ELIGIBILITY:

They care about how you think and whether you can develop into an independent researcher. Applicants should have:

A suitable academic background for this project (see above).

A first-class honours degree, a Master’s degree with a substantial research component, or an equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.

Evidence of strong research potential, such as a high-quality thesis, publication, substantial research project, laboratory or modelling experience, or a project you can discuss with real depth.

Strong written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

English language proficiency meeting Murdoch University HDR admission requirements, where applicable.

Required backgrounds: economic geology, mineralogy, geochemistry, geometallurgy, extractive metallurgy, mineral exploration/earth sciences, or related areas.

How to apply

Please send the following to Professor Artur Deditius (a.deditius@murdoch.edu.au):

CV, including degrees, institutions, grade average and the scale used, thesis/project title and mark if applicable, any publications, conference presentations, and research projects.

Academic transcripts for undergraduate and postgraduate study. Unofficial PDFs are acceptable at this stage.

English test report (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE), if already available.

Cover letter, maximum 400 words, explaining why you are interested in this project and your thoughts on the open question above—including how you would begin tackling it, including the first experiment or analysis you would undertake, what result you would look for, and what you would do next. We do not expect a fully developed research proposal; we want to understand how you think.

Email subject line: PhD Application — Cu Mineralogy — Your Full Name.

Please apply by 31 August 2026. Late applications will be considered if the positions have not been filled. If shortlisted, applicants will be contacted for additional supporting documents and an interview. Successful candidates are expected to commence as soon as practicable, subject to admission, visa, and other administrative requirements.

BENEFIT:

Fully funded scholarship:

Living Stipend: AUD $37,000 per year (tax-free) for three years, with a six-month extension available subject to satisfactory progress.

Tuition Fees: Fully covered for all students. Domestic students incur no tuition fees; international students receive a tuition fee waiver valued at ~AUD $44,000 per year for up to four years.

Research Funding: Generous project operating budget for equipment, consumables, analytical work, conference travel, and (where relevant) travel to major national research facilities such as the Australian Synchrotron and/or the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering.

Location & Commencement: Murdoch University (Perth, Western Australia). Commencing as soon as practicable.