Job Description

Masters by Research Scholarship in Engineering Science - Ionic liquids for safe, long-lasting sodium metal batteries

Job No.: 698870

Location: Clayton campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 2-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a Research Living Allowance, at current value of $37,145AUD per annum 2026 full-time rate (tax-free stipend), indexed plus allowances as per RTP stipend scholarship conditions at: www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/scholarships/scholarship-policy-and-procedures.

The Opportunity

Monash University is a leading global research and education institution known for turning ideas into real-world impact. It is a public research university and a member of Australia’s Group of Eight. Globally, it is ranked 31st. As the largest Australian university, Monash also has international campuses in Italy, China, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is ranked second in Australia, with broad research themes including metallurgy, biomaterials, polymer chemistry and processing, and advanced materials.

Monash Engineering conducts world-class research in partnership with industry and leading institutions. Graduate researchers work on real-world challenges in a supportive environment with access to advanced facilities.

Lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the energy storage market, but concerns regarding cost, safety, and critical mineral supply chains are driving the search for alternative technologies. Sodium metal batteries represent a promising next-generation solution. Sodium is abundant, low-cost, and sustainable and can offer high-energy densities comparable to current lithium-ion technologies. However, significant challenges remain in electrolyte design and interfacial stability, limiting commercial deployment.

This project aims to develop advanced electrolyte systems based on safe and stable ionic liquids for high-energy sodium metal batteries capable of long-term operation in demanding environments. The outcomes will support the development of Australian battery technologies for applications including defence systems, agriculture, and off-grid energy storage.

A fully funded Master's research opportunity (2 years) is available in the Faculty of Engineering at Monash University. The successful candidate will join a collaborative research environment under the supervision of Dr Mega Kar, working closely with researchers at Deakin University, international industry partner Solvionic (France), and Australian battery technology company DYNATI Energie.

Candidate Requirements

We are seeking a domestic Master's candidate with a desirable experience in:

• A strong interest in energy storage technologies including batteries
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team

To apply for a domestic graduate research scholarship, you must be:

• an Australian citizen
• an Australian permanent resident
• a New Zealand citizen

Applicants will be considered provided that they fulfil the criteria for Masters admission at Monash University in the Faculty of Engineering.

Details of eligibility requirements can be found via https://www.monash.edu/engineering/future-students/graduate-research/how-to-apply

Applicants should ensure they familiarise themselves with these requirements before deciding whether they should apply.

The minimum qualifications for admission into a Master’s by Research course are:

• A bachelor’s degree of at least four years in a relevant discipline, which includes a research thesis or project;
• If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate English language proficiency;
• You will be required to show you have undertaken a research project or thesis as part of your academic education or have relevant professional experience

Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on campus.

The successful applicant will be expected to enrol by March 2027.

Enquiries

Please direct enquiries to Dr Mega Kar, Senior Lecturer, Materials Science & Engineering, via mega.kar@monash.edu.

Admission requirements and how to apply

Applications shall comprise:

• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability
• A brief Research Proposal that fits within the broad project aims and objectives, and
• demonstrates some understanding of the area of research
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works, conference presentations and relevant work experience
• A full statement of academic records, degree certificates and official grading system (if available), supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
• English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
• Names and contact details of 2 academic referees

Please submit your application via My.App and upload all supporting documentation in pdf format:

• Degree Information can be found via 3292 – Master of Engineering Science (Research)
• Select Admission Only as the Application Type
• Select ‘Yes’ to indicate that you are applying for a scholarship for this research and enter “Masters by Research Scholarship in Engineering Science - Ionic liquids for safe, long-lasting sodium metal batteries” as the scholarship name under Research Program Funding of the application
• Select Dr Mega Kar as the proposed main supervisor (final supervision arrangements to be confirmed upon appointment)

Closing Date

30 November 2026, 11:55pm AEDT or earlier if the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and early applications are encouraged.