Company Description

About us
As one of the most influential universities in Australia and the Asia–Pacific region, you will join Griffith University that spans five physical campuses in South East Queensland, while our network of more than 200,000 graduates extends worldwide. Griffith Sciences Group has over 450 staff members and researchers. We take pride in our global research contributions driven by our three Schools; Environment & Science, Engineering & Built Environment and Information & Communication Technology.

The successful Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidate will be based in the School of Environment and Science at Brisbane South (Nathan). 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.

Job Description

We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to undertake research as part of the Australian Research Council-funded project, Biorefining of Agricultural Biomass into Low-Cost Carbon Materials for Sodium Ion Battery Applications (LP240100202). The primary focus of this role is to develop a novel carbonisation approach for lignin modification to achieve high electrochemical performance for energy storage applications. This project includes gaining proficiencies in advanced materials characterisation and electrochemical testing. Success in this role requires collaboration with Queensland University of Technology and an industry partner.

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 design and carry out well-considered research work. You will have evidence of a passion for self-motivated research, with a strong desire to undertake research in materials chemistry for energy storage applications.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants. If you are an international applicant who is currently offshore please consider the viability of travelling costs before submitting an expression of interest. Please see the FAQs web page for requirements for offshore international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to second class (division A) 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.

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 campuses 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 y.zhong@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 for expressions of interest is: Monday 16 June 2025 5pm

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line

Further information

For project related enquiries please contact either:
Professor Yulin Zhong
Phone: (07) 3735 7590
Email: y.zhong@griffith.edu.au

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Phone: (07) 3735 3817
Email: hdr-scholarship@griffith.edu.au