Monash/Bayreuth Double PhD Degree Opportunity - Accelerating organic semiconductor discovery with generative AI, molecular dynamics and DFT

Job No.: 698040

Location: Clayton (home) and Bayreuth (host)

Study mode: Full-time

Degrees: E8009.1 - Doctor of Philosophy (Monash - Bayreuth)

Duration: 3.5-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: AUD $37,145 per annum (tax-free stipend, 2026 full-time rate, pro-rata)

About the Monash–Bayreuth Joint PhD Program

The Doctor of Philosophy (Monash – Bayreuth) is an elite, international double-degree doctoral program delivered through a collaborative partnership between Monash University (Australia) and the University of Bayreuth (Germany). Designed to train the next generation of global research leaders, the program enables candidates to conduct cutting-edge research under joint supervision from both world-class institutions, culminating in a recognized double PhD degree.

Monash University (Australia)

Ranked 31st globally and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight, Monash is a powerhouse of research innovation. Its Department of Materials Science and Engineering ranks second nationally, driving breakthroughs in advanced materials, polymer chemistry, biomaterials, and metallurgy within state-of-the-art facilities.

University of Bayreuth (Germany)

A renowned center for interdisciplinary excellence, Bayreuth is globally recognized for its pioneering research in optical excitations, organic/inorganic semiconductors, macromolecular science, and advanced energy technologies.

The International Joint Degree

As part of this program (integrated within the DFG-funded IRTG 2818 / OPTEXC framework), candidates complete an extended research stay of 6 to 12 months at the partner institution. Doctoral researchers gain access to cross-continental industry links, specialized facilities, and dual academic networks, graduating with two doctoral degrees to maximize global career impact.

The Research Opportunity

This PhD project will explore how generative AI, molecular dynamics, and density functional theory (DFT) can be combined to accelerate the discovery and design of next-generation organic semiconductor materials with tailored optoelectronic properties. The project offers the opportunity to contribute to an emerging area of interdisciplinary research that brings together artificial intelligence and advanced materials modelling to address key challenges in semiconductor discovery.

As part of the IRTG OPTEXC program, you will work at the intersection of generative AI, computational chemistry, molecular simulation and materials science, developing computational approaches to explore and predict new semiconductor materials and their properties.

What makes this opportunity special?

Earn a Doctor of Philosophy from Monash University and the University of Bayreuth (Germany).
12-month research stay in Germany - Undertake a fully funded 12-month research stay at the University of Bayreuth as part of the program.

Who are we looking for?

We are particularly interested in applicants with a background or experience in:
• Computational chemistry
• Materials simulation
• Scientific machine learning / AI
• Molecular dynamics or DFT
• Materials science or a related discipline

Successful applicants will also demonstrate:
• Excellent academic and research capability
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills
• The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

Qualifications

• Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a Bachelor Honours degree (H1 or equivalent) and/or Master's degree with an excellent academic record.
• Candidates currently completing a 4-year Honours degree (or equivalent 3+1 year program) with a final-year research project, aiming for or achieving an H1 standard, will also be considered.
• Applicants who already hold a PhD are not eligible.

Degree Information

• E8009.1 - Doctor of Philosophy (Monash - Bayreuth)

Application Information

Send a copy of your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for this position to Dr Swarit Dwivedi swarit.dwivedi@monash.edu

Applications Close: 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.