Exciton Science is continuously offering opportunities to work and study within the Centre. See below for open Postdoctoral Research Fellow and PhD scholarship positions. The Centre is underpinned by a commitment to equal opportunity and diversity. Read our Inclusive Recruitment Policy.
For undergraduate students considering a research postgraduate degree apply now for our work experience program and get a taste of what it is like to undertake a research project and get paid over your summer break.
Current Research Opportunities
Research Fellow, Exciton
Monash University
The Department of Chemical Engineering is looking for a scientist or an engineer with specialisation in materials research and photovoltaics with some experience in synthesis, thin film growth, spectroscopy, photovoltaics with a strong interest in automation and data analysis.
The Research Fellow will work within the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science under the Solar Energy Conversion research platform 1.2 (Solution-Processed Next Generation Photovoltaics) whose main goal is the development of novel photo absorbers. A part of the research work will be undertaken at the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, which is located in close vicinity to our Monash University Centre node.
Position Description - Research Fellow, Exciton
PhD Scholarship in Simulating the Formation of Metal Halide Perovskites
The University of Sydney
The Widmer-Cooper group at the University of Sydney seeks a suitably qualified graduate student to join a project funded by the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science. The goal is to improve our ability to print efficient, stable and cheap perovskite solar cells by using computer simulations to study the formation and dissolution of metal halide perovskites. For further details, please contact Dr Asaph Widmer-Cooper at asaph.widmer-cooper@sydney.edu.au
PhD Scholarship in Simulating the Formation of Metal Halide Perovskites
Melbourne-Bayreuth joint PhD opportunity
PhD Scholarship in Exciton Logic Gates
The University of Melbourne
Closes: 30 September 2020
Prof Paul Mulvaney is seeking an Australian graduate researcher to work on this project as part of a joint PhD with the University of Bayreuth. The successful candidate will have an interest in laser spectroscopy /single molecule spectroscopy and/or nanomaterials synthesis and they will spend a minimum of 12 months at Bayreuth, Institute of Physics. Knowledge of German is not essential but useful.
PhD Scholarship in Exciton Logic Gates - position description
How to apply for a PhD at the University of Melbourne
Melbourne-Bayreuth joint PhD opportunity
PhD Scholarship in Light Pulse Control of Excitons
The University of Melbourne
Closes: 30 September 2020
Assoc Prof Trevor Smith is seeking an Australian graduate researcher to work on this project as part of a joint PhD with the University of Bayreuth. The successful candidate will have an interest in laser spectroscopy and/or excitonic materials and they will spend a minimum of 12 months at Bayreuth, Institute of Physics. Knowledge of German is not essential but useful.
PhD Scholarship in Light Pulse Control of Excitons - position description
How to apply for a PhD at the University of Melbourne
Melbourne-Bayreuth joint PhD opportunity
PhD Scholarship in Control of Excitons in Single Polymer Chains
The University of Melbourne
Closes: 30 September 2020
Assoc Prof Trevor Smith is seeking an Australian graduate researcher to work on this project as part of a joint PhD with the University of Bayreuth. The successful candidate will have an interest in laser spectroscopy and/or single molecule spectroscopy and they will spend a minimum of 12 months at Bayreuth, Institute of Physics. Knowledge of German is not essential but useful.
PhD Scholarship in Control of Excitons in Single Polymer Chains - position description
How to apply for a PhD at the University of Melbourne
Melbourne-Bayreuth joint PhD opportunity
PhD Scholarship in Morphology Manipulation for Increased Singlet Fission Yields
The University of Melbourne
Closes: 30 September 2020
We are looking for a suitably qualified graduate researcher to work on a jointly funded PhD project between the University of Melbourne and the University of Bayreuth on Singlet Fission Materials. The goal is to improve the efficiency of solar cells by effectively harnessing polymeric singlet fission materials. The successful candidate will spend a minimum of 12 months at Bayreuth, Institute of Physics. Knowledge of German is not essential but useful. Candidates with an interest in X- ray spectroscopy/ laser spectroscopy and/or polymer synthesis are sought.
