PhD Scholarship in Quantum Transport of Mixed Ionic-Electronic Conductors (QUT, Australia | 2026 Start)

Overview

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) invites outstanding candidates to apply for a fully funded PhD scholarship focused on quantum transport in organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs). These innovative materials combine electronic and ionic conduction, opening pathways for next-generation technologies in biosensing, environmental monitoring, and neuromorphic systems. The scholarship offers a generous stipend, tuition coverage, and the opportunity to work alongside leading researchers in physics, nanotechnology, and materials science.

Eligibility

• Meet QUT’s entry requirements for a PhD program, including English language proficiency.

• Enrol as a full-time internal student (part-time/external study possible with approval).

• Begin your PhD by 1 March 2026.

• Academic background in at least one of the following:

  • Physics

  • Materials Science

  • Nanotechnology

  • Electronic Engineering

• Strong understanding of semiconductor physics and devices.

Benefits

• Stipend: AUD $40,000 per year (tax-exempt, indexed annually) for up to 3.5 years (with possible 6-month extension).

• Tuition Fee Offset: Covers up to 4 years of doctoral study.

• Opportunity to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.

• Supervision by experts from QUT and CSIRO, with access to advanced facilities.

Fellowship/Program Components

• Research area: Quantum transport in OMIECs (organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors).

• Focus: Experimental exploration of transport phenomena in conditions relevant to organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs).

• Application fields: Biosensors, neuromorphic computing, and environmental monitoring.

• Supervisory team:

  • A/Prof Soniya Yambem (Primary Supervisor, QUT)

  • Dr Mahboobeh Shahbazi (Associate Supervisor, QUT)

  • Dr Wendy Purches (External Supervisor, CSIRO)

• Based within QUT’s:

  • Faculty of Science

  • School of Chemistry and Physics

  • Centre for Materials Science

  • Bioelectronics & Biosensors Group

Application Requirements

• Email Associate Professor Soniya Yambem with:

  • CV

  • Academic & research background

  • Motivation for applying

• If shortlisted, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a QUT research degree.

• Nominate A/Prof Soniya Yambem as your proposed supervisor.

• Include the scholarship URL link in the financial details section (Q2) of the EOI form.

Selection Criteria

• Strong academic performance.

• Research background aligned with physics, nanotechnology, or materials science.

• Motivation and capacity to contribute to experimental materials research.

Application Process

1. Contact A/Prof Soniya Yambem via email with CV, background, and motivation.

2. If supported, submit your EOI for a PhD admission.

3. Indicate this specific scholarship and supervisor in your application.

4. Submit before the deadline.

• Closing Date: 30 September 2025
• Location: Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
• Start Date: By 1 March 2026

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the PhD Scholarship in Quantum Transport of Mixed Ionic-Electronic Conductors (QUT, Australia | 2026 Start)