Fully Funded PhD Scholarship on Acid Mine Drainage at Murdoch University & CSIRO Mineral Resources, Perth, Australia

Fully Funded PhD Scholarship on Acid Mine Drainage at Murdoch University & CSIRO Mineral Resources, Perth, Australia

The fully funded scholarship

The fully funded PhD scholarship includes a very generous tax-free living stipend scholarship (AUD $40,000 per year), and a tuition fee waiver scholarship (AUD $35,800 per year), and a learning and development budget of $5,000 over the term of the candidature. PhD programs in Australia typically take 3.5 to 4 years to complete.

The PhD project

The project is about Acid Mine Drainage. Acid mine drainage is one of the most significant forms of water pollution and is causing the most serious global environmental crisis facing the mining industry today. This project aims to develop effective and sustainable ways towards preventing long-term acid mine drainage, by designing fluid-mineral reactions that can stop the oxidation of acid generating phases at the particle scale. The project will involve experiments on fluid-mineral reactions, and results interpretations involving thermodynamic and kinetic modelling.

The PhD project involves collaborations between Murdoch University and The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO). Students will hold a joint studentship at Murdoch University and CSIRO Mineral Resources. The successful applicants are expected to work as part of the team and conduct research at Murdoch University, CSIRO, and Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis at the University of Western Australia.

The location

Perth is a beautiful coastal capital city in Western Australia. It is the ideal place to carry out mineral-related research because of the vibrant minerals industry in Western Australia. There are ample opportunities for PhD graduates in Western Australia, including the minerals industry offering the most highly paid jobs in Australia, as well as the research institutes or universities. Also, Perth has been one of the most liveable cities in the world for many years. Western Australia has many beautiful beaches and national parks to enjoy over the weekends and holidays.

Who should apply?

We are seeking highly motivated, results-driven, and independent PhD candidates who have completed or nearly complete a master’s degree by research or a first-class Honours degree (or a bachelor’s degree with a thesis component) in Chemistry, Minerals, or Materials related majors (e.g., Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Geology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Extractive Metallurgy). The candidates should be able to demonstrate affinity for high-quality laboratory and analytical work, as well as for writing of publications (including thesis) or research reports. Previous knowledge and experience in physical chemistry, particularly thermodynamics, kinetics, and crystal dissolution/precipitation processes are highly regarded. Hands-on experience with analytical equipment will be a benefit and should be described in the application documents.

For international students, minimum English proficiency is, IELTS overall 6.5 with no band less than 6.0, or TOEFL IBT overall 90 with no band less than 20.

How to apply?

Please send your application documents, including a full CV (list the publications and theses and contact details of three referees), undergraduate and postgraduate academic transcripts, IELTS or TOEFL reports, and a cover letter to Associate Professor Fang Xia ([Email Address Removed]) and Dr. Yuan Mei ([Email Address Removed]) with the subject line "Acid Mine Drainage Scholarship-Your full name".

Please email your application before October 15 2022. However, late applications will be considered if the positions have not been filled. If you are successful, the PhD projects start early 2023, depending on other factors such as visa application if you are international applicants.