Curtin–CSIRO Industry PhD Scholarship in Advanced Structured Packing for Low-Carbon Fuels
Curtin University
Curtin University and CSIRO are offering a four-year Industry PhD scholarship to develop advanced structured packing for energy-efficient vacuum distillation and separation of HEFA-derived low-carbon fuels. Applications remain open until the position is filled.
This four-year Curtin University and CSIRO Industry PhD project will develop and validate advanced structured packing for vacuum distillation and related separation steps in HEFA-derived low-carbon fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel pathways.
The research will examine how packing geometry, surface properties and multiphase flow behaviour influence mass-transfer efficiency, pressure drop, hydraulic performance and separation of thermally sensitive fuel streams. The candidate will combine process modelling, CAD and prototype fabrication with experimental testing and performance analysis to develop practical design rules for industrial scale-up.
The project is jointly supervised by Curtin University, CSIRO and industry. The student will be primarily based at Curtin University in Bentley, Western Australia, with industry engagement at SpiroPak and access to the CSIRO Syncat facility.
Funding: the 2026 package provides approximately AUD 48,000 per year tax exempt for four years. A separate project expense and professional-development package starts from AUD 13,000 per year and is administered for project costs and skill development.
Application route: submit Curtin's Graduate Research Expression of Interest to Dr Biao Sun. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed, and the supervisory team will nominate a preferred candidate.
Benefits
- Approximately AUD 48,000 per year tax-exempt scholarship package for four years at the 2026 rate.
- Project expense and development package starting from approximately AUD 13,000 per year.
- Joint supervision by Curtin University, CSIRO and industry.
- A 60-day industry engagement component and structured professional-development training.
- Access to university, SpiroPak and CSIRO research and pilot-scale capabilities.
Eligibility summary
- Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens only.
- Must meet Curtin University's PhD admission and English-language requirements.
- Must not have previously completed a PhD.
- Must be able to commence in the year of the offer and normally enrol full-time.
- Must be prepared to work at the approved project locations and complete CSIRO onboarding, including required government background checks.
Requirements
- Qualification in chemical engineering, materials science or a related discipline.
- Strong knowledge of fluid dynamics, mass transfer, separation processes, experimental design, data analysis and process modelling.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
- Laboratory experience in distillation, pilot-scale systems or process intensification is desirable.
- CAD, prototyping, equipment modelling, advanced materials, surface characterisation or vacuum-systems experience is advantageous.
Documents required
- Curtin Graduate Research Expression of Interest form.
- Academic transcripts and evidence of relevant qualifications.
- Curriculum vitae and supporting research information requested in the EOI.
- Evidence needed to satisfy Curtin admission, English-language and citizenship or residency requirements.
Language/test requirements
How to submit applications
Provider: Curtin University / CSIRO Industry PhD Program
Submit Curtin's Graduate Research Expression of Interest to Dr Biao Sun. The supervisory team assesses EOIs, interviews shortlisted applicants and nominates a preferred candidate.
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