Research scholarships

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt).

Contact: A/Prof Irina Kabakova 

Duration: 3.5 years 

School: Faculty of Science

Closing date: when filled

Domestic applications only

In spite of tremendous progress in modern biomedical diagnostics and treatment, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with almost 50,000 deaths per year attributed to solid cancers in Australia alone. Despite many tests are found helpful in cancer diagnosis, it can only be confirmed via a biopsy test where a small piece of tissue is excised from the organ or tissue and used for clinical histology staining to differentiate cancerous cells from the healthy ones. The tissues need to be sent to pathology labs and the test can take up to a week to complete. A rapid or real-time test, however, would be largely beneficial for the detection of cancerous cells, especially guiding the doctor during the surgery and determining margins for the tumour excision. Such a test should ideally be label-free, non-destructive and use approaches that can be integrated with the standard microscopy systems and hand-held devices for the easy translation into medical practice. Light-based techniques are preferred since light imaging can provide microscopic resolution, at the spatial scale of the cells.

This project will combine: 1) biological methods for tissue preparation, 2) light-based methods of Brillouin scattering for 3D micromechanical mapping, and 3) machine learning techniques for data processing and image analysis to develop and deploy a novel state-of-the-art opto-mechanical and real-time imaging biopsy for the differential detection of tumour tissues from surrounding healthy tissue. The position offered will be primarily based at the University of Technology Sydney and is supported by Garvan Institute of Medical Research and recently established Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS). Part of the position will involve working closely with cancer biologists on site at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Darlinghurst. The position is supported by an HDR stipend of $37k/year with possibility of an additional discretionary top-up for high-achieving students and $2.5k/year allowance for research related expenses and travel.

 
The Ph.D. project aims are: 
1.    To develop and optimise novel methods for tissue preparation and imaging of complex biological material using advanced Brillouin microscopy.
2.    To identify markers of pathological processes in cancer cells and tissues based on micromechanical and fluorescence imaging collected using a state-of-the-art combined Brillouin-Fluorescence microscopy system.
3.    To develop novel numerical and analytical methods for processing of Brillouin and fluorescence data, including classification, principle component and clustering machine learning methods. 
4.    To combine all the aforementioned methods to develop and deploy a micromechanical imaging biopsy system for real-time tumour tissue diagnostics.    

How to apply: 
Please submit your expression of interest via email to irina.kabakova@uts.edu.au. The expression of interest must include: 1) a cover letter stating why you are interested in the position, 2) a CV to address your suitability, 3) a digital copy of your degree transcript with grades. 

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Aaqil Rifai

Duration: 3.5 years 

School: School of Biomedical Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The expanding field of tissue engineering presents a promising avenue for scientific exploration. With their dynamic properties, responsive hydrogels offer a unique platform for orchestrating the spatiotemporal behaviour of progenitor and stem cells. This project focuses on developing hydrogels to intricately guide the maturation of tissues in the musculoskeletal system, specifically bone and cartilage. We aim to achieve precise control over phenotypic development with complex organoid models by utilising physical boundaries and chemical cues of hydrogels. This project holds significant potential for advancing our understanding of organogenesis, tissue development, and applications in regenerative medicine.

Research Question

How can we engineer responsive hydrogels tailored with specific tissue-engineered or naturally prevalent epitopes to exert spatiotemporal control over bone and cartilage tissue maturation with an organoid model?

Techniques and Methods

The project employs cutting-edge techniques, including chemical synthesis and bioconjugation, to functionalise hydrogels. Progenitor and stem cells will be cultured within these engineered hydrogels, enabling the observation of their responses to the controlled release of growth factors. Rigorous analyses, including material characterisation such as SEM, TEM, AFM and Rheology. The in vitro phase of the project will involve cell viability assays, immunostaining, gene expression analysis (e.g., qRT-PCR), and advanced imaging techniques (e.g., confocal microscopy). The student will actively engage in hydrogel preparation, cell culture, data analysis, literature review, and effective scientific communication.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Aaqil Rifai via Aaqil.Rifai@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Jiao Jiao Li

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Biomedical Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Bacterial infections and the development of resistance against antimicrobial agents pose substantial health risks in recent times. Excessive and improper administration of antibiotics in past decades played a major role in this crisis. In 2019 WHO declared that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will cause the death of 10 million people every year by 2050, with two-thirds of these deaths due to Gram-negative pathogens. Notably, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus species are responsible for most of the clinical infections and thus form a major threat to human healthcare due to their multidrug resistance. To solve this public health crisis, novel antibacterial agents should be added to the arsenal to fight MDR pathogens, especially before they develop new resistance mechanisms against current sensitive antibiotics.

Infection in both acute and chronic wounds may cause considerable morbidity, mortality, and increased costs. A tissue bacterial bioburden of greater than 1x105 (or at least 1x106 bacteria per gram of tissue) can be present without clinical signs of infection, and can deleteriously affect wound healing. Attempts at controlling the tissue bacterial bioburden have faced challenges. The most common approach to defend wounds from bacterial colonization is the application of a topical bacterial barrier dressing, which can be a physical barrier, such as films or surgical gauze that are gas permeable but capable of hindering liquids. Oral antibiotics and use of topical microbicidal ointment are also common for preventing bacterial colonization and subsequent biofilm formation, or for treating established infections. However, the main limitations of these typical strategies are delayed re-epithelialization or regeneration, and potentially development of drug-resistance. Hence, there is an urgent need for antibacterial dressings that are effective, non-toxic, low cost, and do not induce resistance. This study will directly address this medical need and have broad applications in society, industry and hospitals.

Full multidisciplinary supervision team: Dr Jiao Jiao Li (Principal Supervisor), Professor Joanne Tipper and Dr Javad Tavakoli.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Jiao Jiao Li.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Dr Qian (Peter) Su

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Biomedical Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

BACKGROUND: Platelets play a crucial role in blood clot formation, causing heart attack & thrombotic disease, the No.1 killer in Australia. Platelet integrin and its signalling pathways are important targets for the existing anti-thrombotic drugs. However, severe bleeding side-effects greatly reduce the usage of these drugs. The development of technologies to characterise and profile blood clotting will accelerate the process of finding more effective diagnostic and therapeutic solutions.

This research project will leverage next-generation super-resolution imaging technologies to provide a comprehensive map of the dynamics of molecular interactions, termed the “interactome”, for blood clotting platelets. This program collaborates with experts from molecular imaging, microfluidics haematology and anti-thrombotic medicine. The obtained “imaging database” from sub- to multi-cellular level will delineate platelet integrin interactome during thrombus formation at high spatio-temporal resolution. The gained knowledge will evaluate performance of novel anti-thrombotic drugs that are currently under clinical trials.

