Research project scholarship

PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Photophysics of Next-Generation X-ray Detector Materials and Devices at The University of Queensland.

This project is based at St Lucia, Brisbane, and focuses on developing highly sensitive, fast X-ray photodetectors using scalable fabrication processes and emerging low-cost semiconductors. The research aims to build deep structure-property relationships and discover new photophysics with real-world impact. Materials of interest include MOFs and halide perovskites, with work spanning materials synthesis, characterization, and device fabrication.

Research areas / keywords: materials science, physics, chemical engineering, optoelectronics, spectroscopy, thin film growth, characterisation, condensed matter physics, X-ray detectors, photophysics.

Supervisors: Dr Julian A. Steele (Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology / School of Mathematics and Physics) and Dr Miaoqiang Lyu (School of Chemical Engineering).

Funding: The scholarship includes a tax-free living stipend of $37,500 per year (2026 rate, indexed annually), full tuition fee coverage, and single OSHC for international candidates.

Eligibility / preferences: Applicants should demonstrate strong academic achievement and potential for scholastic success. A background in materials science, optoelectronics, spectroscopy, thin film growth and characterisation, condensed matter physics, or chemical engineering is highly desirable. The application is assessed competitively using academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history.

Application window: Expression of Interest deadline is 17 June 2026. You do not need to apply separately for the project or scholarship.

How to apply: Submit an EOI for the PhD program. In the scholarship/sponsorship section, indicate that you are applying for an advertised project, select “Research project scholarship,” and use scholarship code PHOTOPHYSICS-STEELE. Contact Dr Julian A. Steele at [email protected] with questions about suitability.