Monash University – PhD Scholarship: Safe and Sustainable Electrolytes for Next-Generation Rechargeable Metal Batteries

A PhD scholarship in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Monash University (Clayton, Australia), developing safe and sustainable electrolyte materials for next-generation, post-lithium rechargeable metal batteries.

Supervisor

Dr Mega Kar (mega.kar@monash.edu)

Location

Clayton campus, Monash University, Australia

About the Project

This project addresses key challenges in post-lithium battery technologies, focusing on innovative electrolyte materials for next-generation rechargeable metal batteries. Two research directions are offered: (1) advanced electrolytes for rechargeable multivalent batteries — developing low-cost electrolyte systems for multivalent and emerging chemistries including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn), and formulations that enable stable metal cycling, minimise interfacial passivation, and improve energy density and cycling performance; and (2) polymer electrolytes for solid-state metal batteries — designing and synthesising novel solid polymer electrolytes to improve interfacial stability, suppress dendrite formation, and enable high-performance solid-state metal batteries. The successful candidate will use synthetic chemistry, advanced materials characterisation, and electrochemical evaluation to establish structure–property relationships within a highly collaborative, internationally connected research environment.

Who Can Apply

Backgrounds in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Electrochemistry, Energy Storage or a closely related discipline. Desirable experience: battery electrolytes, ionic liquids or solid polymer electrolytes; organic synthesis and/or polymer chemistry; electrochemical testing and analysis; materials characterisation techniques; strong scientific writing and communication skills. Candidates should hold, or be close to completing, a Bachelor Honours (H1 or equivalent) and/or Master’s degree with an excellent academic record; candidates in the process of completing an H1 degree will be considered. Applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.

Funding Notes

The scholarship provides a tax-free stipend of AUD $37,145 per annum (2026 full-time rate, pro-rata) for the 3.5-year fixed term. This is a “candidature only” application type — the official listing does not explicitly confirm a tuition fee offset/waiver as part of this specific advert, so applicants (particularly international candidates) should confirm full tuition-fee coverage with Dr Mega Kar or Monash’s Graduate Research office before applying, rather than assuming fees are automatically included.

How to Apply

Apply online via www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/apply. Enquiries to Dr Mega Kar (mega.kar@monash.edu). Applications will be reviewed as they are received — early application is encouraged, and the position may close before the deadline if filled.

Application Deadline

30 November 2026, 11:55pm AEDT (or earlier if the position is filled).