THE PROBLEM: The excessive accumulation of platelets at sites of atherosclerotic plaque disruption is the principal pathogenic mechanism underlying acute coronary syndromes and ischaemic stroke, the No.1 killer in Australia. Central to the thrombotic function of platelets is their ability to adhere and aggregate on the vessel wall with dysregulating and disintegrated endothelium, which is primarily driven by activation of platelet integrin receptor αIIbβ3. Although the crystal structure of integrin has been resolved, the dynamic mechanisms underlying activation remain incompletely understood at molecular scale and in native environments.

Clinically, integrin αIIbβ3 antagonists is the most efficient anti-thrombotic therapeutics in the market, while the severe bleeding side-effects greatly reduce the usage of the drugs. How these drugs affect the “inner life” in native thrombus formation is poorly understood due to the limited spatio-temporal resolution of the existing methods. “Seeing is believing”, a direct visualization platform for integrin dynamics on living platelet thrombi will facilitate the understanding of the integrin activation mechanism and guide the next-generation anti-thrombotic development.

AIMS: This project will support the integration of a super-resolution imaging platform, as the first-of-its-kind in Australia for thrombotic disease, to the next generation for mapping the full landscape of integrin activation dynamics on living platelets from sub- to multi-cellular level. The research program aims to establish an “interactome database” and an “imaging chamber” into new methodologies for characterising, identifying and monitoring thrombotic diseases.

The proposed profiling platform will deliver a molecular “interactome database” with extremely high resolution that has never been achieved for integrin mediated platelet activation. An easy-to-use imaging-based “blood clotting test” will be validated from in vitro molecular level to in vitro thrombus model, and from laboratory validation to clinical monitoring.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Qian (Peter) Su.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt) and/or add a top-up to $10,000k for candidates with primary scholarships. Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: A/Prof Irina Kabakova and Dr Qian (Peter) Su

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Biomedical Engineering and Faculty of Science

Closing date: when filled

Domestic Applications Only

Brillouin spectroscopy is an important technique for measuring the visco-elastic properties of biological materials, with applications to fundamental biology, tissue engineering, and drug-discovery. Raman spectroscopy is another well-known inelastic scattering technique that gives access to the chemical nature of the sample by fingerprinting the molecular structure and material composition. Traditionally, Brillouin and Raman spectroscopies are combined with a confocal microscopy to achieve point-by-point scanning of biological samples in 3D with diffraction limited resolution, so-called confocal Brillouin-Raman microscopy. Although this methodology proves to achieve high spatial resolution, and is relatively simple to set up, it results in long acquisition times since each point within the sample is measured separately and merged into a complete image via mechanical scanning of the sample or the objective lens in 3D. 

A multiplexed approach, in which hundreds of spatial locations are probed at the same, provides a natural solution for high-speed Brillouin and Raman microscopy. This can be achieved by focusing light into a line rather than a point and scanning the sample in one dimension to obtain the full 2D image of the sample. Although, relatively simple conceptually, a line-scanning Brillouin-Raman microscope is yet to be demonstrated. This project aims to address this by focusing on optical design of a novel line-scanning Brillouin-Raman microscopy system and completion of the world-first line-scanning Brillouin-Raman microscopy system for fast mapping of mechanical and chemical properties of biological samples at the same time. 

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of A/Prof Irina Kabakova, an internationally renowned expert in Brillouin light microscopy (‪Irina Kabakova‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬). The candidate will work within the team of researchers and students supported by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence. Top-up stipend for successful candidates can be granted in the second year of candidature. 

Eligibility requirements:      
-    Completion of Bachelor of Science with Honours (first class cat I or II) or similar qualification in a recognised engineering degree.      
-    Knowledge of optical physics, specifically optical system design and microscopy.     
-    Knowledge of one of the methods, Brillouin or Raman scattering, is desirable but not compulsory.      
-    Good programming skills in Matlab/Python or R.     
-    Skills in instrument automation and/or interfacing are desirable but not compulsory.     
-    Great communication and presentation skills.  

Interested candidates should contact A/Prof Irina Kabakova directly on Irina.kabakova@uts.edu.au. Please attach your CV and supporting letter with your email enquiry. In the supporting letter please address the eligibility requirements listed above. 

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contacts: Adjunct Associate Professor Peter Watterson

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Biomedical Engineering and School of Electrical and Data Engineering 

Closing Date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Nerve activation is emerging as a means to treat many debilitating medical conditions such as pain, muscle atrophy, depression and muscle spasticity. Inquiries are invited from suitably skilled and motivated STEM graduates interested in either a full-time Master of Engineering (Research) or PhD place to advance a new class of painless, non-invasive magnetic nerve activators, based on high-speed rotation of permanent magnets. A proof-of-concept prototype device using two magnets has already been designed, built and tested, with the early positive results published believed to be a world first (J. Physiology doi:10.1113/JP271743; Neuromodulation doi: 10.1111/ner.12958, Paper INS19-0407).

The research to be undertaken is likely to include some or all of:

• computer modelling to determine the electric field generated within human limbs and the resulting transmembrane potential created in nerves within the limb 
• the design of new magnet configurations and devices to optimise the membrane potential
• testing of prototype devices on animal and human nerves in collaboration with neuroscience researchers (subject to ethical approval being sought and granted).

Applicants must have a strong mathematical background and aptitude, preferably with knowledge of electromagnetics (Maxwell's equations for electromagnetic vector fields). Availability and the suitability of either the Masters or PhD option may depend on the state of research at the time of your application. Please inquire by email first to check availability, indicating your preferred degree option and attaching a CV and a copy of your academic transcript.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme. 

Contact: Dr Aaqil Rifai

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Biomedical Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent disease, affecting upwards of 1 in 8 adults worldwide and is projected to increase by 60% in the next two decades. It is ranked as the 11th highest contributor to global disability and is typically associated with impact on mobility, physical function, sleep and mood. The treatment methods for OA are limited to removing or modifying existing cartilage, which can often result in accelerated cartilage degeneration over time. Moreover, the current measures for OA treatment are predominantly palliative and do not offer options for the regeneration of the targeted musculoskeletal system. With the rapid advances in healthcare and technology, tissue engineering (TE) provides solutions to regenerate new tissues, including cardiovascular, wound, bone and even whole organs. While progress has been made in understanding key events that occur during embryonic and post-natal development to generate native-like grafts, complete biomimicry of musculoskeletal tissues such as bone, cartilage and the osteochondral unit has yet to be achieved using traditional TE approaches.

This project will develop a unique TE strategy to reverse the damaged regions of OA. This research will advance the knowledge of the capacity of biomedical scaffolds to mimic the native biological process of embryonic development. The scaffolds will be investigated using ex-vivo approaches, animal defect models, pPCR and genomics. Tissue integration and regeneration assessments will include histological staining, micro-CT, and bone/cartilage-related markers analysis. The success of this project will enable us to realise the potential impact of high-throughput, finely-tuned scaffolds to restore function, repair defects, and, ultimately, provide new therapies for treating degenerative diseases, including OA.

