PhD Scholarship: Development of a Surface Reconstruction Model for Re-Entry Objects at University of Southern Queensland 2025-26

PhD Scholarship: Development of a Surface Reconstruction Model for Re-Entry Objects at University of Southern Queensland

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to contribute to the ARC DECRA project, “Development of a Surface Reconstruction Model for Re-Entry Objects,” under Dr Byrenn Birch at UniSQ. The project focuses on identifying spacecraft debris during re-entry using thermal signatures, with opportunities in imaging spectroscopy, hypersonic aerothermodynamics, heat transfer, computational methods, and experiments. Candidates will join the UniSQ Hypersonics and Rocketry Group, collaborating with national and international partners.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. The applicant must satisfy the entry requirements for PhD study at UniSQ and have completed an Honours Degree with First-Class or 2A Honours, or equivalent, or a Master’s degree with a significant research component in a discipline relating to the project (e.g., mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics).
2. The applicant must not be receiving equivalent support providing a benefit greater than 75% of the student’s stipend rate and be eligible to commence a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in early-to-mid 2025.

Selection Criteria:

1. Academic merit and skills, including qualifications, awards, research publications, research experience (including internships and projects), and communication skills (written and spoken).
2. Alignment of prior research experience with the DECRA project themes, supported by letters of recommendation from previous supervisors.

Application Process:  

1.  Provide digital copies of: Curriculum vitae, including any research presentations and/or publications
   Preliminary Research Thesis Topic Proposal, Education qualifications (testamur and academic transcripts for all undergraduate and postgraduate awards) and Supervisor support letter completed by current/prospective supervisor.
2. Submit your application via the UniSQ Scholarship Application Management System by the closing date.

Award: Stipend of AUD 35,000 per annum.

Deadline: 6th January 2025

Note:

1. Maximum period of tenure of an award is 3 years. Periods of study already undertaken towards the degree will be deducted from the period of tenure. Additional benefits include conference attendance and travel (domestic & international).
2. Due to current sensitivities surrounding research related to Hypersonics, some projects are restricted to students from Australia and countries on the Defence Trade Controls, Foreign Countries List – Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States.