Australian Research Council Future Fellowship PhD Scholarship 2: Supramolecular adsorbents that trap perfluorinated pollutants

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a large class of toxic man-made pollutants that have leached into waterways due to their historical use in aviation fire-fighting foams and as surfactants in manufacturing. Human exposure to PFAS is a widespread economic and health burden and even low levels of PFAS in human blood correlate with cancer and many serious chronic diseases. Using common adsorbents to remove PFAS from water is significantly hindered by their slow adsorption kinetics and poor affinity for short-chain PFAS – highly water-soluble variants with perfluoroalkyl chains of six carbons or less. This project aims to address this challenge by developing a molecular-scale approach to novel supramolecular adsorbents with enhanced affinity for short-chain PFAS, and broad-spectrum PFAS removal capabilities

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on developing supramolecular cages and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as next-generation materials for the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water. 

We are seeking a motivated and creative PhD candidate with a background in chemistry, materials science, or a related field. Experience in organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy,  supramolecular chemistry, MOFs, or a related area will be an advantage.

The scholarship includes:

• A 3.5 year stipend valued at:
  • Year 1: $35,000
  • Year 2: $36,000
  • Year 3: $37,000
  • Year 4: $18,970
• A Research Training Program Fee Offset Scholarship to cover tuition fees for Australian Citizens, NZ Citizens and Permanent Residents.
• International students will be considered, and eligible candidates will be supported by the supervisor to apply for a Research Training Program Fee waiver.

To be eligible for the award of this scholarship a student must:

• Meet PhD admission requirements including having an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), including a research component of at least 6 months’ full-time study achieving Distinction (75%) OR including evidence of equivalent research experience, such as a substantial first-author refereed publication or track record as an investigator on a competitive grant; and
• Be available to commence as a full-time PhD student at Flinders University (on campus) in semester 1, 2025;
• Demonstrate strong research and analytical skills aligned with supramolecular chemistry, materials chemistry, or a similar field.

Note: International students will be considered, and eligible candidates will be supported by the supervisor to apply for a Research Training Program Fee waiver.