PhD Scholarship in Data-Driven Polymer Synthesis

Job No.: 664372

Location: Clayton campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: Successful applicants will receive $35,013 p.a. as a full-time stipend (pro-rata)

PhD Project

In the framework of an ARC discovery project, we are offering a full-time funded scholarship. The project focuses on data-driven polymer synthesis, with a strong emphasis on flow chemistry, online spectroscopy and automated reaction control.

We live without doubt in the age of data, and even though chemistry is still a domain in science that largely uses traditionally approaches when it comes to laboratory work and synthesis of materials, also here the advent of automation, robotics and machine learning is bringing tremendous change. The ability to use computer control for targeted synthesis in combination with modern online monitoring methods and process automation opens avenues towards the generation of ‘big data’ and its exploitation in artificial intelligence guided synthesis. In our research group we strive to apply these methods towards polymer synthesis, and to harvest its benefits.

In this PhD project, we will work on one of the important facets of this journey. This can be the use of automation and robotics for rapid data generation, the curation of data in online databases or the use of data in advanced machine learning applications. The specific project of the PhD will be tailored towards the background and interest of the best candidate within the boundaries of the ARC project.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants must have completed a relevant chemistry or engineering degree (Honours/Master degree) at a high level (HD1 or equivalent). Ideally, they are familiar with macromolecular synthesis and basic characterising tools (e.g. NMR, FTIR, SEC etc.). A must-have is a strong interest in software design towards application in chemistry. Proficiency in the coding language Python and in SQL databases is advantageous. They should work well in an international team of researchers and be able to communicate swiftly about their research.

Applicants must fulfil the criteria for PhD admission at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Details of the relevant requirements are available at www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/apply .

Further Information

Application documents: Applicants must submit a full CV alongside a 1-page cover letter detailing their interest in this project. Students who are about to finish a Master degree are welcome to apply.

To Apply

To submit your application, please visit: docs.google.com/forms/d/1JjGkhyPXLIXYFG7yIQ6ssh775e9hi-SUVny0jWE4sKc

Enquiries

Professor Tanja Junkers, [email protected]

Closing Date

Tuesday 30 April 2024, 11:55pm AEST

Supporting a diverse workforce