Yi-Chin Toh

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This PhD scholarship at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) offers an exciting opportunity to investigate how fluid behaviour can be programmed through the structural design of porous materials. The project is positioned at the intersection of capillarity, porous media, microfluidics, and advanced manufacturing, with a focus on engineering 3D-printed architectures and surface properties to control the transport and separation of immiscible fluids. Inspired by advances in structural capillarity and open fluidic systems, the research aims to harness geometry, wettability, and fluid properties for passive and energy-efficient liquid manipulation. The successful candidate will combine experiments and theoretical analysis to uncover the governing physical mechanisms and establish design principles for next-generation porous materials. A key application focus is spontaneous fluid separation, particularly for mixtures such as oil and water. Efficient fluid separation is crucial for wastewater treatment, food and pharmaceutical processing, and petrochemical systems, where current technologies are often energy-intensive and chemically demanding. By developing porous structures that enable fluids to separate naturally through capillary and interfacial effects, this project aims to advance sustainable and scalable alternatives. The PhD candidate will join a team of leading researchers and be supervised by Professor Emilie Sauret, Professor Yi-Chin Toh, and Dr Zhongzheng Wang. The scholarship provides a stipend of $37,010 per annum (tax-exempt, indexed annually) for up to 3.5 years, with the possibility of a six-month extension. Tuition fees are fully offset for up to four years of doctoral study. As a scholarship recipient, you will have the opportunity to work independently and collaboratively, develop advanced skills in microfluidic fabrication, 3D printing, surface chemistry, and computational modelling, and contribute to high-impact research publications. Eligibility requirements include meeting QUT's Doctor of Philosophy entry standards, including English language proficiency, enrolling as a full-time internal student (unless approval for part-time/external study is obtained), and holding a bachelor degree (honours) or master degree by research in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, applied mathematics, applied physics, or related disciplines. Desirable skills include experience in multiphase flow, porous media flow, microfluidic fabrication and experiments, 3D printing, surface chemistry, programming (Matlab, C++, Python), CAD modelling, CFD, and demonstrated research experience through publications. Applications close 31 July 2026. To apply, email Professor Emilie Sauret with your academic and research background, motivation, and CV. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a discussion/interview, and successful nominees will submit an expression of interest (EOI) following QUT's research degree application process. For more information and to access the application link, visit the QUT scholarship page.