Location: Australia

 

Duration: Maximum duration of 3.5 years

 

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a Research Living Allowance, at current value of $37,145AUD per annum 2026 full-time rate (tax-free stipend), indexed plus allowances as per RTP stipend scholarship conditions at: www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/scholarships/scholarship-policy-and-procedures.

The Opportunity

 

The ARC Research Hub for Critical Energy Separation Materials (CREST Hub) is an Australian research collaboration funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) that brings together Australia's leading universities and industry partners to develop innovative technologies for the sustainable extraction, processing, and recycling of critical minerals.

 

A PhD with the CREST Research Hub is an opportunity to undertake world-class research that will help transform Australia's critical minerals industry. Our PhD candidates are supervised by leading academics and mentored by industry experts, working on research that addresses real-world challenges and delivers meaningful impact. As a CREST PhD scholar, you will be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry engagement.

 

We are offering an ARC and industry-funded PhD scholarship at Monash University.

 

Through the CREST PhD Program, you will:

● Undertake research that addresses nationally significant challenges in critical minerals and clean energy technologies.

● Work alongside leading researchers and industry experts on projects with direct industry application.

● Develop specialist technical expertise throughout your PhD candidature.

● Gain hands-on experience using world-class research facilities and pilot-scale equipment.

● Build transferable skills in project management, communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.

● Expand your professional network through industry placements, workshops, seminars, and national and international conferences.

● Contribute to developing innovative technologies that support Australia's transition to a sustainable and resilient critical minerals sector.

 

Candidate Requirements

 

Applicants should meet the admission requirements of the participating university and generally have:

• A Bachelor's degree with Honours (First Class or equivalent) or a Master's degree in a relevant discipline.

• A strong academic record in fields such as chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, metallurgy, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, mining engineering, Electrochemistry or related disciplines.

• A demonstrated interest in research and innovation.

 

Applicants must show excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to conduct self-motivated research within a high-performing and target-driven group of researchers. They should have research-based Honours or Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in the relevant research areas and preferably have a record of publishing their research in mainstream scientific journals. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, over Zoom if necessary. The interviews will be conducted in English.

Scholarship holder must be enrolled full-time and on campus. Please note: applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.

Successful applicant will be expected to commence their PhD candidature in 2026 or 2027

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) which shall comprise:

● A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability

● A curriculum vitae, including a list of published works

● A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation

● Contact details of two academic referees

● Evidence of English-language proficiency (if you have)

● A brief statement (maximum one page) outlining your research interests, your proudest academic or research achievement, and why you are interested in undertaking a PhD with the CREST Research Hub.

 

Please submit your EOI via email to cresthub@monash.edu

 

Closing Date: Monday 30 November 2026 11:55pm AEST

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