Australian Research Council Future Fellowship PhD Scholarship 1 2025 at Flinders University

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a large class of toxic man-made pollutants that have leached into waterways due to their historical use in aviation fire-fighting foams and as surfactants in manufacturing. Human exposure to PFAS is a widespread economic and health burden and even low levels of PFAS in human blood correlate with cancer and many serious chronic diseases. Using common adsorbents to remove PFAS from water is significantly hindered by their slow adsorption kinetics and poor affinity for short-chain PFAS – highly water-soluble variants with perfluoroalkyl chains of six carbons or less. This project aims to address this challenge by developing a molecular-scale approach to novel supramolecular adsorbents with enhanced affinity for short-chain PFAS, and broad-spectrum PFAS removal capabilities

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on developing supramolecular cages and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as next-generation materials for the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water. 

We are seeking a motivated and creative PhD candidate with a background in chemistry, materials science, or a related field. Experience in organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy,  supramolecular chemistry, MOFs, or a related area will be an advantage.

• Table of Content
• About Flinders University
• Australian Research Council Future Fellowship PhD Scholarship 1
• Aim and Benefits of Australian Research Council Future Fellowship PhD Scholarship 1
• Requirements for Australian Research Council Future Fellowship PhD Scholarship 1 Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Australian Research Council Future Fellowship PhD Scholarship 1

Aim and Benefits of Australian Research Council Future Fellowship PhD Scholarship 1

The scholarship includes:

• A 3.5 year stipend valued at:
  • Year 1: $35,000
  • Year 2: $36,000
  • Year 3: $37,000
  • Year 4: $18,970
• A Research Training Program Fee Offset Scholarship to cover tuition fees for Australian Citizens, NZ Citizens and Permanent Residents.
• International students will be considered, and eligible candidates will be supported by the supervisor to apply for a Research Training Program Fee waiver.

Requirements for Australian Research Council Future Fellowship PhD Scholarship 1 Qualification

To be eligible for the award of this scholarship a student must:

• Meet PhD admission requirements including having an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), including a research component of at least 6 months’ full-time study achieving Distinction (75%) OR including evidence of equivalent research experience, such as a substantial first-author refereed publication or track record as an investigator on a competitive grant; and
• Be available to commence as a full-time PhD student at Flinders University (on campus) in semester 1, 2025;
• Demonstrate strong research and analytical skills aligned with supramolecular chemistry, materials chemistry, or a similar field.

Note: International students will be considered, and eligible candidates will be supported by the supervisor to apply for a Research Training Program Fee waiver.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Those who apply for the scholarship opportunity that have not already applied for admission to a relevant HDR must also apply.  

By lodging this separate application, applicants acknowledge:

• The ‘Supervisor confirmation’ must refer to the application for this scholarship
• The application for PhD admission will only be assessed where:
• The applicant is successful in being awarded the scholarship

Before applying for the scholarship, prospective applicants are advised to contact the Project lead, Dr. Witold Bloch ([email protected]) to discuss their interest and eligibility for the opportunity.  The Project lead may invite you to apply and request a copy of your CV together with a cover letter outlining your relevant qualifications, experience, research experience, and reasons for applying for the scholarship.

The successful candidate will ideally commence the PhD study by 3rd March 2025, subject to negotiation.

For more details, visit Flinders University scholarship website.