Summary
Swinburne University of Technology, in collaboration with Australia’s Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group, is offering an exciting PhD opportunity to contribute to the future of hypersonic technologies. The successful candidate will engage in advanced materials research, focusing on next-generation ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTC) materials for thermal protection systems used in hypersonic vehicles.
PhD Scholarship in Ultra-High Temperature Ceramic Coating, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Designation | PhD Candidate / Researcher |
| Stipend | $35,000 p.a. (Annual stipend) |
| Duration | Full-time, fixed-term (3 years) |
| Location | Hawthorn Campus, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia |
| Applications Close | Sunday, 2 August 2026, at 11:00 pm |
Research Area
Advanced Materials & Surface Engineering: Developing next-generation ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTC) coating systems for thermal protection in hypersonic vehicles.
- Advanced Materials & Surface Engineering
- Ultra-High Temperature Ceramic (UHTC) Coating Systems
- Thermal Protection Systems for Hypersonic Vehicles
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Academic Requirements: First-class or 2A honours, or a Masters by research in engineering or science.
- Background: A solid background in metallurgy, materials science, or a related discipline.
- Technical Experience: Experience in surface engineering (particularly thermal spray coatings) alongside knowledge of high-temperature testing, computational modelling, and composite materials.
- Key Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication skills, and the capability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Desirable: A publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
Job Description (Role Responsibilities)
As a PhD candidate, you will undertake original research leading to the completion of your thesis. Your core focus areas will include:
- Developing and optimising UHTC coating systems for hypersonic applications.
- Designing coating processes for advanced materials, including refractory metals and carbon-carbon composites.
- Combining experimental lab-based research with computational modelling to support scalable manufacturing.
- Collaborating directly with multidisciplinary research teams and DST Group researchers to gain valuable experience in cutting-edge defense research.
How to Apply
To submit your Expression of Interest (EOI), prepare the following documents:
- A comprehensive CV
- Academic qualifications and transcripts
- English language test results (IELTS/TOEFL), if applicable
To access the official application system and review the complete Position Description, visit the Swinburne Job Application Page and click the “Begin” button at the bottom of the page to start your online portal profile.
Technical Support: If you experience any technical difficulties during your application submission, you can contact the Talent Acquisition team via email at talentacquisition@swin.edu.au.
Last Date for Apply
Sunday 2 August 2026, at 11.00pm