PhD Scholarship in Morphology Manipulation for Increased Singlet Fission Yields - position description
How to apply for a PhD at the University of Melbourne
Melbourne-Bayreuth joint PhD opportunity
PhD Scholarship in Synthesis and Manipulation of Semiconducting Block Copolymers for Organic Photovoltaic active Layers
The University of Melbourne
Closes: 30 September 2020
We are looking for a suitably qualified graduate researcher to work on a jointly funded PhD project between the University of Melbourne and the Universität Bayreuth on the induction of block copolymer self-assembly for high performance organic photovoltaic devices and the characterisation thereof. The successful candidate will spend a minimum of 12 months at Bayreuth, Institute of Physics. Knowledge of German is not essential but useful. Candidates with an interest in X-ray spectroscopy/ laser spectroscopy and/or polymer synthesis are sought.
PhD Scholarship in Synthesis and Manipulation of Semiconducting Block Copolymers for Organic Photovoltaic active Layers - position description
How to apply for a PhD at the University of Melbourne
PhD Position in Energy Transfer in Nanocrystal Hybrids
Monash University
We are looking for a suitably qualified graduate student to work on a project on the movement of energy across nanocrystal interfaces. The goal is to direct movement of energy in nanoscale systems with applications in luminescent solar concentrators. The position will be situated in the Nanoscale Spectroscopy Laboratory in the School of Chemistry, Monash University, Melbourne.
PhD Position in Energy Transfer in Nanocrystal Hybrids - position description
PhD Position in Ion Exchange of Perovskite Crystals
Monash University
We are looking for a suitably qualified graduate student to work on a project on perovskite ion exchange. The goal is to manipulate the band gap at the surface of perovskite crystals. The project will be carried out as a collaboration between Dr Alison Funston and A/Prof Jacek Jasieniak at Monash University. The position will be situated in the Nanoscale Spectroscopy Laboratory in the School of Chemistry, Monash University, Melbourne.
PhD Position in Ion Exchange of Perovskite Crystals - position description
PhD Position in Atomic Level Structure of Passivated Quantum Dots
Monash University
We are looking for a suitably qualified graduate student to work on a project on nanocrystal surfaces. The goal is to map the atomic level structure of well passivated nanocrystal surfaces, identify the chemical structures of trap states and improve nanocrystal quantum yield. The project will be carried out as a collaboration between Prof Joanne Etheridge (Monash University), Dr Alison Funston (Monash University) and Prof. Paul Mulvaney (The University of Melbourne). The position will be situated at Monash University, Melbourne.
PhD Position in Atomic Level Structure of Passivated Quantum Dots - position description
PhD Position in Self Assembly of Nanoparticles
Monash University
We are looking for a suitably qualified graduate student to work on a project on self-assembly of nanoparticles. The goal is to exploit self- assembly techniques to form superstructures with unique optical properties. The project will be carried out as a collaboration between Dr Alison Funston (Monash University), Prof. Paul Mulvaney (The University of Melbourne) and Dr Asaph Widmer-Cooper (The University of Sydney). The position will be situated in the Nanoscale Spectroscopy Laboratory in the School of Chemistry, Monash University, Melbourne.
PhD Position in Self Assembly of Nanoparticles - position description
PhD Scholarship in Upconverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Monash University
We are looking for a prospective graduate student interested in nanomaterials and solar cell devices to work on an ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science (ACEx) funded project. The goal of the project is to develop a new type of solar cell device that can efficiently upconvert light to extend the absorption range of perovskite solar cells.
Position Description - Upconverted Perovskite Solar Cells
PhD Scholarship in Optoelectronic Properties of Perovskite Solar Cells
Monash University
We are looking for a prospective graduate student interested in interfaces and solar cell devices to work on an ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science (ACEx) funded project. The goal of the project is to develop a more complete understanding into the optoelectronic properties of existing & emerging perovskite solar cells.
