PhD Positions in Earth Sciences, Geochemistry, and Nanotechnology at Monash University Monash University in Australia

Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, is offering three fully funded PhD positions in cross-disciplinary Earth Sciences. These projects are at the interface of Earth Sciences, Computational Geochemistry, Nanotechnology, Applied Geology, and involve collaboration with the Australian Synchrotron Geoscience (ANSTO). The research areas include colloid sciences, surface sciences, geosciences, critical minerals, and rare earth elements (REE) mobility in natural and engineered hydrothermal systems.

Project 1 focuses on cross-disciplinary research at the interface between colloid sciences, surface sciences, and geosciences, specifically the colloid connection in the formation of world-class gold deposits. This project is co-supervised by Prof. Joël Brugger and Dr. Christopher Voisey.

Project 2 investigates critical metals in mineral-water systems, aiming to support Australia's future as a sustainable provider of critical minerals for a carbon-neutral economy. The project is a collaboration between Monash University (Prof. Joël Brugger), Melbourne University (Prof. Eleanor Green), and the University of Michigan (Prof. Udo Becker).

Project 3 explores the mechanisms controlling the mobility of Rare Earth Elements in hydrothermal systems. Led by Dr. Yanlu Xing, this project is a collaboration between Monash University and CSIRO (Dr. Yanlu Xing, Dr. Yuan Mei, Dr. Weihua Liu).

Successful candidates will receive a stipend of approximately $37,145 AUD per year and a 100% tuition fee waiver for up to 3.5 years. The positions are open to both Australian and international students. Applicants should have a strong background in Earth Sciences, Geochemistry, Nanotechnology, or related fields. To apply, candidates must send a cover letter outlining their research interests and motivation, a CV, and an academic transcript to Dr. Barbara Etschmann ([email protected]). International students must formally apply online by March 31, and Australian students by May 31. The expected start date is between July and October 2026.

For more information, visit the Monash PhD program page and the application tutorial linked in the post.