PhD Scholarship: Deciphering electrokinetic nanoparticle separation in elasto-inertial flows

Company Description

The project will be undertaken within the group of Dr Jun Zhang (ARC Future Fellow) and Prof Nam-Trung Nguyen (Australian Laureate Fellow) at the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Research Institute, Griffith University.

External collaborators/supervisors include, Associate Professor Christopher Leonardi, Dr Dan Yuan and Dr Travis Mitchell at the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, the University of Queensland (UQ).

This opportunity will be primarily based at Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Job Description

We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to undertake an ARC-funded project in fluid mechanics, microfluidics and micromachines. The primary focus of this role is to develop an innovative microfluidic technique for gentle and versatile processing of nanoparticles from body fluids and environmental extracts. The expected outcomes include a proof-of-concept microfluidic platform technology and a foundational understanding of the interplay between electric field, fluid rheology, flow condition and particle properties. This project includes self-directed research and components of teamwork and collaboration. Success in this role requires collaboration with external partners such as University of Queensland.

Qualifications

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you will be able to communicate effectively and work proactively with an innovative mindset and collaboratively as a team member. You will have evidence of a passion for research innovation to promote human well-being and healthcare and environmental protection, with a strong desire to undertake interdisciplinary research in micro/nanoengineering, fluid dynamics and CFD, biomedicine.

Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with the Equivalent qualifications for HDR program admission. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.
Applicants with a background or experience in microfluidics, fluid dynamics, mechanical, mechatronic or biomedical engineering are desired but not necessary.

International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:

A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19.

Additional Information

About the scholarship

The 2026 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $35,656 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

What Griffith offers

As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

EOI Process

Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to [email protected] containing:

Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section
A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
Names of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Friday 28 August 2026 5.00pm AEST

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line.

For project related enquiries please contact:

Dr Jun Zhang

Phone: (07) 3735 8010

Email: [email protected]

For administration enquiries please contact:

Griffith Graduate Research School

Phone: (07) 3735 3817

Email: [email protected]

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