National Industry PhD Program developing next-generation UV-resistant aerospace coatings

Scholarship Value: Minimum RTP stipend of $35,886 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually)  Top-Up: Additional $10,000 per annum industry top-up (DSTG)  Total (excluding indexation changes): $45,886 per annum.

One (1).

Essential criteria:

• Australian citizenship and eligibility to obtain and maintain a Baseline Security Clearance. 
• Completion of a Master's degree or First Class Honours in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline. 
• Demonstrated expertise in polymer synthesis, with strong practical experience in emulsion polymerisation and/or radical polymerisation. 
• Solid understanding of polymer chemistry, colloidal systems, and structure–property relationships. 
• Experience with materials characterisation techniques relevant to coatings and polymers (e.g., spectroscopy, rheology, particle size analysis, thermal or optical analysis).  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to design and execute independent research. Excellent written and verbal communication skills suitable for reporting to both academic and industry stakeholders. 
• Ability to work effectively within a collaborative, multidisciplinary academic–industry research environment. Desirable criteria experience in surface coatings formulation and performance evaluation. 
• Knowledge of UV durability, weathering performance, or optical material behaviour. Familiarity with scaling laboratory processes toward pilot or industrial applications. 
• Understanding of research translation, commercialisation pathways, or industry-driven R&D environments. 
• Prior engagement with defence, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing sectors.

2026-04-10

We are seeking an outstanding and highly motivated candidate to undertake this industry-linked PhD. Applicants must submit:A detailed academic CV outlining qualifications, research experience, technical expertise (particularly in polymer synthesis and coatings), publications (if applicable), and contact details of two referees.A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing the Selection Criteria and clearly articulating your suitability for a collaborative industry–academic research environment.A Statement of Purpose (maximum 2 pages) describing your research experience, technical competencies in polymer chemistry or emulsion polymerisation, interest in aerospace coatings, and long-term career aspirations aligned with research translation and industry impact.Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and required to provide certified academic transcripts. The successful applicant must meet RMIT PhD admission requirements and security clearance eligibility.Applications will be assessed competitively, and early submission is strongly encouraged.

This PhD project focuses on the synthesis and optimisation of nanostructured hollow polymer particles for next-generation UV-resistant aerospace coatings. The research will investigate emulsion polymerisation, particle morphology control, refractive index tuning, and structure-property relationships governing UV scattering, durability, and thermal management. The candidate will work across laboratory-scale synthesis, coatings formulation, and industrial validation, gaining hands-on experience in polymer chemistry, surface coatings, and advanced materials characterisation within a collaborative industry-defence-academic environment.