Supervisory team: Dr Aaqil Rifai and Prof. David Gallego Ortega

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Aaqil Rifai via Aaqil.Rifai@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme. There is a possibility for a joint top-up scholarship with CSIRO for successful candidates 

Contact: A/Prof Adrian Bishop and Prof Gyorgy Hutvagner

Duration: 4 years

School: School of Biomedical Engineering     
Centre: Centre for Health Technologies

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Using nanopore sequencing, a single molecule of DNA or RNA can be sequenced without the need for PCR amplification or chemical labelling of the sample. Nanopore sequencing has the potential to offer relatively low-cost genotyping, high mobility for testing, and rapid processing of samples with the ability to display results in real-time. Nanopore sequencing has the ability for long sequence reads. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=RcP85JHLmnI

One advantage of nanopore sequencing is the ability to potentially distinguish RNA (or DNA) modifications and thus is finding broad application in epigenetic analysis.

The goal of this project is to develop novel machine learning techniques to detect and characterise molecular modifications using the nanopore sequencing technique. This may include the use of neural networks for both detection and subsequent classification (in a variety of categorical options).

The algorithmic development in this work will be based primarily in the Python programming language. There may also be the opportunity to do biological testing and experiments to verify and collaborate the algorithmic side of this project.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Jiao Jiao Li

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Biomedical Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of chronic disability, frailty and unhealthy ageing. It affects patients across a wide age spectrum, from young athletes with injured joints (50% develop OA within 5–15 years of injury) to elderly individuals (over 50% have OA above 55–80 years of age). It is the most common musculoskeletal reason for hospitalisation (33%) in Australia. OA-related pain and disability accelerate the transition to ageing and bring a host of deleterious consequences, including increased mortality risk from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and cognitive disorders. The consequences of having OA are therefore much more than limited mobility and drastic decline in quality of life, which are individually and societally catastrophic, but also a substantially increased risk of premature death due to other co-morbidities.

OA has no cure. Non-operative treatments are typically prescribed for pain relief, until the symptoms become so severe that a total joint replacement needs to be performed. However, this surgery is associated with increased risks of complications and limited implant lifetime of approximately 20 years. A new therapy that can provide a cure is urgently needed.

This project will develop an innovative therapeutic pathway for treating OA – extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from stem cells. We will optimise the conditions for culturing MSCs, to generate the most effective EVs for OA disease modification. The optimised EVs will be tested in a validated in vivo mouse model for their therapeutic effects on experimentally-induced OA. Proteomic and genomic analyses will be conducted on the optimised EVs to give mechanistic insights into their therapeutic effects. This project is a multidisciplinary collaboration that will establish an innovative pathway for the development of new therapeutics for treating disease, which can be applied not only for OA but also for other diseases. The project outcomes will lead to significant advancements in regenerative medicine, and has potential to benefit hundreds of millions of OA patients worldwide.

Partnership: Kolling Institute, University of Sydney

Full multidisciplinary supervision team: Dr Jiao Jiao Li (main supervisor), Professor Gyorgy Hutvagner (proteomics/genomics, nanomedicine), Professor Christopher Little, University of Sydney (osteoarthritis) and Dr Elham Hosseini-Beheshti, University of Sydney (extracellular vesicles).

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Jiao Jiao Li.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: A/Prof Nham Tran

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Biomedical Engineering

Centre: Centre for Health Technologies

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Human papillomavirus (HPV), notably type 16, is a risk factor for up to 50% of oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCC)s. For many decades, oral cancers were considered to be a disease associated with the older generation.

Today this paradigm has shifted. HPV16 is now a major cause of oral cancers and this is growing around the world. The fastest growing segment for oral cancers, are young women in the 20-24-age range, who are never smokers but are predominantly HPV16 positive. Similar trends for HPV16 incidence are seen in the UK and it is also on the rise.

There is now significant public heath concern for the spread of HPV16 in oral cancers. These HPV16 positive tumours are localised to the posterior of the mouth; in the oropharynx, tonsils, and at the base of the tongue.

Non-coding RNAs are known to play a vital role in the transformation process and recent evidence suggests that HPV16 may impact the small and long ncRNA pathways in oral cancers.

The project will explore the associations between HPV16 and the expression of non coding RNAs in oral cancer.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to A/Prof Nham Tran via Nham.Tran@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: A/Prof Nham Tran

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Biomedical Engineering

Centre: Centre for Health Technologies

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: Distinguished Professor Buddhima Indraratna

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

With an outstanding record of research achievements, the UTS Transport Research Centre (TRC) is a global leader in the design and construction aspects of transport Infrastructure systems including railways. TRC specialises in geotechnical applications covering the fields of ground improvement, roads and railway foundations, experimental and computational geomechanics, and field monitoring.

The Centre is seeking a high-calibre candidate to work on a 3-year geotechnical project funded by the Australian Research Council to develop a novel pile-supported foundation installed to prevent soft foundation soil from excessive yielding under cyclic traffic loading.

The selection will be based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. He/she must have a first degree in Civil Engineering with first class or high distinction.  Suitably qualified women are encouraged to apply.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Distinguished Professor Buddhima Indraratna via Buddhima.Indraratna@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: Professor Qilin Wang

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Centre: Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Wastewater treatment produces large amounts of sewage sludge, consumes energy and produces emerging micro-pollutants. This project aims to use an innovative technology to achieve sustainable wastewater treatment by reducing waste sludge production, enhancing energy recovery, and improving the removal of emerging micro-pollutants. The successful PhD candidate will focus mainly on the laboratory testing in collaboration with the industry partners under the supervision of Professor Qilin Wang. He/she will be well trained in the fields of wastewater treatment, sludge management, resource recovery, energy recovery, emerging micro-pollutants removal, anaerobic digestion, microbiology, modelling, and economic and environmental analyses.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: Dr Yancheng Li

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Closing date:  when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted.

The project is “Deep learning based crack detection using UAV image/video” and it is calling for applications for Ph.D scholarship under the supervisory team of Dr Yancheng Li. Candidates with a strong research track record including publications in structural engineering, civil engineering, automation, and relevant disciplines are encouraged to apply.

This project aims to address one of the challenges in asset management of concrete structures, i.e., lifetime predictive modelling and condition monitoring of infrastructure, through the development of automated, fast and efficient crack identification method built on the latest development of deep learning technique. The team will propose an autonomous deep learning-based crack detection using UAV image/video which is able to instantly identify the crack length and width in a fast and efficient manner. The expected outcomes are to develop deep learning-based crack detection method to enable real-time, high efficiency and robust crack detection. It can be integrated into UAV to develop drone crack detection product. The targeted end-users of the technology are Asset Management Council, Transport for NSW, Roads Australia.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: A/Prof Kirk Vessalas

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Closing date: 13/10/2024

Domestic and International applications accepted.

