PhD Scholarship Opportunity – Safe and Sustainable Electrolytes for Next-Generation Rechargeable Metal Batteries
Job No.: 696214
Location: Clayton campus, Monash University
Employment Type: Full-time
Duration: 3.5-year fixed-term appointment
Remuneration: AUD $37,145 per annum (tax-free stipend, 2026 full-time rate, pro-rata)
About Monash University
Monash University is a leading global research and education institution known for turning ideas into real-world impact. It is a public research university and a member of Australia’s Group of Eight. Globally, it is ranked 31st. As the largest Australian university, Monash also has international campuses in Italy, China, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is ranked second in Australia, with broad research themes including metallurgy, biomaterials, polymer chemistry and processing, and advanced materials.
The Opportunity
Applications are sought from outstanding candidates for PhD study in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering, Monash University.
We are seeking highly motivated PhD candidates to undertake research on the design and development of safe and sustainable electrolyte materials for advanced energy storage systems. The project addresses key challenges in post-lithium battery technologies and focuses on the development of innovative electrolyte materials for next-generation rechargeable metal batteries.
Research directions include:
- Advanced electrolytes for rechargeable multivalent batteries
- Development of low-cost electrolyte systems for multivalent and emerging battery chemistries, including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn).
- Investigation of electrolyte formulations that enable stable metal cycling, minimise interfacial passivation, and improve energy density and cycling performance.
- Polymer electrolytes for solid-state metal batteries
- Design and synthesis of novel solid polymer electrolytes.
- Improving interfacial stability, suppressing dendrite formation, and enabling high-performance solid-state metal batteries.
The successful candidate will employ synthetic chemistry, advanced materials characterisation, and electrochemical evaluation to establish structure-property relationships and develop high-performance battery systems. The project is conducted within a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary, and internationally connected research environment at Monash University.
Preferred Background
Applicants with backgrounds in one or more of the following are encouraged to apply:
- Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Polymer Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage or closely related disciplines
Desirable experience includes:
- Battery electrolytes, ionic liquids or solid polymer electrolytes
- Organic synthesis and/or polymer chemistry
- Electrochemical testing and analysis
- Materials characterisation techniques
- Strong scientific writing and communication skills
Candidate Requirements
Applicants will be considered provided they satisfy the admission requirements for a PhD at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Successful applicants should:
- Hold (or be close to completing) a Bachelor Honours (H1 or equivalent) and/or Master's degree with an excellent academic record.
- Demonstrate excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
- Show the ability to conduct independent, self-motivated research while working effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Candidates who are in the process of completing their H1 degree will be considered.
- Applicants who already hold a PhD degree will not be considered.
Apply online: www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/apply
Faculty / Portfolio: Faculty of Engineering
Department: Materials Science and Engineering
Location: Clayton campus, Monash University
Supervisor: Dr Mega Kar
Graduate Research Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (course code: 3291)
Application type: Candidature only
Enquiries: Dr Mega Kar, mega.kar@monash.edu
Applications close: Monday 30 November 2026, 11:55pm AEDT or earlier if the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and early applications are encouraged.
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