Critical Energy Separation Materials

The Opportunity

The ARC Research Hub for Critical Energy Separation Materials (CREST Hub) is an Australian research collaboration funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) that brings together Australia's leading universities and industry partners to develop innovative technologies for the sustainable extraction, processing, and recycling of critical minerals.

A PhD with the CREST Research Hub is an opportunity to undertake world-class research that will help transform Australia's critical minerals industry. Our PhD candidates are supervised by leading academics and mentored by industry experts, working on research that addresses real-world challenges and delivers meaningful impact. As a CREST PhD scholar, you will be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry engagement.

We are offering Australian Research Council and industry-funded PhD scholarships across participating CREST Hub universities - which includes Monash University (VIC), University of New South Wales (NSW), University of Technology Sydney (NSW) and Edith Cowan Unuversity (WA).

Research Areas

Scholarships are available across a broad range of research areas, including:

• Solvent-based direct lithium extraction
• Low energy capture of industrial carbon dioxide
• Membranes for recovery and re-use of battery metals
• Membranes for direct lithium extraction
• Green chemical processes for extraction of critical minerals
• Separation of molecular energy carrier materials
• Silicon metal production by molten salt electrowinning
• Unlocking critical energy materials from mining and industrial wastes

Through the CREST PhD Program, you will:

• Undertake research that addresses nationally significant challenges in critical minerals and clean energy technologies.
• Work alongside leading researchers and industry experts on projects with direct industry application.
• Develop specialist technical expertise throughout your PhD candidature.
• Gain hands-on experience using world-class research facilities and pilot-scale equipment.
• Build transferable skills in project management, communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.
• Expand your professional network through industry placements, workshops, seminars, and national and international conferences.
• Contribute to developing innovative technologies that support Australia's transition to a sustainable and resilient critical minerals sector.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants should meet the admission requirements of the participating university and generally have:

• A Bachelor's degree with Honours (First Class or equivalent) or a Master's degree in a relevant discipline.
• A strong academic record in fields such as chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, metallurgy, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, mining engineering, Electrochemistry or related disciplines.
• A demonstrated interest in research and innovation.

Applicants must show excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to conduct self-motivated research within a high-performing and target-driven group of researchers. They should have research-based Honours or Master's Degree (or equivalent) in the relevant research areas and preferably have a record of publishing their research in mainstream scientific journals. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, over Zoom if necessary. The interviews will be conducted in English.

Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on campus. Please note: applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.

Successful applicants will be expected to commence their PhD candidature in 2026 or 2027

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) which shall comprise:

• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of published works
• A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
• Contact details of two academic referees
• Evidence of English-language proficiency (if you have)
• A brief statement (maximum one page) outlining your research interests, your proudest academic or research achievement, and why you are interested in undertaking a PhD with the CREST Research Hub.

Please submit your EOI via email to cresthub@monash.edu

Closing Date

Monday 02 November 2026, 11:55pm AEST