Research project scholarship

Two PhD scholarships are available at The University of Queensland in Australia, with research led by Professor Xiwang Zhang and Dr Mike Tebyetekerwa in the School of Chemical Engineering / ARC GETCO2 research environment.

The advertised projects focus on electrochemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, membrane science, transport phenomena, and CO₂ electrolyser engineering. One project investigates membrane and interface engineering for high-performance CO₂ electrolysers, including ion transport, membrane properties, interfacial phenomena, water management, carbonate formation, and device architecture. Another project focuses on advanced electrolyser design for efficient CO₂ conversion to multicarbon (C₂+) products, including catalyst layers, gas diffusion electrodes, flow fields, reactor design, mass transport, and long-term operational stability.

The scholarships are supported by a Research project scholarship and include a living stipend of AUD 37,500 per year tax free (2026 rate, indexed annually), tuition fees covered, and single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Applicants should meet UQ minimum PhD admission requirements. The projects are assessed competitively, considering academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history. A background in chemical engineering, electrochemical engineering, chemistry, or materials engineering is preferred, and experience with electrochemical systems, membrane materials, catalysis, reactor design, ion transport, materials characterisation, or carbon utilisation technologies is highly desirable.

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 4 July 2026. You do not need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. If you have questions about fit, contact Dr Mike Tebyetekerwa at [email protected].