Project Description:

Who is Eligible:

Selection Criteria:

Value & Duration:

How to Apply

Application Period

Monday, 23 September 2024 to Monday, 14 October 2024

Early submission of applications is highly encouraged. The selection committee will also consider the applications on an ongoing basis for future projects.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $42,500 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: Dr Xuzhen He

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic applications only

Dr Xuzhen He from UTS is seeking high-achieving PhD students in 2023. The research project is “Modernise geotechnical investigation and analysis with machine learning”, which is funded by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project. Candidates with knowledge and research experience in computational geomechanics and/or machine learning are encouraged to apply.

About the project: 

The project aims to address the ineffectiveness associated with risk analysis of geotechnical systems by reducing variabilities and by rigorously quantifying such variabilities. It is expected to generate new knowledge in machine-learning-aided risk analysis and in virtual modelling of multiphase-multiphysics-multiscale problems involving random variables. Expected outcomes are datasets and computer tools that are equipped with new functionalities including parameter optimisation, uncertainty quantification, machine learning based surrogate models and risk analysis. These tools will help to bridge the increasing gap between academic research and engineering practice, transform geo-risk analysis and optimise complex construction processes.

Dr Xuzhen He is a Senior Lecturer and ARC DECRA Fellow at UTS. He has distinctive education and training background (BSc from Tsinghua University and PhD from the University of Cambridge). He received the prestigious John Winbolt Prize from Cambridge in 2015 and was awarded the ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) in 2021.   
 

About the role: 

The PhD candidate is expected to meet the following criteria:

• Master’s degree by research or bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record which is equivalent to first-class honours
• Domestic students (meeting UTS English Proficiency requirement)
• Demonstrated self-motivation and commitment to work on research topics.
• Demonstrated experience in undertaking research in the fields of computational geomechanics and machine learning.
• Demonstrated programming skills.
• Excellent written skills evidenced by scientific journal papers, conference papers, or technical reports.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $50,00 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: A/Prof Sherub Phuntsho and A/Prof Leonard Tijing

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Centre: Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater

Closing date: 30 November 2024

Domestic applications only

Nutrient in a Circular Economy (NiCE): ARC Industry Research Hub

NiCE is an Australian Research Council funded industry research hub where researchers, scientists, engineers, government agencies and industry experts from seven universities and many industries and organisations as partners working together to develop, test and upscale new technologies to achieve nutrient recovery from waste. The ARC NiCE Hub, led by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is therefore an interdisciplinary research hub tackling the technical, social, industrial, economic, and policy enablers to advance a circular economy for nutrients. 

We are pleased to announce an excellent opportunity for a PhD scholarship at UTS to work on the development of technologies for nutrient recovery from urine as part of the projects within the ARC NiCE Hub. 

PhD Project

One of the focus areas of the NiCE Hub at UTS is the recovery of nutrients from human urine. The student will be located at UTS’s Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater (CTWW) of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering under the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. CTWW has been consistently recognised for the development of world-class research in the water and wastewater field. UTS has been ranked by US News in 2022 as the best #1st university globally for Water Resources and ranked 2nd in the world for SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation by 2022 Times Higher Education Impact Ranking. The centre is focused on the development of innovative technologies that deliver abundant supplies of recycled, desalinated, harvested storm water and resource recovery. The PhD project will contribute to this NiCE Hub program by investigating effective nutrients recovery systems that allow improved nutrient recovery and higher end-products.  

PhD support 

The student will be jointly supervised by Associate Prof Sherub Phuntsho and Associate Professor Leonard Tijing at CTWW. The total scholarship stipend is AUD$50,000 (tax-free) per annum for 3.5 years, and additional funding for travel and project work up to $9,500 will also be available. The successful applicant can begin in January 2025. 

Who should apply? 

The applicant should have a minimum qualification of master’s degree or bachelor’s degree with Honours (Distinction) from the following disciplines:
Civil engineering, environmental engineering, civil & environmental engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental science, polymer science, organic chemistry and environmental chemistry
 

How to apply

 The application process has two stages. 
Stage 1: 
Please send a copy of your CV, including details of educational attainment, employment history, publication activities, and citizenship, together with a cover letter to Associate Prof Sherub Phuntsho (Sherub.Phuntsho@uts.edu.au). 
Stage 2: 
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed, and the preferred candidate will then work with the supervisory panel to prepare a research proposal for submission. 
Open to only: Australian citizens and current Permanent Resident visa holders. 
If you require further information on the position, contact Associate Prof Sherub Phuntsho by email at Sherub.Phuntsho.edu.au and Associate Prof Leonard Tijing at Leonard.Tijing@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: Senior Lecturer Jun Li

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Closing date: 30 September 2024

Domestic and International Applications accepted

In this project, recent data for concrete shrinkage will be collated and design requirements for key concrete structural elements in relation to shrinkage will be evaluated. Improved models for linking actual structural movements to shrinkage-based data will be established and validated using small-scale laboratory beam tests and field measurement of actual structural elements for which the design is known. New relationships between shrinkage of concrete and actual structural element movement will be developed. 

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV, Cover letter and Research Proposal to Senior Lecturer Jun Li via Jun.Li-2@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: Distinguished Professor Mark Stewart

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International Applications accepted

Carbon emissions in different stages of the life-cycle for buildings, bridges and water infrastructure are subject to considerable uncertainty and variability. The research will help develop stochastic models of carbon emissions, and use these to propose probabilistic decision metrics for carbon neutrality. The criteria for decision making may be meeting carbon neutrality, reduced carbon when compared with a benchmark scenario, or meeting other performance or regulatory requirements. As carbon emissions and/or performance criteria are stochastic the likelihood, extent and timing of meeting a specific performance criteria can be predicted, thus providing a risk-based decision framework for infrastructure carbon emissions.

This is a project for the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Whole Life Design of Carbon Neutral Infrastructure.

Contact: Distinguished Professor Mark Stewart (mark.stewart@uts.edu.au)

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Qiang Fu

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering 

Centre: Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater

Closing date: 31 October 2024

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Currently, 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, a number that could reach 5 billion by 2050 due to climate change, population growth, and rising water demand. Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SIE) is a promising, green technology for producing freshwater from various undrinkable water sources, including seawater, river/lake water, and polluted water. We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join our research team in the fields of functional materials, solar-driven interfacial evaporation and device design. This research project aims to develop innovative solutions for efficient water desalination, purification, and thermal management by leveraging solar energy as a renewable source for water evaporation at interfaces. The successful candidate will engage in cutting-edge experimental and theoretical research, focusing on advanced material design, interfacial phenomena, and sustainable technologies.
 

QUALIFICATIONS
The scholarship is only open to Australian and New Zealand citizens or residents for a maximum of 3.5 years. It is comprised of a Tuition Fee Offset and a Living Allowance Stipend ($37,000/Yr). 
−    Educational Background: A Master's or Bachelor's degree (Honours) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field.
−    Research Skills: Previous experience in solar energy, nanomaterials, thermodynamics, or interfacial phenomena is highly desirable. Candidates should have experience in experimental design, materials synthesis, and characterization techniques Computational skills (e.g., in COMSOL, MATLAB, or similar) will be an advantage.
−    Analytical Skills: Ability to independently analyze complex data sets and develop theoretical models to support experimental findings.
−    Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
Please send you application materials (1.cover letter, 2.curriculum vitae, 3.academic transcripts) to qiang.fu@uts.edu.au. The application will close by 31st Oct, 2024.

