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.
Research Opportunities open to all applicants
PhD Scholarship in Computational Chemistry
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 Computational Chemistry
Past Research Opportunities (recent)
Research Engineer
UNSW Sydney
Applications close: 22 November 2021
Professor Timothy Schmidt is seeking a Research Engineer in Agrivoltaics to play a key role within the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science (ACEx), in the School of Chemistry at UNSW Sydney and design and fabricate prototype photovoltaic devices pursuant to the goal of optimizing the relationship between photovoltaics and natural photosynthesis.
Research Fellows in Exciton Science - Female Only
Applications Open: Monday 13 September
Applications Close (extended): Friday 5 November 2021, 11:59pm
The ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science is committed to driving progress towards gender equality and ensuring diverse and balanced representation at every level of our organisation. To address the under representation of women in Science and Engineering, and to create empowering and safe workplaces for women in our Centre, these Research Fellow positions will be open to only female applicants.
Two female-applicant only research positions will be funded by the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science. These positions are open across the whole Exciton Science Centre and allow candidates to choose the discipline, project and university that best suits them.
Position Description - Research Fellow in Exciton Science - Female Applicants Only
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Optical Spectroscopy
The University of Sydney
Closing date: 4 September 2021
We are looking for suitably qualified female Postdoctoral Research Associate to undertake research in the research group of A/Prof Girish Lakhwani at the University of Sydney in time-resolved spectroscopy of advanced organic molecular materials. Understanding exciton-polariton photophysics in weak and strong light-matter coupling regimes is of particular interest. Visa sponsorship is available for this position for onshore candidates or New Zealand residents.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Nanoscience (women only)
The University of Sydney
Closing date: 22 August 2021
The Widmer-Cooper group at the University of Sydney is advertising a postdoctoral research position open to women applicants only to work on a range of simulation projects as part of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science. This includes work on the assembly of nanoparticles and the formation and properties of solution-processed photovoltaics. Due to Covid-19, the positions are restricted to Australian and New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, or people requiring a visa but who are currently in Australia.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Nanoscience
The University of Sydney
Closing date: 22 August 2021
The Widmer-Cooper group at the University of Sydney is advertising a postdoctoral research position to work on a range of simulation projects as part of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science. This includes work on the assembly of nanoparticles and the formation and properties of solution-processed photovoltaics. Due to Covid-19, the positions are restricted to Australian and New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, or people requiring a visa but who are currently in Australia.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Light Emitting Devices
The University of Sydney
Closing date: 17 August 2021
We are looking for suitably qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate to undertake research within the research groups of A/Prof Girish Lakhwani at The University of Sydney and Dr Anthony Chesman at CSIRO, Clayton towards the development of next-generation light emitting devices. This project will explore fabrication and characterisation of next-generations LEDs and lasers. Visa sponsorship is available for this position for onshore candidates or New Zealand residents.
Research Fellow
Monash University - Clayton Campus
An exciting opportunity is available for a motivated and talented individual to work with Alison Funston in collaboration with University of Melbourne, RMIT, University of NSW and the University of Sydney - to transform research into practice and discover new ways to source and use energy. The successful candidate will have a doctoral qualification in Chemistry or a related discipline, and experience in the field of well-controlled nanocrystal self-assembly or large-area nanocrystal assembly/self-assembly. Experience in spatially- and/or time-resolved optical microscopy/spectroscopy and energy transfer are also highly desirable. Flexible working arrangements may be negotiated.
Melbourne-Bayreuth joint PhD opportunity
PhD Scholarship in Exciton Logic Gates
The University of Melbourne
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
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
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
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
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
Professor Jacek Jasieniak 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
Postdoctorial Fellow - Exciton Science
University of New South Wales Sydney
The School of Chemistry at UNSW is recognised nationally and internationally, for producing world-class fundamental and applied research in the field of Chemical Sciences to address real-world challenges. The School's research is focused on five key themes: Health, Energy. Advanced Materials, New Chemical Frontiers and Knowledge Exchange.
The position of Postdoctoral Fellow in Exciton Science is available in the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science (ACEx), in the School of Chemistry. The Postdoctoral Fellow will perform experiments pursuant to the goals of the Centre.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
How to apply for a PhD at the University of Melbourne