Position Description - Optoelectronic Properties of Perovskite Solar Cells
Past Research Opportunities (recent)
Postdoctoral Research Associate
UNSW Sydney
Closes: 1 June 2020
Prof Dane McCamey is seeking a graduate who has completed (or is close to completing) a PhD in Physics or Physical Chemistry to work collaboratively on a Exciton Science project focused on developing and implementing an exciton-based logic device. Specific activities likely to be involved include design of a logic device, procurement of required materials, spin and optical characterisation, and demonstration of a functioning logic element.
Postdoctoral Research Associate - position description
Research Fellow in the Synthesis of Organic Excitonic Materials
The University of Melbourne
Closes 13 October 2019
Dr Wallace Wong is seeking a post doctoral researcher with prior experience in organic synthesis especially in building conjugated organic materials. The successful applicant's work will include synthesis and development of materials that contribute to the milestones of the research themes within ACEx, take on a leadership role in the day-to-day operations of the organic synthesis laboratory.
Research Fellow in the Synthesis of Organic Excitonic Materials - position description no longer available
PhD in using computer simulations to design advanced nanoparticle inks
University of Sydney
Closes 30 September 2019
Dr Asaph Widmer-Cooper is offering a PhD project in the School of Chemistry at the University of Sydney. In this project, you will use computer simulations to study nanoparticle inks, aiming to understand the molecular- and nano-scale origins of particle stability, shape and optoelectronic properties. This will help our experimental partners to obtain better control of device nanostructure and performance. For more details and scholarship information go to the project page.
PhD in using computer simulations to design advanced nanoparticle inks - project page
Postgraduate Research Scholarship in Optical Spectroscopy
University of Sydney
Closes 30 September 2019
This scholarship is available for the project on Optical Spectroscopy in the research group of Dr Girish Lakhwani in the School of Chemistry. The aim of the project is to identify materials that can efficiently transfer energy across long distances. The project will involve spectroscopic characterisation of advanced semiconductor materials and their performance in devices such as optical switches and sensors.
Postgraduate Research Scholarship in Optical Spectroscopy
Postgraduate Research Scholarship in Organic Electronics
University of Sydney
Closed 30 June 2019
A unique opportunity is available for an outstanding PhD scholar to undertake research in organic electronics. The aim of the project is to identify design rules for improved organic photovoltaic devices.
The project can be tailored for the successful candidate, to range from a purely theoretical study, focusing on multiscale modelling of disordered organic-semiconductor devices to a combination project spanning both theoretical modelling and experimental device characterisation using state-of-the-art spectroscopic facilities.
Postgraduate Research Scholarship in Organic Electronics - position description
Scientia PhD Scholarship in A New Approach to the Electronic Structure of Molecules
Prof Tim Schmidt, University of New South Wales
Closed 12 July 2019
This project will revolutionise the interpretation of rigorous theoretical chemistry calculations, allowing traditional chemical ideas to be placed on a firm theoretical foundation. The ideal candidate has an undergraduate degree in chemistry or physics, will have an aptitude for computer coding and demonstrates a creative approach to problem solving. This position is at UNSW in the School of Chemistry.
A New Approach to the Electronic Structure of Molecules
UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarships
PhD in AFM Based Nanomechnical Sensing
University of Melbourne
Closed 24 July 2019
We are looking for a suitably qualified graduate student to work on an ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science (ACEx) funded project on nanomechanical sensing. The goal is to use atomic force microscope (AFM) microcantilevers as resonators to detect adsorbed mass, electronic charge or magnetic spins. For full details please see the attached position description. The position is at the University of Melbourne, School of Chemistry.
PhD in AFM Based Nanomechnical Sensing - position description
PhD Position in Sensor Development
The University of Melbourne
Expression of interest: 11 October 2019
Closes: 31 October 2019
Dr Wallace Wong is seeking an Australian student to work on a collaborative project working with Defence Science and Technology Group to develop new sensing materials for aerosolised toxic agents (chemical and biological) and integrate them into a new cutting edge, small, lightweight and low-power sensor technology. The successful student will have a background in organic/materials chemistry with interest in photophysical chemistry, analytical chemistry and device engineering.
PhD Position in Sensor Development - position description
How to apply for a PhD at the University of Melbourne
