The University of Sydney's School of Chemistry is offering two fully funded PhD positions in the innovative field of catalytic air-gap electrochemistry, a new approach to sustainable nitrogen fixation. This research aims to address the environmental impact of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer production, which currently relies on the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process responsible for significant global CO₂ emissions and energy consumption. Inspired by natural lightning strikes, the project explores the use of high-energy electrons in non-thermal plasma to activate inert nitrogen (N₂) from air and drive radical reactions at the air–water–catalyst interface. Successful candidates will join a collaborative effort between the MMY group (catalysis) and the Jiang group (plasma chemistry), working closely with the Laboratory of Advanced Catalysis for Sustainability. The research will involve designing green reaction pathways, developing new materials and bench-top reactors, and investigating how catalyst structure influences performance in electrochemical and radical-driven processes. Students will gain hands-on experience with a range of advanced characterization techniques, including chromatography, microscopy, and spectroscopy. Applicants should have a strong background in Chemistry, ideally with knowledge in materials science, and must hold a 4-year undergraduate degree with First Class Honours or a research thesis, or a Master's Degree (by research) by early 2026. Prior research experience, preferably with a publication, is required. Candidates must demonstrate excellent English communication skills and have an overall GPA above 3.5/4.0 (or >85/100 or top 10% in class). Only graduates from the top 100 universities worldwide (preferably top 50) will be considered. The positions are fully funded through the ARC Discovery Project (2026-2029), covering tuition and stipend. International candidates should apply 3-6 months in advance, while Australian candidates are encouraged to apply at least 2 months before their intended start date. Applications are accepted year-round, but only those meeting all requirements should apply. The initial application involves submitting a CV via the provided Google form; shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email within 2–3 weeks. For more information, visit the group websites: HJ Jiang group and MMY group . This opportunity is ideal for curious, energetic, and self-motivated individuals passionate about interdisciplinary research in catalysis, plasma chemistry, and sustainable chemical engineering. Join us in developing next-generation solutions for global food security and environmental sustainability.

This PhD opportunity at the University of Sydney focuses on developing innovative catalytic air-gap electrochemistry methods for sustainable nitrogen fixation, inspired by natural lightning processes. The project aims to address the environmental impact of the Haber-Bosch process, which is responsible for a significant portion of global CO₂ emissions and energy consumption. By leveraging high-energy electrons in non-thermal plasma, the research seeks to activate inert nitrogen from air and drive radical reactions at air–water–catalyst interfaces, offering a greener alternative for fertilizer production. The successful candidates will join a collaborative effort between the MMY group (catalysis) and the Jiang group (plasma chemistry), working within the Laboratory of Advanced Catalysis for Sustainability. The research involves both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, materials and reactor design, and the study of how catalyst structure influences performance in electrochemical and radical-driven pathways. Students will gain hands-on experience with advanced characterization techniques such as chromatography, microscopy, and spectroscopy. Two fully funded PhD positions are available as part of an ARC Discovery Project (2026-2029), covering tuition and stipend. Applicants should have a strong background in Chemistry and materials science, a 4-year undergraduate degree with First Class Honours or a research thesis, or a Master’s Degree by late 2025/early 2026. Prior research experience, preferably with a publication, is required, along with excellent English communication skills and a GPA above 3.4/4.0 (or >85/100 or top 10% in class). Only candidates graduating from a top 100 university worldwide (preferably top 50) will be considered. Applications are accepted year-round, but international candidates should apply 3-6 months in advance and Australian candidates at least 2 months in advance. To apply, submit your CV via the provided Google form. Please ensure you meet all requirements before applying, and do not send email or platform enquiries. For more information about the research groups, visit HJ Jiang group and MMY group .

This PhD position at the University of Sydney's School of Chemistry focuses on the development of advanced analysis methods for biocrude produced via hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of waste cellulosic biomass. The project aims to deepen our understanding of biocrude's chemical composition and to investigate how HTL process parameters affect the resulting product. Working closely with an industry partner, Licella, and in collaboration with a parallel PhD project on catalysis, the successful candidate will develop and refine analytical protocols to characterize key properties of biocrude, including flow characteristics, viscosity, oxygen content, and the identification of target molecular classes. The research will involve access to a variety of real biocrude samples, processed under relevant industrial conditions, and will explore how HTL can be tailored to promote or suppress specific chemical species. The project is highly interdisciplinary, integrating analytical chemistry, applied chemistry, environmental chemistry, and industrial chemistry, with a strong emphasis on practical outcomes for industry. The feedback loop between the analytical and catalytic PhD projects will ensure that protocols developed are robust and directly inform process optimization and benchmarking. Applicants should have a background in chemistry, chemical engineering, or environmental science, with experience or interest in analytical techniques and biomass conversion. The position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic research environment, engage with industry, and contribute to sustainable energy solutions. Applications are accepted year-round, and interested candidates should apply via the provided Google Forms link. For more information, prospective students can consult the MMY Group's project and publication pages.