PhD Scholarship in Micronano Hierarchical Antifouling Coating

• Sustainable Antifouling Coatings (Marine Applications)
• Full-time, fixed-term position at our Hawthorn campus
• $35,500 per annum (indexed) for up to 3.5 years

About The Scholarship

Are you ready to take your research career underwater—literally? Join a collaborative and forward-thinking research group at Swinburne University of Technology and work on a cutting-edge project addressing one of the marine industry’s biggest challenges: biofouling.

This exciting PhD project focuses on developing scalable, durable antifouling coatings inspired by natural defence mechanisms found in marine organisms. You’ll explore how biological systems prevent fouling and translate these strategies into sustainable, high-performance materials for ships and submerged infrastructure.

Working at the intersection of nanoscience, chemistry, and engineering, you’ll apply green fabrication techniques to create environmentally responsible solutions with real-world impact. This is a highly interdisciplinary project with strong potential for industry relevance and global application.

What’s on Offer

• Full PhD scholarship valued at $35,500 per annum (indexed)
• Funding for up to 3.5 years
• Financial support to attend an international conference
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert supervision
• A supportive, collaborative research environment within Swinburne’s School of Engineering

About You

We’re looking for a motivated and curious researcher who is eager to push boundaries and contribute to sustainable innovation.

Essential qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor (Honours) or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline
• Hands-on experience with materials fabrication and characterisation techniques
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across disciplines
• A genuine passion for pursuing a PhD

Desirable:

• Experience publishing in high-quality academic journals
• Additional requirement (for international applicants):
• English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS overall 6.5, with no band below 6.0)

A full list of selection criteria is available within the position description.

About Swinburne University Of Technology

Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

Our Ad Astra strategy is the cornerstone of Swinburne’s bold ambition to lead globally in technology-driven education and research. This strategy positions us to create transformative solutions, empower learners, and partner with industry to thrive in an ever-changing world.

How To Apply And Further Information

To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

To apply, please submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) including your:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Academic qualifications and transcripts
• English language test results (IELTS/TOEFL), if applicable

For informal enquiries only about the project, research environment, or eligibility, please contact Associate Professor Lily Li | yalili@swin.edu.au

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@swin.edu.au

Applications Close: Tuesday 2 June 2026, at 11.00pm

Diversity and Inclusion

Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.

Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.

We support applicants with disabilities. Adjustments can be requested at any time during the recruitment process.

For reasonable adjustment requests - including accessible formats of the position description, application form, or other documents, please contact talentacquisition@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550. Please note: this phone number is for disability and reasonable adjustment enquiries only. General enquiries about the role can also be emailed to talentacquisition@swin.edu.au.

Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes.

As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.