Fully Funded Postgraduate Research Scholarship in Computational Chemistry – University of Sydney Australia

What is Scholarship Project About?

The University of Sydney in Australia is offering a PhD scholarship in computational chemistry, led by Associate Professor Asaph Widmer-Cooper. The scholarship is part of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science, with the goal of creating nanomaterials for solar energy, lighting, and security systems.

Nanoparticles have unique properties, but organizing them into structures that can revolutionize technology remains a challenge. This project will use computer simulations to understand how to control the arrangement of nanoparticles into structures that can be used for solar energy capture, lighting, and security systems.

As a PhD candidate, you will use computational methods to study the interactions between nanoparticles and how they assemble into ordered structures. This includes exploring how molecules on the surface of nanoparticles affect their interaction, how nanoparticles interact with interfaces and external fields, and how these interactions can be manipulated to create complex ordered structures. You will work closely with experimental partners in Australia and other members of the research group at the University of Sydney.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Assoc Prof Widmer-Cooper at asaph.widmer-cooper@sydney.edu.au. Please note that due to a high volume of applications, those who do not meet the required profile may not receive a reply.

Additional information

The Australian Research Council funds the Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science, which connects the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT, UNSW, and other national and international partners.

By pursuing a PhD within the Centre, you will join a community of over 100 scientists and students, and have access to various training programs and scientific meetings.

For more information on the Centre, please visit their website at https://excitonscience.com.

Eligibility:

You must:

• have an unconditional offer of admission or being currently enrolled to study full-time in a PhD within the School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney
• be willing to conduct research in computational chemistry
• hold at least an Honours degree (First Class) or equivalent in a relevant discipline, or Master’s degree with a substantial research component. 

Please Note: An applicant without an unconditional offer of admission may apply and be selected, however, no scholarship offer will be sent until the applicant has an unconditional offer of admission. 

Your Profile

We are seeking individuals who are curious, creative, enthusiastic, and highly motivated to join our team. If you have an Honours or Masters degree in chemistry, physics or a related field, are confident in mathematics, have strong analytical skills, and an interest in coding, we encourage you to apply. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, and you must be able to work independently and in a team environment.

Fluency in English is a must (minimum IELTS or equivalent overall score of 6.5, with no score below 6). Although previous experience with molecular dynamics simulations or statistical mechanics is desirable, it is not mandatory.

Funding Notes

The selected candidate will be awarded a complete scholarship, which will cover course fees and living expenses, and include an annual stipend of $29,863 AUD for a maximum period of 3.5 years.

DeadLine:

Closing date for Application :  June 4

Application

Please include:

Personal statement outlining your motivation for pursuing a PhD in this topic and addressing your ability to contribute to computational chemistry research. (max 3,000 characters). Provide evidence of your confidence in mathematics, strong analytical skills, and interest in coding. If applicable, mention any previous experience with molecular dynamics simulations or statistical mechanics.

·     Academic transcript

·     Reports from 2 academic referees

·     CV, including research experience

Note: it is not necessary to apply for admission before applying for this scholarship. If you have not applied for admission, please enter ‘000000000’ as your Student Identification Number in the application form. 

Check here: How to write Personal Statement?

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