Two PhDs Scholarships Available in Extractive Metallurgy of Lithium

Summary about this job

Detail information about job Two PhDs Scholarships Available in Extractive Metallurgy of Lithium. Terms and conditions vacancy

• Two PhDs Scholarships Available
• Led by world-class academics and strong ties to industry.
• Based at the Perth campus in Western Australia

Murdoch University, in collaboration with Tianqi Lithium Australia, has two PhD research scholarships available in the School of Engineering and Information Technology, for high-quality, motivated students interested in pursuing PhD level study on research projects related to lithium extraction from silicate minerals, especially spodumene.  The projects will be supervised by a multidisciplinary team from Murdoch University and Tianqi Lithium, with complementary expertise in mineralogy, hydrometallurgy, chemical engineering and molecular modelling.

Based at the Perth campus in Western Australia, this opportunity is open to both international and domestic students.  Successful international applicants will be also provided with fee waivers.  Murdoch University's School of Engineering and Information Technology is led by world-class academics with high standards in teaching and research, and strong ties to industry.

The PhDs offer the successful applicants:

• Participation in interdisciplinary research team involving university and industry researchers
• Access to state of the art research and analytical facilities in Australia and overseas
• An industry-relevant project in area of significant growth
• Attendance at international conferences
• Fully funded PhD scholarships for 3 years, with possible extension to 3.5 years

In order to apply for this PhD, candidates are required to have the following qualifications:

• Recognised undergraduate and Honours degrees in mineralogy, mineral science, extractive metallurgy, chemistry or in a related area, or four-year engineering degree in chemical engineering, metallurgical engineering or in a related area
• English competency (for international applicants only): IELTS overall >6.5 (no band below 6) or TOEFL >90 (no individual score below 20)

Desired qualifications include:

• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, e.g. conference presentations or publications of prior research work
• Previous research experience, including MSc or MEng by research or strong interest in laboratory work and analytical techniques, e.g. X-ray diffraction or ICP analysis
• Familiarity with life-cycle assessment/cost and energy assessment
• Previous experience and interest in extractive metallurgy/mineralogy and lithium minerals

The PhDs are expected to commence in October 2018, but other start dates may be negotiated.  Salary will be commensurate with current Research Training Program rates, e.g. $26k per year tax-free and includes a tuition fee waiver.  Top-up scholarships might be available for suitably qualified applicants.

Further PhD projects are available via Murdoch University’s RTP Stipends in mineral carbonation, NOx remediation from blasting of mining explosives, development of fluorine-free firefighting foams, formation of dioxins and other pollutants in fire and industrial processes and isotope geochemistry.

How to Apply

Please address further questions and applications (including a cover letter, motivation statement referring to your relevant qualifications, CV, transcripts, copy of recent language test results and contact details of at least two referees) to [email protected] with cc to [email protected] and [email protected]

Applications close 15 August 2018.