Summary
The thermoelectric research group led by Professor Zhigang Chen at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia, is seeking talented and highly motivated PhD candidates to work on solid-state thermoelectric generators and cooling technologies.
Successful candidates will join an internationally connected research environment within the Australian Research Council (ARC) Zero-emission Power Generation for Carbon Neutrality (ZeroPC) Hub, with access to advanced research facilities, industry collaborations, and multiple scholarship opportunities.
PhD Scholarships in Advanced Thermoelectric Materials, Devices & Applications at QUT, Australia
Designation
PhD Researcher / Doctoral Candidate
Scholarship Opportunities
- Project-funded PhD scholarships: 5–6 positions
- China Scholarship Council (CSC)
- Australian Government RTP Scholarship
- QUT Postgraduate Research Award
Research Area
The available PhD projects focus on:
- High-performance bulk thermoelectric materials and devices
- Flexible thermoelectric materials and devices
- Solid-state thermoelectric generators and cooling
- Computational materials modelling
- Density Functional Theory (DFT) and related computational approaches
Location
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Duration
3–4 years, full-time
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants with backgrounds in the following disciplines are encouraged to apply:
- Materials Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Related fields
Academic Requirements
- A Master’s degree, completed or expected
- GPA of 6.0 or above on a 7-point scale is preferred/required according to the advertised requirements
- Strong interest in thermoelectric materials, devices, computational modelling, or related research
English Language Requirements
Applicants are expected to meet QUT’s English-language requirements. The advertised requirements include:
- TOEFL iBT: 79 (Writing 21, Speaking 18, Listening 16, Reading 16)
- IELTS Academic: 6.5, with no band below 6.0
- PTE Academic: 58, with no band below 50
Job / Research Description
Selected PhD candidates will conduct advanced research on next-generation thermoelectric technologies for solid-state power generation and cooling.
Depending on the selected project, candidates may:
- Develop high-performance bulk thermoelectric materials.
- Design and investigate flexible thermoelectric materials and devices.
- Develop thermoelectric generators and cooling devices.
- Perform computational materials modelling and DFT calculations.
- Characterize thermoelectric materials and device performance.
- Work with an internationally connected research team.
- Collaborate with academic and industry partners.
- Contribute to publications and innovative solutions for sustainable energy technologies.
Research Environment
The research will be conducted within the ARC ZeroPC Hub, providing opportunities to work with advanced facilities, researchers from multiple Australian universities, and industry collaborators.
The group is led by Professor Zhigang Chen, Director of the ARC ZeroPC Hub and QUT Chair Professor of Energy Science.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should contact Professor Zhigang Chen by email:
Email: zhigang.chen@qut.edu.au
Applicants are encouraged to introduce their academic background, research interests, relevant experience, and potential fit with the thermoelectric research projects.
Candidates interested in QUT’s postgraduate research application process should also review the university’s official research-study information and scholarship requirements before applying.
Last Date for Apply
Not specified in the provided advertisement.
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Professor Chen as soon as possible to discuss available PhD projects and scholarship opportunities.
Important Note
Preference may be given to candidates with a background or research experience in thermoelectric materials, thermoelectric devices, computational materials modelling, or related areas.







