PhD Scholarship in Advanced Composite Repairs

Job No.: 691512

Location: Clayton campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a tax-free stipend, at the current value of $37,145 per annum 2026 full-time rate. The stipend rate is indexed annually and published on the Monash University Graduate Research Stipend and Allowance Rates website. Additional support is also available for project resources and conference presentation.

The Opportunity

This project offers an opportunity to research the fundamental sciences to develop a novel resin-injection hybrid repair concept that restores joint strength and function for critical composite aircraft structures. These fundamental sciences will enable the repair of severely damaged primary structures that would otherwise be replaced to be certified under the current certification regulation/policy.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants will be considered provided that they fulfil the criteria for PhD admission at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Details of the relevant requirements are available at www.monash.edu/graduate-research/study/apply. A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or relevant area.

Applicants must demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to conduct self-motivated research within a high-performing, target-driven group of researchers. They should have a research-based Honours or Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in the relevant research areas and, preferably, a record of publishing their research in mainstream scientific journals. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, over Zoom if necessary. The interviews will be conducted in English.

Details of eligibility requirements, including English-language proficiency skills, to undertake a PhD in the Faculty of Engineering are available at How To Apply to Research Degrees Engineering, Monash University. Applicants should ensure they familiarise themselves with these requirements before deciding whether they should apply. Please note: applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.

Details of eligibility requirements, including English-language proficiency skills, to undertake a PhD in the Faculty of Arts are available at www.monash.edu/arts/graduate_research/how-to-apply. Applicants should ensure they familiarise themselves with these requirements before deciding whether they should apply. Please note: applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.

During their doctoral studies, the student will be expected to participate in the regular reading group and language study meetings, and to assist with the organisation of international conferences, public events, and workshops to build up their profile and networks.

Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on campus. Please note: applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.

The successful applicant will be expected to enrol by April 2026.

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) which shall comprise:

• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of published works (limit to one page)
• A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
• Contact details of two academic referees
• Evidence of English-language proficiency (if you have)
• A one-page write-up on your scientific understanding of composite repairs and resin injection in composite manufacturing

Please submit this EOI form at MAE.EA@monash.edu, in a single PDF attachment.

Enquiries: Professor W.K. Chiu, Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, +61 3 9905 5595, Wing.kong.chiu@monash.edu

Applications Close: Friday 3 April 2026, 11:55pm AEST