Scholarship details

Study levels

Research and PhD

Student type

Future students

Study area

Engineering

Eligibility criteria

Academic performance

Citizenship

Australian or New Zealand

What you'll receive

The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia.

The program will include:

  • admission to QUT's PhD program
  • supervision by QUT, CSIRO, and Gelomics (industry partner)
  • a four-year scholarship package totalling $47,000 per annum (2025 rate)
  • a four-year Research Training Program (RTP) Fee-Offset
  • a four-year project expense and development package of $13,000 per annum
  • a three-month industry engagement component with Gelomics
  • a structured professional development and training program to develop your applied research skills.

Successful students are subject to the policies, procedures and guidelines of QUT in addition to the CSIRO Industry PhD Program terms and conditions. Students will receive a standard PhD on completion.

Eligibility

The applicant must:

  • be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen
  • meet the entry requirements for a QUT Doctor of Philosophy, including any English language requirements
  • not have previously completed a PhD
  • be able to commence the program in the year of the offer
  • enrol as a full-time PhD student; part-time arrangements may be considered if approved by the supervisory team and in accordance with QUT's policy
  • be prepared to be located at the project location(s) that QUT has approved and, if required, comply with QUT's external enrolment procedures
  • be prepared to undergo onboarding to CSIRO, which will include passing mandatory government background checks (allow for between four to eight weeks) and complete any other CSIRO requirements.

Essential skills required:

  • Robust academic background in biochemistry, materials science, or a related field, underpinned by proven laboratory research experience, particularly in polymer chemistry or tissue engineering.
  • Strong skill set for data analysis and interpretation, coupled with excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and possess a proactive, innovative approach to problem-solving in research.

Desirable skills:

  • Prior experience with hydrogel development, 3D cell culture techniques, and a thorough understanding of photocrosslinkable materials.
  • Familiarity with patent research and literature review processes.

How to apply

Apply for this scholarship at the same time you apply for admission to a QUT Doctor of Philosophy.

To apply:

  • The first step is to email Professor Travis Klein detailing your academic and research background, your motivation to research in this field and interest in this scholarship, and include your CV.
  • If nominated to apply, you will then submit an expression of interest (EOI) to QUT following the advice at How to apply for a research degree.
  • In your EOI, nominate Professor Travis Klein as your proposed principal supervisor, and copy the link to this scholarship website into question two of the financial details section.

What happens next?

  • Your application will be assessed by the supervisory team and shortlisted applicants are invited for an interview.
  • The supervisory team nominates a preferred applicant and informs CSIRO's iPhD office.
  • The nominated applicant will be instructed to formally apply to QUT.
  • The application is then assessed by QUT against the PhD admission criteria
  • QUT will issue a letter of offer for the program if all conditions have been satisfied.

About the scholarship

Project details

This project aims to develop photoclick synthetic hydrogels, revolutionising 3D cell and organoid culture for pharmaceutical applications. The expected outcome is the creation of a novel class of hydrogels that offer superior control and consistency, aligned to pharmaceutical standards. The potential benefit is to enhance the consistency and predictability of tissue cultures, with implications in ethical, efficient, and reliable alternatives to animal testing.

The supervisory team

  • Queensland University of Technology:  Professor Travis Klein
  • CSIRO:  Dr Almar Postma
  • Gelomics Pty Ltd:  Dr Christoph Meinert

General program information

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