PhD Scholarship - Civil Composites, University of Southern Queensland

Division:

Research and Innovation

Department:

Centre for Future Materials

Classification:

PhD (Higher degree by research) in Civil Composites

Location:

Toowoomba

Date:

12 February 2018

Responsible to:

Director (Centre for Future Materials)

Your Opportunity

The Centre for Future Materials (CFM) is looking for a PhD student who will be involved in the newly funded $3 Million CRC-P project to develop polymer composite railway sleepers and transom decks as part of an industry lead program. The main focus of the PhD project will be on research, development of a new composite transom deck systems with optimised material distribution that can safely carry expected static and dynamic loads, and satisfy the serviceability requirements. It will also investigate the behaviour of composite transom decks under static, dynamic and fatigue loadings, and evaluate in-service performance of the developed composite transom decks.

Our University

USQ’s research culture forms a central part of our differentiation as a university. It has grown from a resolute commitment to engaging with external research colleagues, our regional communities, industry and, most importantly, our students. We aim to create meaningful learning-based relationships and deliver research outcomes that benefit our nation and the wider world.

With campuses based in three south-east Queensland locations, education centres across Australia, a number of global partners and an international reputation as distance and online education experts, we truly are a regional University with a global perspective. 

Connect with us to find out more.

Our Centre

The Centre for Future Materials (CFM) delivers world class research in the design and development of innovative materials for diverse engineering applications. With a strong focus on polymer and concrete composites, CFM drives the development of low cost, sustainable, automated production technologies, servicing the aerospace, automotive, marine, wind energy, defence and civil sectors. You will be part of the Civil Composites group at CFM to work on leading edge research and development projects necessary to advance the use of fibre reinforced polymer composites in civil engineering and construction.

Selection Criteria

Essential

You must have either:

1.    a Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours or Second Class Honours (Division A) at an Australian University or equivalent in civil engineering, structural engineering, or

2.    a Master’s degree at an Australian University or equivalent (containing a significant research component) with a GPA of at least 5 on a 7-point scale, and

Additional

3. you must provide evidence of English language proficiency,
4. any technical/research publication in the form of journal/conference papers
5. interest and motivation in pursuing research/academic career.

Remuneration

Selected prospective student will receive a tuition fee waive scholarship and a living allowance of AUD$30,000 per annum tax free for three years.

Training and support

USQ is committed to providing world-class facilities and support to its students. As a higher degree research student at USQ you may have access to:

• on-campus computing, including high performance computing facility, engineering software, corporate wireless access, email account, storage space and VPN access from work or home
• personal work spaces, and laboratory space and equipment
• full library services including interlibrary loans, access to subject librarians and an EndNote licence
• all student services at USQ, including health and counselling, accommodation assistance, disability resources and careers and employment
• training and workshops which focus on the key elements and stages of candidature
• The Learning Centre, which can assist to develop academic writing and basic mathematics skills

How to apply

Your application must include:

• a cover letter that addresses your interest and experience in the research area mentioned above
• your resume detailing education, professional experience, research experience, publications, and relevant competencies
• the names of two referees

Applications and enquiries related to this position should be directed to Professor Peter Schubel via email cfm@usq.edu.au

We award PhD scholarships based on academic merit, research experience and potential. All scholarship programs are competitive and only scholars with exceptional ability are likely to be successful.

Expression of Interest Closing Dates: 12 February 2018