Monash Engineering PhD Scholarship

This PhD scholarship opportunity at Monash University focuses on developing processing intelligence for green metals using advanced in situ X-ray characterisation and machine learning. Hosted by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering, the project aims to capture time-resolved structural and chemical changes during minerals-to-metals processing, including aqueous, electrochemical, thermal, and hybrid pathways. These processes are relevant to extraction, refining, recycling, phase transformation, impurity evolution, and microstructure development.

The successful candidate will employ advanced in situ X-ray methods—such as diffraction, scattering, spectroscopy, imaging, and multimodal characterisation—to generate data-rich descriptions of evolving materials and processing pathways. A central goal is to integrate these experiments with machine learning, mechanistic modelling, and automated data analysis to extract processing-structure-property relationships and support predictive process optimisation. The project is part of Monash's broader ambition to build physical-digital capability for infrastructure platforms in minerals-to-green metals transformation.

This position is ideal for candidates interested in combining experimental materials science, advanced characterisation, and data-driven modelling to develop new forms of processing intelligence for low-emission metals production and recycling. The project is supervised by Dr Yuxiang Wu, with collaborators across materials engineering, X-ray science, and artificial intelligence.

Applicants should have a background in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Data Science, or related disciplines. Strong interest in phase transformations, process chemistry, materials processing, and advanced X-ray characterisation is preferred. Experience or enthusiasm for machine learning, scientific computing, automated data analysis, or computational modelling is highly valued.

To be considered, applicants must meet the PhD admission criteria at Monash University, including English Language Proficiency requirements. Candidates should have completed or be in the process of completing a Bachelors H1 Honours Degree or already hold an H1E Bachelors and/or Masters degree. Graduating in the top 10% of your year level, graduating from a well ranked university, and having authored peer-reviewed research publications are looked upon favourably. Excellent written and verbal English skills, communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to conduct self-motivated research are required. Applicants who already hold a PhD degree will not be considered.

The position offers a 3.5-year fixed-term appointment with a tax-free stipend of AUD 37,500 per annum (2025 rate). A scholarship opportunity may be available for this project. The research will be conducted at the Clayton campus, providing access to cutting-edge facilities and a stimulating, supportive environment.

To apply, check your eligibility for PhD entry and English Language Proficiency requirements at Monash University. Contact Dr Yuxiang Wu by email with your CV, academic transcript, and a brief statement outlining your interest in the project. If your Expression of Interest is supported, you will receive an Invitation to Apply. Submit your application via the online application portal after receiving the invitation. The application deadline is Wednesday, 31 March 2027, 11:55pm AEDT.

For further enquiries about the project, contact Dr Yuxiang Wu at [email protected]. For questions about the scholarship or application process, contact the Graduate Research Office at [email protected] or visit the Monash Engineering graduate research website.