ABOUT THE GROUP
This group draws from disciplines such as Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Materials Engineering working on topics such as waste treatment, water treatment, membranes, solid polymer electrolytes, 2D materials and photopolymerizations. More information on the group can be found here: https://profiles.uts.edu.au/Qiang.Fu
Or Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=ZAwh0u0AAAAJ&hl=zh-CN

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: Cao Wang 

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Closing date: 28  February 2025

Domestic and International Applications accepted

Dr Cao Wang is now seeking for a highly-motivated PhD student to work on a project entitled "Structural steel reuse for designing carbon neutral buildings". A stipend of AUD 37,000 per annum (tax free) for 3 years, plus full fee waiver, is available to the successful applicant.

The applicant is expected to:
(1) hold a master degree in Civil Engineering (or other related discipline) or a First-Class Honours (or equivalent) undergraduate degree with high GPA; 
(2) have strong research potential (as evidenced by published papers at good venues);
(3) demonstrate strong interests in structural and reliability engineering;
(4) have excellent mathematical skills, and be familiar with software such as Matlab; 
(5) have good oral and written communication skills (see the English requirements of UTS).

If you are interested in this role, please prepare: 
(1) One-page motivation statement, addressing why you should be awarded this scholarship;
(2) A comprehensive resume/CV, including a list of your publications;
(3) And an academic transcript.

Please email your response to Dr Cao Wang (cao.wang@uts.edu.au) by 28  February 2025. Feel free to contact Dr Cao Wang for details of the scholarship scheme before the deadline.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: Cao Wang 

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Closing date: 31 January 2025

Domestic and International Applications accepted

Dr Cao Wang is now seeking for a highly-motivated PhD student to work on a project entitled "System resilience-based design of infrastructure facilities". A stipend of AUD 37,000 per annum (tax free) for 3 years, plus full fee waiver, is available to the successful applicant.

The applicant is expected to:
(1) hold a master degree in Civil Engineering (or other related discipline) or a First-Class Honours (or equivalent) undergraduate degree with high GPA; 
(2) have strong research potential (as evidenced by published papers at good venues);
(3) demonstrate strong interests in structural and reliability engineering;
(4) have excellent mathematical skills, and be familiar with software such as Matlab; 
(5) have good oral and written communication skills (see the English requirements of UTS).

If you are interested in this role, please prepare: 
(1) One-page motivation statement, addressing why you should be awarded this scholarship;
(2) A comprehensive resume/CV, including a list of your publications;
(3) And an academic transcript.

Please email your response to Dr Cao Wang (cao.wang@uts.edu.au) by 31 January 2025. Feel free to contact Dr Cao Wang for details of the scholarship scheme before the deadline.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the minimum rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Stipend top-up to $35,000 per year (tax free) will be considered for high calibre candidates with directly relevant background and experience.

Contact: Distinguished Professor Buddhima Indraratna

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic applications only

Project Overview     
Title: The Role of Energy Absorbing Rubber Grid on Ballast Track Performance.     

Breakage and excessive displacement of ballast lead to instability and regular maintenance of railways. The project aims to study the fundamental mechanics of ballast aggregates interacting with the apertures of recycled-Rubber Energy Absorbing Grids (REAG). The role of REAG on enhanced track performance by damping the cyclic wheel loading and impact will be quantified via rigorous mathematical methods complementing a computer-based numerical model and validated by laboratory & field data. When placed within the rail substructure REAG will enable reduced ballast movement and breakage while attenuating noise/vibration. The research outputs will facilitate improved rail track design enabling enhanced longevity and reduced cost of maintenance.     

Project description     

The successful PhD candidate will focus mainly on the large-scale laboratory testing and the development of the mathematical model capturing the energy absorbing properties of REAG, under the supervision of Distinguished professor Buddhima Indraratna, Dr Trung Ngo, and Dr Yujie Qi. He/she will develop an original conceptual model capturing damping, vibration attenuation and elasto-plastic soil deformation, and then calibrate it with the laboratory data obtained at the laboratory. The candidate will also assist the research fellow during fieldwork as part of his/her PhD training, while interacting with the research fellow and Dr Ngo to corroborate the mathematical formulations with the predictions of the numerical model developed at UTS.     

This PhD position is open to domestic students who hold a Master Degree by Research or Bachelor Degree with strong academic record which is equivalent to First-Class Honours and major in Civil (Geotechnical) Engineering. The candidates need to have:

demonstrated self-motivation and commitment to work on research topics;demonstrated experience in laboratory testing, mathematics and computational mechanics;excellent written skills evidenced by scientific journal papers, conference papers, or technical reports;excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Distinguished Professor Buddhima Indraratna.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Qiang Fu

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering 

Centre: Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater

Closing date: 31 October 2024

Domestic Applications Only

PROJECT
Environmental pollution and energy shortages have gained increasing attention in recent years. PET, as one of the most widely used polymer materials, is produced in millions of tons every year. However, PET is resistant to degradation under natural conditions, posing significant environmental risks. Therefore, artificial measures must be taken to dispose of PET waste. Currently, there are four types of recycling methods, including in-plant recycling, mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and incineration, as well as two concepts: closed-loop recycling and upcycling. Mechanical and in-plant recycling often result in decreased polymer properties, while incineration leads to excessive CO2 emissions, exacerbating global warming and air pollution. Compared to other recycling methods, the combination of chemical recycling and upcycling offers a more promising solution to the problem of PET waste. Furthermore, PET hydrolysis products can be utilized to generate high-value-added chemicals, contributing to sustainable development and resource efficiency.

QUALIFICATIONS
Educational Background: A Master’s or Bachelor’s degree (Honours) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
Research Skills: Experience in polymer science, catalysis, or materials chemistry is highly desirable. Prior research experience in plastic recycling, waste management, or sustainable materials will be advantageous.
Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex data and troubleshoot experimental setups. Familiarity with analytical techniques such as GC-MS, FTIR, NMR, TGA, and SEM would be beneficial.
Teamwork: Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
 

FUNDING NOTES
The scholarship is only open to Australian and New Zealand citizens or residents for a maximum of 3.5 years. It is comprised of a Tuition Fee Offset and a Living Allowance Stipend ($37,000/Yr). Please send your application materials (1. cover letter, 2. curriculum vitae, and 3. your academic transcripts) to qiang.fu@uts.edu.au. The application will close by 30th Oct, 2024.
 

