine learning which has become commonplace in a matter of a few short years. Without common guardrails or clear precedent, humanity now contends with a technology that has potential to reshape valued parts of our social life, individually and collectively....
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Phd Opportunity
2 weeks ago
Clayton, Australia Monash University Full time**The Opportunity** **The Faculty of Information Technology and Monash Energy Institute** Information technology research at Monash is multidisciplinary, spans multiple campuses globally and involves partnerships with industry and institutions worldwide. The Faculty is organised into three departments - Data Science & Artificial Intelligence; Software...
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Clayton, Australia Monash University Full time**The Opportunity** Monash University seeks applicants for this opportunity who are able to demonstrate and present valid and current Australian work rights. Almost half of Australians will experience mental ill health. But nearly 70% of those with a known mental health condition don’t seek professional help due to stigma, high costs, limited access,...
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Lecturer, Psychology
2 weeks ago
South West Coast VIC, Australia Deakin University Full time $80,000 - $120,000 per yearFlexible location + hybrid work arrangementsFull-time and fixed term until June 2026Who are we?Deakin is a cutting-edge public university headquartered in Victoria, revolutionising education with 61,000 students across our campuses: Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waurn Ponds, Geelong Waterfront, Warrnambool, Deakin University Lancaster University Indonesia...
