MONASH UNIVERSITY
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PhD Scholarship Opportunity – Safe and Sustainable Electrolytes for Next-Generation Rechargeable Metal Batteries Monash University in Australia
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Tax-free stipend of AUD $37,145 per annum at the 2026 full-time rate, pro-rata; 3.5-year fixed-term appointment.
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
Australia
University
MONASH UNIVERSITY
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About this position
Monash University is offering a PhD scholarship in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering at Clayton campus. The project is centered on designing and developing safe and sustainable electrolyte materials for next-generation rechargeable metal batteries, with a strong emphasis on post-lithium energy storage.
The successful candidate will work on electrolyte research in two main directions. One stream focuses on advanced electrolytes for rechargeable multivalent batteries, including low-cost electrolyte systems for calcium, magnesium, and zinc chemistries. This work aims to improve stable metal cycling, reduce interfacial passivation, and enhance energy density and cycling performance. The other stream focuses on polymer electrolytes for solid-state metal batteries, including the design and synthesis of novel solid polymer electrolytes to improve interfacial stability, suppress dendrite formation, and support high-performance solid-state devices.
The project brings together synthetic chemistry, advanced materials characterisation, and electrochemical evaluation to build structure-property relationships and develop improved battery systems. The student will be embedded in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary, and internationally connected research environment within Monash University’s Materials Science and Engineering community.
The project is supervised by Dr Mega Kar in a research setting that combines battery materials, electrochemistry, and advanced materials development.
Funding details
Tax-free stipend of AUD $37,145 per annum at the 2026 full-time rate, pro-rata; 3.5-year fixed-term appointment.
What's required
Applicants must satisfy the admission requirements for a PhD at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. They should hold, or be close to completing, a Bachelor Honours (H1 or equivalent) and/or a Master's degree with an excellent academic record. Excellent written and verbal English communication skills are required, along with the ability to conduct independent, self-motivated research and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team. Candidates currently completing their H1 degree will be considered. Applicants who already hold a PhD are not eligible. Backgrounds in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Electrochemistry, Energy Storage or closely related disciplines are preferred, with desirable experience in battery electrolytes, ionic liquids or solid polymer electrolytes, organic synthesis and/or polymer chemistry, electrochemical testing and analysis, materials characterisation, and strong scientific writing and communication skills.
How to apply
Apply online through Monash University’s graduate research application portal. Submit your candidature application and follow the university instructions for future students. Early applications are encouraged because applications are reviewed as they are received.
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