"La Trobe - Diamond Light Source PhD Scholarship: Machine Learning-Driven Simulation of Synchrotron and XFEL Beamlines"

We have one prestigious PhD scholarship between La Trobe University and Diamond Light Source (DLS) available for outstanding candidates with a background in Physics, Engineering, or Computer Science.

The project: Synchrotrons and X-ray Free-Electron Lasers (XFELs) are large-scale research facilities that generate exceptionally bright X-ray beams for studying the structure and function of matter across diverse fields, including energy materials, catalysis, and biomedical systems. Experiments are conducted at “beamlines,” complex optical systems designed to condition the X-ray beam for scientific investigation.

This project will develop a software model of a synchrotron and/or XFEL beamline using platforms such as SimEx-Lite to simulate key optical features and explore optimal alignment of beamline components. The resulting data will be used to train a machine learning (ML) model, enabling automated and efficient beamline alignment. This technology has the potential to significantly enhance the operational efficiency of synchrotrons and XFELs.

A supervisory team of experts from La Trobe University and leading international facilities will guide the project, with opportunities for travel to the UK and Germany for implementation and testing.

Benefits of the scholarship

Benefits of the scholarship include:

• a fee-relief scholarship (LTUFFRS) for four years to undertake a PhD at La Trobe University (international applicants only)
• opportunities to collaborate with leading international scientists at La Trobe and the Diamond Light Source.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible, you need to:

• have a Masters by Research degree in a relevant discipline completed within the last ten years assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 75 or above; or
• equivalency based on an Honours or other minor thesis as determined by the Academic Entry Requirements in for the Doctor of Philosophy.

Value

• a generous stipend valued at $35,000 per annum (2025 full-time rate) for 3.5 years for doctoral degrees
• a tuition fee scholarship for 4 years for doctoral degrees

How to apply

If you wish to apply for a La Trobe - Diamond Light Source Scholarship, follow these steps:

1. Submit a full application for the scholarship and PhD candidature. Please include a general cover letter outlining your research interest in lieu of the research proposal. You are not required to identify a potential supervisor – identification of a supervisor will occur as part of the assessment process.

For instructions on how to apply visit: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/research/graduate-research/apply/degrees

In your application, indicate clearly that you wish to be considered for the PRO-25127- Machine Learning-Driven Simulation of Synchrotron and XFEL Beamlines.

2. Interview: If you are shortlisted for the scholarship and candidature, you will be invited to an interview with representatives of La Trobe and Diamond
3. Final decision: The final decision will be made based on your application and interview. The successful candidate will be

Please make sure your application is complete and reaches us within the deadline, as we are unable to consider incomplete and/or late applications.

La Trobe will carefully review your application and consider you for this scholarship. We anticipate that shortlisted applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application in December 2025 and that the successful applicant will commence candidature in 2026.

Closing date: Sunday 14 December 2025 by 11:55pm

Contact us

If you require further information, please contact:

Dr Connie Darmanin

School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences | La Trobe University | Bundoora, Victoria | 3086 | Australia c.darmanin@latrobe.edu.au

Supplementary information

The La Trobe – Diamond Light Source collaboration aims to train and inspire the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists. We welcome applications from all physical science disciplines with an objective to grow Australia’s capacity to undertake world-leading, international research.