The University of Auckland’s Faculty of Engineering and Design is offering two fully funded PhD scholarships in Sustainable Energy Research, focusing on rechargeable battery technology to support global zero-carbon emission targets. These positions are part of the Sustainable Energy Research Group and are supervised by Dr. Shanghai Wei, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering. The research projects will apply advanced in-situ and ex-situ characterisation techniques and computational simulations to understand high-performance aqueous rechargeable batteries.

Scholarship 1 has an experimental focus, involving in-situ and ex-situ characterisation and investigation of solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation and evolution during charge/discharge cycles. Scholarship 2 is computational, focusing on simulations of reaction interfaces and exploring the impact of aqueous electrolyte components on battery performance.

Funding is provided by the Standard Marsden Fund and includes full tuition, a NZ$35,000 annual tax-free stipend, student services fees, and international health insurance. The total value is NZ$43,874 per year for three years. The program encourages international collaboration, with additional supervision from the UoA School of Chemical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, and University of Canterbury.

Applicants should have a strong background in electrochemistry, materials chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science and engineering. Experience with aqueous rechargeable batteries, in-situ characterisation (for Scholarship 1), and computational simulation (for Scholarship 2) is preferred. Strong data analysis and academic writing skills are required. The opportunity is open to domestic and international students, with encouragement for applicants from Māori or Pasifika communities.

To apply, send a CV and statement of interest to Dr. Shanghai Wei ([email protected]). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a formal PhD application. The deadline is 15 February 2026, but positions may fill earlier. For more details, review the University of Auckland entry requirements and visit the provided links.