Publisher
source

The University of Queensland

Research project scholarship

PhD in Photothermal Catalysis for Solar Methanol Synthesis The University of Queensland in Australia

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Supported by a Research project scholarship including a living stipend of AUD 39,220 per annum tax free (2026 rate, indexed annually), tuition fees covered, and Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Deadline

Sep 3, 2027

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Country

Australia

University

The University of Queensland

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Keywords

Chemistry
Environmental Science
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Catalysis
Molecular Dynamics
Density Functional Theory
Computational Modelling
Physics

Suggested scholarships

About this position

PhD opportunity at The University of Queensland (St Lucia, Australia) in photothermal catalysis and solar methanol synthesis.

The project, titled “Unravelling the photothermal effect in solar methanol synthesis”, explores how light-driven and heat-driven effects work together to improve catalyst performance for converting small molecules such as CO2 or CO into fuels like methanol under mild, energy-efficient conditions.

You will work across chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, and computational modelling. The research combines experimental catalyst testing under different light and temperature conditions, spectroscopic observation of catalyst behavior, and computational studies using DFT and MD to understand catalyst structure and reaction pathways at the atomic level.

The project is based in the School of Chemical Engineering and offers access to well-equipped synthesis and characterisation laboratories, advanced X-ray facilities, synchrotron access through ANSTO, and high-performance computing resources at UQ, NCI, and Pawsey.

Funding is provided through a Research project scholarship with a tax-free living stipend of AUD 39,220 per annum (2026 rate, indexed annually), tuition fees covered, and Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Applicants are assessed competitively. Relevant academic achievement in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or materials science is expected, and experience or knowledge in materials science plus computational modelling is highly desirable.

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the PhD program by 2027-09-03. In the EOI, indicate that you are applying for an advertised project, select Research project scholarship, and use scholarship code PHOTOTHERMAL-LU. For questions about suitability, contact Dr Haijiao Lu at [email protected].

Funding details

Supported by a Research project scholarship including a living stipend of AUD 39,220 per annum tax free (2026 rate, indexed annually), tuition fees covered, and Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

What's required

Applicants are assessed competitively based on academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history. A working knowledge of chemistry, materials science, or catalysis would be beneficial. Candidates should demonstrate academic achievement in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or materials science and potential for scholastic success. Background or knowledge in both materials science and computational modelling (e.g. DFT, MD) is highly desirable.

How to apply

Submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the PhD program by 3 September 2027. In the EOI, select 'Yes' for advertised project, enter 'Research project scholarship' as the project, and use scholarship code PHOTOTHERMAL-LU. Contact Dr Haijiao Lu if you have questions about fit.

More information can be found here

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