ABOUT THE GROUP
This group draws from disciplines such as Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Materials Engineering working on topics such as waste treatment, water treatment, membranes, solid polymer electrolytes, 2D materials and photopolymerizations. More information on the group can be found here: https://qiangf.wixsite.com/mysite
Or Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=ZAwh0u0AAAAJ&hl=zh-CN

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $47,000 per annum (tax-exempt) Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: A/Prof Wei Liu

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science

Closing date: 30/04/2024

Domestic Applications Only

"Deep learning is one of the most successful learning methods in Artificial Intelligence. In many deep learning applications where models are trained on real-world data, a fundamental assumption is that the training and test data share the same underlying probability distribution. However, adversarial attacks that aim to deceive deep-learning models are observed in various scenarios. Recent literature has shown that adding imperceptible perturbations to image/text/network data can significantly impact the performance of even high-performing deep-learning models. This project aims to solve this problem by leveraging cutting-edge machine learning techniques to develop models that are robust to adversarial attacks.

This project will focus on adversarial attacks against Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and Gemini, and develop defence strategies to develop the most robust AI and LLM models that can effectively resist such attacks."

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to PhDApplication.WL@gmail.com.

Scholarship:  UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Professor Amir H Gandomi

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre: Date Science

Domestic and International applications accepted

Tall buildings contain many elements and constraints and finding optimum design for them is not an easy task. They need to utilise some special lateral system du to restrain against wind or earthquake loads. Dampers are the most efficient tolls considered as lateral systems. Previous studies are often on finding the optimum values of the related parameters of the damper or optimum story to locate it. The objective function is to maximise the ratio of controlled structure to uncontrolled one. In this condition, the cost of construction is not considered. This study focuses on finding an optimum design in a way that reduces the cost as well as maximising the aforementioned ratio. 

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Professor Amir H Gandomi.

Scholarship:  UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Professor Amir H Gandomi

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre: Date Science

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Machine Learning of differential equation models for observed data has recently gained significant attention. The main goal of this research is to fit fractional differential equations on data available from complex systems such as physical and financial domains. The main challenge is the lack of a general and user-friendly method to set up fractional-order derivatives as fractional derivatives are typically not given by closed-form analytic expressions. This project aims at employing different data-driven approaches such as Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Genetic Programming to address this challenge.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Professor Amir H Gandomi. 

Scholarship:  UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Professor Amir H Gandomi

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre: Date Science

Domestic and International applications accepted.

Many features of modular structures can be obtained by using some special multipliers on their base vectors.  There is a broad range of studies on finding a special feature of a modular structure by using some simple computations on their bases. For example, the eigenvalue of these structures can be obtained by using some simple mathematical functions on the eigenvalues of their bases. Despite this fact, finding the optimum design of a modular structure by optimising its base vectors has not been studied. Considering the existing hardships in the optimisation process of structures, finding such a methodology is obviously invaluable. 

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Professor Amir H Gandomi.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt) Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Dr YK Wang

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre: Centre for Artificial Intelligence (CAI)

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Artificial Intelligence (AI) changes our world a lot in recent years. AI-based approaches benefit the most powerful and convenient services. Meanwhile, Virtual Reality (VR) and/or Augmented Reality (AR) is a new interactive technology. All technologies aim to make our life easier. However, one interesting question is how we can wisely use these technologies to augment human performance.

In this project, we aim to leverage AI, state-of-the-art biosignal sensors, VR and/or AR technology to bring new insights or concepts for human performance modelling into a future life. Therefore, the students who have high interests in AI, VR, AR, data analytics, or biosignal processing are highly welcome to apply.

Selection Criteria:

• Interests in Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and/or biosignal processing
• Very STRONG programming skills in Python, Matlab and Unity 3D

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr YK Wang.

Scholarship:  UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Professor Amir H Gandomi

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre: Date Science

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

More than 80% of Australia's total power utility poles continue to deploy wood, this is more than five million timber poles. Wooden materials may deteriorate while in service as structural elements due to either biological (such as decay, fungi, and termites) or physical (climatic such as rain and sun) processes. Therefore, it is essential to detect this damage in wooden structures to enhance their integrity and maintain serviceability. The main challenge in inspecting wooden poles is detecting damage in the buried portion of the utility poles. Guided wave ultrasonic is a valid technique for checking the outreach area of the study member. This project aims to leverage guided wave ultrasonic testing and artificial intelligence to monitor the condition of wooden utility poles.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Professor Amir H Gandomi.

Scholarship:  UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Professor Amir H Gandomi

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre: Date Science

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Optimisation of structures is often based on cost optimisation of utilised materials. Although, in the first view it seems that by optimising the utilised costs of main elements, one can reach somehow the optimum value of environmental impacts (such as the amount of CO2). There are many other factors in the construction/design process that can change this relationship. As a result, studying the optimum design of structures considering environmental impacts is necessary. Due to the complexity of the problem, AI-based methods are suitable tools to handle such difficult problems. 

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Professor Amir H Gandomi.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact:  Prof Michael Blumenstein and Prof Damien Giurco

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre:  Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute and Institute for Sustainable Futures

Closing date: 30/05/2024 or when filled

Domestic Application Only

Project Overview: 

UTS is Australia’s leading technology-focused university with intensive investment in research. UTS Computer Science & Engineering and Artificial Intelligence subjects are ranked among the world’s best. UTS is also ranked #1 in the world for the subject of Water Resources¹.

^1. US News Best Global Universities 2024. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/university-of-technology-sydney-505153.

Project description: This project aims to develop an AI-based approach to autonomously analyse data from smart water meters using water-pressure sensors, as well as vibration data to identify end-use events (e.g. turning on a shower, watering the garden, starting a dishwasher) and to detect leaks and pipe breaks. The significance of the work for water demand management, relates to the fusion and autonomous disaggregation of datasets from advanced sensors, enabling more efficient utility services delivery, which will result in lower customer utility bills. Several AI-based techniques will be investigated and used in conjunction with pattern recognition techniques. Project benefits include enabling utilities to better manage and plan resources from data in in real-time. The project will be co-supervised by academics at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, who will provide grounded expertise on real-world implications of this research for Australia and beyond.

About the Scholarship: 

This scholarship is associated with an Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery project and offers a unique opportunity for engaging in pioneering science with real-world application and for collaboration with scholars at UTS and also at Griffith University where related PhD projects are being undertaken. The scholarship is tax free, for 3.5 years. The scholarship is comprised of a generous stipend (living allowance) at $37,000.00 per annum.

Other benefits include:

1. Access to the GPU-based computational resource and infrastructure at UTS.
2. Access to a top-tier research environment via the Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute and the Institute for Sustainable Futures at UTS.
3. Collaborating with a team tackling AI applications within the water sector and with utilities. The accumulated knowledge during PhD study will add great value to the student’s future career in both academia and industry.
4. The student will work on a Discovery Project funded by the Australian Research Council. The Discovery Project usually underpins blue sky ideas and highlights future directions for the Australian research community, and it is one of the most competitive grants in Australia.

