PhD Scholarship in Surface Reconstruction Modeling for Space Re-Entry Objects University of Southern Queensland in Australia

The University of Southern Queensland is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship for a project focused on the development of a surface reconstruction model for re-entry objects, supervised by Dr Byrenn Birch, DECRA Fellow. The research addresses the identification and modeling of spacecraft components during atmospheric re-entry, with the goal of improving predictions of debris behavior and ground risks. The project is part of an ARC DECRA initiative and involves developing computationally efficient thermal models, resolving surface temperatures from spectral measurements, and identifying debris for code validation. Candidates will join the UniSQ Hypersonics and Rocketry Group, collaborating with leading research groups, government agencies, and industry partners. Applicants should have a strong background in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or physics, with research experience in areas such as imaging spectroscopy, hypersonic aerothermodynamics, heat transfer, high-temperature materials, computational methods, and optimization techniques. The scholarship offers a stipend of AUD $35,000 per year for up to three years, plus conference and travel support. Eligibility requires an Honours or Master’s degree with research, and applicants must be from Australia or approved countries due to project sensitivities. Applications must be submitted via the UniSQ Scholarship Application Management System by January 6, 2025. For more information or to discuss project topics, candidates are encouraged to contact Dr Byrenn Birch directly.