CSIRO PhD Top-Up Scholarship - Reactive Small Molecule Sensing using 2D Nanomaterials

Reactive small molecules are commonly used industrially as fumigants to eliminate pests and microorganisms in the food supply chain. Many of these fumigants are highly toxic and can only be reliably tested at >1ppm levels. To overcome this limitation, new sensing materials such as 2D nanomaterials and 2D heterostructures will be investigated to enable ppb level sensing. This project will utilise computational modelling techniques including DFT and AIMD for in silico screening, and investigate the changes in surface chemistry imparted by these small highly reactive molecules.    

1. Quality and relevance of student project:  The primary assessment criterion for a CSIRO PhD Top-Up Scholarship is the quality and relevance of the project being proposed.  The research must be aligned with the advertised priority research area.
2. Academic calibre of the student:  The quality of the student is also critical to the assessment of a scholarship and candidates must hold (or expect to gain) a relevant first or upper second class honours (or equivalent) degree from a recognised university.
3. Availability of appropriate university supervision:  The relevance of the university supervisor’s research background and their willingness to supervise the student in collaboration with the CSIRO supervisor should also be made clear. 

How to apply:

You will be required to:

1. submit a Resume/CV and Cover Letter (as one document) in the ‘Resume/CV’ field which includes:
   • the names and contact details of two previous supervisors or academic/professional referees; and
   • a one-page proposal stating how your research interests align with the project aims.
2. upload your academic results in the ‘Cover Letter’ field.