PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Development of the GenX Betavoltaic Battery

This Scholarship opportunity is funded by the CRC-P scheme, Aust. Gov. DISER to support a full-time PhD student who is commencing/undertaking research in the area of alternative energy sources, specifically on the creation of a new energy technology utilising Pb-210 extracted from mine waste materials.

Title:“Waste to Watts: Transforming Pb-210 mine waste into clean energy”.

Role Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join our research team in the field of new energy technology and radioactive environmental waste management. The successful candidate will contribute to an exciting project focused on exploring a new energy technology based on utilising Pb-210 extracted and concentrated from radioactive waste materials from the mining and energy sector.  The research aims to develop innovative techniques for the extraction and concentration of the Pb-210 radioisotope and explore its potential for utilization in a variety of new energy technologies. This industry-linked position offers an excellent opportunity for a chemistry graduate with a passion for applied research, a willingness to learn and apply radiochemistry skills, and an interest in contributing to environmental radioactive waste clean-up.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough literature reviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of research in radiochemistry and waste materials extraction.
• Acquire and develop skills in radiochemistry techniques, including the handling and measurement of radioactive materials.
• Design and perform experiments to investigate the extraction and concentration of Pb-210 from waste materials.
• Collaborate with industry partner entX to align research goals with practical applications in the mining and energy sector.
• Engage in regular meetings with the research team, industry partner, and supervisor to discuss progress and receive guidance.
• Analyse experimental data using appropriate statistical methods and interpret the results.
• Contribute to the writing of scientific papers, reports, and presentations for conferences and journals, including attendance at relevant workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay updated with the latest advancements in radiochemistry and related fields.

Criteria:

• Hold an Honours degree or equivalent in chemistry, physics, geochemistry or a related field.
• Experience in laboratory techniques, ideally including sample preparation, radioisotope separation, and gamma ray spectroscopy.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team and with industry partners.

Benefits:

• The position is industry-linked, providing a unique opportunity to collaborate closely with the reputable company entX in the mining and energy sector.
• A generous top-up to the stipend will be provided.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Networking opportunities with industry professionals and experts in the field.
• Supportive and stimulating research environment within a renowned academic institution.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attending conferences and workshops.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents who are acceptable as candidates for a PhD degree at the University of Adelaide.

Stipend:

The scholarship will be for 3 years and has a stipend of $40,832 per annum.

It is likely to be tax exempt, subject to Taxation Office approval.

Enquiries:

Contact Person: Professor Nigel A. Spooner

School/Discipline of:  Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences/Physics.

Tel: (08) 8313-4852; Mobile: 0448-367-101. Email: [email protected]

Applying:

Expressions of interest should be submitted to Professor Nigel A. Spooner, [email protected] , no later than Friday 12th April with the name of scholarship in the subject heading. Please ensure you include all of the following documents:

• Evidence of Australian citizenship or Australian permanent resident status
• Academic transcripts
• Curriculum vitae