PhD Scholarship: Designing stable perovskite materials for extreme environments

The School of Environment and Science (ESC) at Griffith University is a leading institution dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in the fields of chemical sciences, environmental sciences, materials chemistry, physical sciences and nanotechnology, all of which were rated “well above world-standard” in the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia.

Griffith University sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to support a recently awarded research project funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) under the ARC Future Fellowship scheme. There is a special interest in fundamental research of materials for extreme environments. The project aims to develop holistic engineering strategies to design robust metal halide perovskite materials for extreme environments. This project includes materials preparation and characterisation, device fabrication (detectors and solar cells), research paper publications, conference attendance, overseas research travel and collaborations. Success in this role requires collaborations with leading researchers from both domestic and international organisations.

The successful candidate will be primarily based at Griffith University, Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. The candidate will be working with Dr Munkhbayar Batmunkh and his research team (https://batmunkh-lab.com/) with significant expertise in materials science, nanotechnology and optoelectronics.

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you will be able to design and carry out high-quality research work related to materials science and engineering, thin films, perovskites and photonic devices such as detectors and solar cells. You will have evidence of a passion for collaborative research in basic and applied sciences, with a strong desire to undertake research in materials science and thin films.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree with honours equivalent to first-class honours, or a Master’s degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a Bachelor honours degree, or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Policy. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program, refer here.

Please note:

• Technical background in microscopic and spectroscopic techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved PL (TRPL) is desired.
• Experience in publishing research articles in high impact peer-reviewed journals is strongly desired.

International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:

1. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
2. A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
3. A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19

About the scholarship
The 2026 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $35,656 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

EoI process
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to [email protected], containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the ‘About you’ section
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
• Names and contact details of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Sunday 15 March 2026 at 5pm AEST

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line

What Griffith offers
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

Further information

For project related enquiries please contact:
Dr Munkhbayar Batmunkh
Phone: (07) 3735 3782
Email: [email protected]
Group page: https://batmunkh-lab.com/

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Email: [email protected]