Expressions of interest

The applicant is expected to be:

1. experienced in machine learning and deep learning.
2. interested in applications of AI, e.g. in water, applied to utilities.
3. experienced in/ready for research.
4. capable of self-motivation and self-management.
5. available for full-time study only.
6. an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Please submit your EOI (five page total including CV) outlining (i) your motivation to undertake the PhD and career aspirations (ii) your research capability and interest/experience in the field (iii) any relevant professional experience or personal achievements, resume/CV including previous degrees and academic grades to Michael Blumenstein or Damien Giurco via email – Michael.Blumenstein@uts.edu.au or Damien.Giurco@uts.edu.au. 

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: Distinguished Professor Jie Lu

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre:  Centre for Artificial Intelligence

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

An opportunity presents for an enthusiastic and talented recent graduate to be part of an ARC Laureate project.  The project aims to create a novel research direction – autonomous machine learning for data-driven decision making– that innovatively and effectively learns from big data to support decision-making in complex (massive, uncertain, dynamic) situations. A set of new theories, methodologies and algorithms will give artificial intelligence the ability to learn autonomously from data to enable machine learning capability to effectively handle tremendous uncertainties in data, learning processes and decision outputs, particularly enabling smart learning in massive domains, massive streams, and massive-agent sequentially changing environments. The project’s outcomes are expected to improve data-driven decision-making in multiple industry sectors.

The successful candidate is likely to:

• Have a master’s degree from a recognised university in a relevant discipline (such as Computer science, mathematics, statistics or joint mathematics and computing, or related areas)
• Fulfil UTS Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) admission criteria, including English language requirements
• Have a strong curiosity to learn and apply machine learning techniques into decision making
• Possess a familiarity with machine learning and decision making techniques such as transfer learning, optimisation, classification, regression, neural networks, and decision support systems
• Solid skills of Python or other programming languages
• Excellent data analytical and modelling skills
• Good English written and verbal communication skills

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Distinguished Professor Jie Lu.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Dr Sebastian Oberst

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science and School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering     
Centre: Centre of Audio, Acoustics and Vibration

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Termites live in colonies of several million individuals, underground and in the dark. The substrate termites feed and live on is biogenically designed or modified to serve as a multifunctional, multi-scale material. Termites use this substrate to efficiently ventilate and air-condition their nest, to carry a maximum of load by using a minimal materials, as food storage, nursery or for defence of the colony and as communication channel. Yet, almost no details of how these different functions are achieved, are known.  

This project interfaces Mathematics/Computer science with Engineering to engage  pattern recognition and machine learning tools to understand the combined effects of the communication channel as multifunctional structure with various signalling types (walking, foraging, alarming). The goal is to transition the findings into the design of novel, topologically optimised signal filters, leading to engineered highly efficient, lightweight multiscale metamaterials for the construction and manufacturing industry.

The potential candidate should be self-driven and motivated, should have an Australian PR or citizenship, and a university degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics or comparable discipline.

Any other project info (e.g. top ups, sponsor info): ARC Discovery Project, FEIT.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Sebastian Oberst.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Dr YK Wang

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre: Centre for Artificial Intelligence (CAI)

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR) brings new interactive experience in a real-world environment. However, the user still majorly relies on controllers as the interface. A popular application is the multimodal brain-computer interface (BCI) which integrates multiple physiological patterns to estimate the level of cognitive ability or human intention. BCI research aims to expand our understanding of the cognitive functions underlying human perceptual, cognitive, and motor functioning. Considerable progress has been made in improving the estimation accuracy of BCI using various sensor technologies, there is a new direction to leverage multimodal BCI for developing VR- or AR-related approaches that can bring new insights or concepts into future life. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and state-of-the-art data analytics algorithms may be also introduced during the whole project. The students who have high interests in VR, AR, data analytics, AI, or BCI are particularly encouraged to apply.

Selection Criteria:

Interests in Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Brain-Computer Interface, Virtual Reality, and/or Augmented Reality.Very strong programming skills including C#, C++, Python, Matlab, Unity 3D, etc.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr YK Wang.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $36,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Distinguished Professor CT Ling

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science

Centre: Human-centric AI research centre (HAI)

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Autonomous vehicles will soon become the future. In level 2 and level 3 autonomous vehicles  humans still need to remain in the loop and retain a certain vigilance level, requiring cooperation between autonomous vehicles and human operators. However, how a level of autonomy (e.g. semi-autonomy vs. manual) will affect the human cognitive state is still poorly understood and algorithms for adjusting autonomy levels adaptively remains missing. The contribution of this project will be threefold. First, a real-time subject-independent cognitive state monitoring method will be developed using multimodal physiological signals (EEG, eye-tracking and wristband). Second, an inference model will be developed to underpin the relationship between autonomy levels of vehicles and cognitive state through a driving simulator study. Third, an adaptive autonomy control method for mental state modulation will be developed using reinforcement learning.

The aim of this project is to develop an adaptive autonomy control method that can improve the cooperation and interaction between human drivers and autonomous vehicles, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of the driving experience.

The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of machine learning fundamentals and deep learning is highly proficient in mathematics and programming languages and has good analytical and problem-solving skills. The candidate should be proficient in  at least one of Python, C, C++ or C# programming languages . Knowledge of optimization and reinforcement learning is a big advantage.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Distinguished Professor CT Ling.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). An application for a top up scholarship is possible and fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Dr Sebastian Oberst

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science and School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering     
Centre: Centre of Audio, Acoustics and Vibration

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration (CAAV) was formed in 2017 and now has nine full time academic staff. The Centre is based at Tech Lab, which is a brand new research led facility that is close to the airport in Sydney. Tech Lab hosts brand new state-of-the-art acoustics experimental facilities that includes an anechoic chamber, semi-anechoic chamber, reverberation room and sound transmission loss suite. These new facilities will support new research projects in acoustics, including this current project.      

Termites communicate mainly over vibrations transmitting and receiving miniscule wave packages, which travel along wood fibres and termite-built clays. Our research in the past indicated that it should be possible in principle to use vibration signals to determine an individual ants’ or termites’ location (vibroklinotaxis). We were the first who evidenced termites substitute wood by building load-bearing structures. While past research has been focused either on the sender or the receiver, individual or groups of termites, the properties and the function of the substrate as food, communication channel or building materials has been neglected.

The project aims at studying structures of the higher and lower termites. Different structures of within the mound and close to foraging sites are collected from nature reserves (Darwin, Canberra). Mounds of different colonies will be dissected and the material specimen will be taken out, analysed using micro-CT and mass spectroscopy. The static and dynamic material properties need to be experimentally and statistically analysed. The material features will be clustered using machine-learning techniques, 3D recurrence quantification and recurrence networks and matched with geometry. Using a computer model, vibro-acoustic simulations will be conducted to explore the role of transfer paths in vibroklinotaxis.

The successful candidate will work in a thriving acoustics research group at a brand new facility dedicated to impactful research and which will include the chance to collaborate with researchers in other areas at Tech Lab, as well as undergo research training and development.

