Ean Hin Ooi

Monash University Malaysia is offering three fully funded PhD positions under the Thematic Cluster: Integrated Strategies in Microplastics Research, as part of the Global Excellence & Mobility Scholarship (GEMS). The projects focus on cutting-edge research in microplastics, including nano-enabled detection and risk communication in ASEAN food chains, tumour-microplastic interaction and their role in tumour growth kinetics, and synergistic acoustic-electrostatic-inertial separation of microplastics from blood. These projects are collaborative efforts with Monash University Indonesia and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, providing a unique international research experience. The scholarship offers comprehensive financial support, including a full tuition fee waiver (MYR 48,480 or MYR 54,720), a monthly stipend of MYR 2,950 for 42 months, and a grant of MYR 9,000 to cover visa, insurance, and travel costs. Up to 9 months of research can be conducted in Indonesia or India, enhancing global exposure and collaboration. The opportunity is open to both Malaysian and international students with strong academic backgrounds in environmental science, biomedical engineering, or related fields. Supervisors for these projects include Dr Athirah Bakhtiar (Monash University Indonesia), Dr Ean Hin Ooi (Monash University Malaysia), and Dr Ajay Achath Mohanan (Indian Institute of Technology Bombay). Interested candidates should prepare their CV and supporting documents and contact the relevant supervisor via the provided email addresses. For more information, candidates can visit the project and scholarship links included in the announcement. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring researchers interested in microplastics, environmental science, biomedical engineering, and interdisciplinary approaches to global challenges. The projects promise advanced training, international collaboration, and impactful research outcomes.

This PhD opportunity at Monash University Malaysia is offered under the prestigious Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS) 2026. The research project focuses on the interaction between microplastics and the tumour microenvironment (TME), specifically investigating how microplastics accumulate in non-proliferating tumour regions and their potential impact on tumour growth kinetics. Recent discoveries have highlighted the presence of microplastics within the TME, raising important questions about their influence on tumour mechanics, growth rates, and cancer progression. The project employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining in vitro and in silico studies to explore the redistribution of microparticles during cell division and their effects on the mechanical properties of the TME. The outcomes aim to provide critical insights into how microplastics may affect cancer initiation and progression, ultimately contributing to the development of more effective cancer therapies. This research is part of Monash University Malaysia’s Graduate Research Thematic Cluster, Integrated Strategies in Microplastics Research. Candidates should have a background in mechanical engineering or a related discipline. Prior experience in microfluidics, 3D printing, or computational mechanics is highly valued. The ability to work collaboratively and communicate research findings to a multidisciplinary team is essential. Applicants must hold a First Class Honours (H1) degree or its equivalent, as recognised by Monash University Malaysia, and meet the English language requirements. The GEMS scholarship provides full funding, including an immersive year at Monash University Australia, Monash University Indonesia, or the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay for up to nine months. Scholars will benefit from Monash University’s global research network and infrastructure throughout their candidature. The application process involves contacting the main supervisor to discuss your fit for the project, submitting an Expression of Interest with a research proposal, and, if eligible, applying for PhD candidature and participating in a scholarship interview. The application deadline is April 30, 2026, with interviews expected in March 2026. For further details, visit the GEMS website or the FindAPhD project page .

PhD opportunity at Monash University Malaysia under the Global Excellence Mobility Scholarship (GEMS) scheme. The project is led by Associate Professor Ean Hin Ooi and is focused on microplastics and their role in the kinetics of cancer initiation and progression . The post is suitable for candidates with a background in mechanical engineering or a related discipline, and it is explicitly framed as a multidisciplinary research opportunity. A key feature of the scholarship is mobility: the successful applicant may spend up to six months at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) as part of the program. Eligibility highlights include a minimum academic qualification of First Class Honours (H1) or equivalent (H1E) recognised by Monash Malaysia. The post does not mention a deadline, stipend amount, or tuition coverage. Interested candidates should prepare their CV and supporting documents and email them directly to [email protected] . Additional information is available via the linked scholarship pages.