PhD/MPhil scholarships in Hydrometallurgy

The School of Chemical Engineering is an international leader in the chemical engineering field and has an excellent international reputation which has been built over four decades at the University. With 35 academic staff, including 17 professors, the School provides quality programs and leadership in chemical engineering education, research and development, and expert consulting to support the process industries.

Within the School is the Hydrometallurgy Research Group which maintains a portfolio of fundamental and applied research across a range of hydrometallurgical processes relevant to industry sectors from base metals to Bayer alumina processing and the streamlining of the battery materials supply chain. Currently research is focused on a number of key aspects of processing including leaching into and precipitation from aqueous solutions and solution upgrading and purification using ion exchange resin and application of novel membrane technologies. The hydrometallurgy group is part of a holistic extractive metallurgy program with close interaction with pyrometallurgists and mineral processers, with the aim of improving process routes for metal extraction and product recovery.

Information for prospective students

Information about life at UQ and UQ campuses is available at  http://www.uq.edu.au/current-staff/working-at-uq

The role

Australia is a world leader in production of many mineral commodities including iron ore, lithium, alumina, copper, nickel, cobalt and zinc. We are seeking research higher degree candidates who wish to contribute to the development of processing technologies for these commodities through experimental and mathematical modelling studies of selected aspects of the chemical and physical phenomenon occurring in these processes. The scholarships provide an exciting opportunity to undertake fundamental and applied research studies while working closely with industrial partners and leading researchers in the field. The hydrometallurgy group has strategic partnerships with Rio Tinto through the UQ RT Bauxite & Alumina Technology Centre (http://www.chemeng.uq.edu.au/rt/home), BHP Billiton and Oz Minerals through the The Australian Copper-Uranium Transformation Research Hub (http://researchers.uq.edu.au/research-project/26449) and Pure Battery Technologies (https://purebatterytech.com/). The hydrometallurgy group is also collaborating with the UQ FIMLab on applying novel inorganic membrane technologies in hydrometallurgical processes (https://www.chemeng.uq.edu.au/fimlab). These partnerships and collaborations provide funding to progress research priorities, development of new technologies and to support students in the development of skills that meet industry needs.

Other

 Ensure you are aware of and comply with legislation and University policy relevant to the duties undertaken, including:

• the University's Code of Conduct
• requirements of the Queensland occupational health and safety (OH&S) legislation and related OH&S responsibilities and procedures developed by the University or Institute/School
• the adoption sustainable practices in all work activities and compliance with associated legislation and related University sustainability responsibilities and procedures
• requirements of the Education Services  for Overseas Students Act 2000, the National Code 2007 and associated legislation, and related responsibilities and procedures developed by the University

The person

Applicants should hold a degree in metallurgical, minerals, chemical or materials engineering. Relevant experience in research & development is desirable.

Remuneration

The stipend is valued between $28,000 and $35,000 per year tax free dependent on qualifications and experience. This PhD scholarships will be awarded for 3.5 years. The MPhil scholarships will be awarded for 2 years.

Enquiries

To discuss this role please contact Associate Professor James Vaughan at james.vaughan@uq.edu.au.

To submit an application for this role, use the Apply button below. All applicants must supply the following documents:

• A covering letter (not more than one page), including the scholarship application reference number, your name and contact details (address, telephone, e-mail). Include within this page a statement of your main area(s) of research interest and your career goals following MPhil or PhD completion.
• Complete academic transcripts including degrees or diplomas awarded and the duration and outcomes of any previous research higher degree enrolment.
• Curriculum vitae including:
  • relevant research project or work experience in chronological order (most recent first) specifying dates of involvement, name of supervisor or employer, main activities or duties, main achievements or outcomes;
  • details of any research publications;

names and contact details (address, telephone, e-mail) of 2-3 academic referees, including a senior person (preferably your supervisor) closely associated with your research work.

For information on completing the application process click here.

Applications Close: 20th January, 2019 (11:55 PM) E. Australia Standard Time.