Company Description

The Centre for Catalysis and Clean Energy (CCCE) is a strategic research centre for innovation in material sciences and energy sustainability. Our goal is to deliver positive research outcomes that help drive healthy, clean and sustainable environments, both now and in the future. Our researchers have contributed significantly to the development of electro-catalysis, photoelectron-catalysis and thermos-catalysis principles, and nanostructured catalysts for important reactions of solar energy conversion, batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen generation, nitrogen-fixation, biomass-derived platform compounds upgrading, environmental remediation, bactericidal and sensing applications.

Job Description

We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to develop a new type of single-atom electrodes for electro-catalytic hydrogenation to produce value-added products at industrial-scale current densities. The primary focus of this role is to explore single-atom tailoring strategies together with precise control of the electrode micro-architectures to maximise device performance. This project includes establishing fundamental principles on the fabrication of high-efficiency single-atom electrodes and understanding the relationships between the morphological properties of single-atom sites and catalytic activities. Success in this role requires collaboration with the immediate research team and a broader interdisciplinary team across world-class research institutions.

The intended commencement date of this scholarship is Intake 2 or 3, 2025.

This opportunity will be primarily based at Gold Coast. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Qualifications

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you will be able to demonstrate strong expertise in the fields of 2D materials and photo/electrocatalysis for clean energy applications. You will have evidence of a passion for exploring cutting-edge technologies to help achieve net-zero emissions, with a strong desire to undertake research in materials science and renewable energy.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

Please note:

• Applicants with a background in inorganic chemistry, materials science, or electrocatalysis will be viewed favourably.

International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:

1. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
2. A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
3. A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19

Additional Information

About the scholarship

The 2025 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $34,752 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

What Griffith offers
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across locations in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

EoI process

Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to Dr Liang Jason Wang liang.wang@griffith.edu.au containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section, including a copy of your academic transcript
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
• Names of two referees

Closing date of expressions of interest: Friday 28 March 2025 at 5pm AEST

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship online.

For project related enquiries please contact:
Dr Liang Jason Wang
Email: liang.wang@griffith.edu.au

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Email: hdr-scholarship@griffith.edu.au