Findings are expected to contribute to the understanding how termites build and whether different functions and properties can be assigned to different parts of their structures. Novel bio-inspired acoustic porous materials are likely to be innovated by this research – with huge potential for technology transfer.

The successful candidate holds a MSc/MEng degree either in physics, applied mathematics, theoretical mechanics and materials engineering (with an interest to work interdisciplinary). Skills in mathematics, especially statistics and machine learning are required. Knowledge of nonlinear dynamics and nonlinear time series is not expected but desired. Excellent command of English is necessary and communications as well as presentation skills are important.

The project is suitable to candidates who have a solid background in experimental vibration testing and transfer path analysis as well as signal processing methods. A potential candidate also requires good knowledge of statistics and numerical modeling and should be interested in working with insects and insect structures. Some travel and fieldwork will be required.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV (including two referees) and cover letter to Dr Sebastian Oberst.

Scholarship:  UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Baki Kocaballi

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science

Closing date: when filled

Domestic applications only

The recent rapid developments in artificial intelligence have made it possible to develop conversational agents and chatbots supporting increasingly more engaging, usable, and reliable interactions between humans and technologies. There are already commercial products by the big corporations in the market such as Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, Microsoft’s Cortana, and Google’s Google Home. There will be more technologies and applications using AI-enabled conversational interfaces in the near future.     

The potential research topics include:

• Proactive behaviour in voice assistants.
• The mental models of consumers about the conversational agents.
• Definitions of affordance, agency, automation, and user appropriation in conversational applications.
• The dimensions of UX of current conversational applications.
• The evaluation of current conversational applications.
• The use of different prototyping methods to design and develop conversational systems.
• Accessibility and personalisation in conversational applications

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Baki Kocaballi.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contacts: Dr Marian-Andrei Rizoiu

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre: Data Science Institute

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

We didn’t sign up for this. The Internet and social media were supposed to be connected sources of information, guaranteeing universal access to truth. Instead, we got drowned – with social media acting as its primary carrier, propaganda and misinformation spread more expansive than ever before. We are observing a flurry of damaging activity – from vaccine opposition groups riding a once-in-a-century pandemic to far-right groups pushing extremist and racial targeting content.     

The search for a solution. The Australian government is investing significantly in understanding how online misinformation affects the cohesion of offline society. This project develops novel approaches for misinformation diffusion modelling and automated source validity quantification estimation. The goal is to understand what drives the adoption of misinformation and to counter it.     

How can you help? The Behavioural Data Science lab is looking for several funded PhD students to join us to detect, model and counter online misinformation. We require a wide range of skills and interests. We are looking for (computational) social scientists to forensically investigate the sources and patterns of adoption. We require mathematicians and applied statisticians to develop the information spread models. We need machine learners and data scientists to deploy at-scale neural network technologies for language and image analysis.     

Why the Behavioural Data Science @UTS? This project is part of a broader collaboration with US-based universities and companies. We offer a well-funded PhD research opportunity where you can develop cutting-edge technology and apply it to real-world data for social good. Behavioural Data Science provides an elite research environment with a supportive peer group of doctoral and senior researchers. We have collected and provided access to rich datasets to derive insights, real-world problems, and know-how. Behavioural Data Science has strong connections with industry and government, providing a testing bed for your research and career pathways post-graduation.     

You, the candidate     
Interested candidates must have solid background knowledge in statistics, machine learning and strong programming capabilities. Experience with big social data, extracting and handling web - and social media - originating data is a big plus. We are looking for a candidate with a Master by Research qualification and demonstrated research capabilities (preferably through publications). Candidates with publications in major conferences/journals will be prioritised. The position will be open until the ideal candidate is identified.     

How to apply     
To apply, please send Dr Marian-Andrei Rizoiu the following documents:

• your CV, showing your education and professional experience, prizes (such as university medals etc), awards and publications if any
• a cover letter (no more than one page), outlining:
  1. your profile’s match with the current subject,
  2. your machine learning experience (example: describe one prior project involving Machine Learning), and
  3. why do you want to research online disinformation.

Please be precise, not vague. Include: 

• grade transcripts from your undergraduate and Master’s Degree Master’s thesis (if applicable) or equivalent research thesis,
• 3 referees (academic or industrial supervisors, co-authors): name, position and email
• one of your publications (if you have one) that is most relevant for this position.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $36,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contract: Distinguished Professor CT Ling

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science

Centre: Human-centric AI research centre (HAI)

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applicants accepted

In real-world applications, high quality and collaborative decision-making requires  AI-enabled agents to reason for a long time-horizon. Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning (HRL) allows individual agents to learn options or subgoals as intermediate milestones before the final goal can be achieved. Extending the HRL framework to MARL presents challenges such as subgoal learning stability, coordination between agents towards reaching  assigned subgoals, or subgoals sharing amongst agents via communication. This research evaluates the expendability of current HRL frameworks to MARL scenarios and aims to develop more efficient methods to integrate hierarchical learning into MARL systems. 

The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of machine learning fundamentals and deep learning. Knowledge of optimisation and reinforcement learning is a big advantage. Good programming skills include Python (ideally) or other programming languages such as C/C++/C#

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Distinguished Professor CT Ling.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Baki Kocaballi

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science

Closing date: when filled

Domestic applications only

A non-fungible token (NFT) is a special type of cryptographic token which represents something unique; non-fungible tokens are thus not mutually interchangeable. This is in contrast to cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, and many network or utility tokens that are fungible in nature. Digital artworks are increasingly getting integrated with NFTs in exciting ways that support value generation, exchange, and community building.     

This project will investigate how NFTs are being used to generate, collect, and be exchanged in the rapidly emerging area of digital art on the blockchain. Some successful NFT projects include:     

https://www.larvalabs.com/cryptopunks     

https://boredapeyachtclub.com     

https://artblocks.io/     

The project will involve reviewing various uses of NFTs in digital art to understand what platforms are used, how artists are involved and what kinds of blockchain technologies are utilised. The potential project topics include but are not limited to:

• The processes that support the creation of digital art, its value generation and exchange on blockchains, emerging marketplaces of NFT-based digital art, and its communities.
• UX and safety of smart contract interactions.
• Fair distribution models of NFTs releases.
• Crowdsourced rarity calculation.
• Novel forms of curating and sharing NFT collections

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Baki Kocaballi.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt) Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: Dr Simona Mihaita

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre: Data Science Institute

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

In an era of rapid technological changes, connected, electric and autonomous vehicles (CAEVs) seem to be the perfect solution for dealing with challenging problems such as congestion, pollution and space optimisation in urban areas. While significant efforts are put together for dealing with regulations, standard adoption and testing some trial cases, few studies have concentrated on studying the impact of adopting such novel technology and the problems coming along with operating in mixed traffic environments.

This PhD project aims at proposing both theoretical and transport modelling techniques in order to build an efficient traffic control mechanism responsible of balancing a shared and on-demand CAEV fleet across various urban areas and maintain a high level of service that would minimise travel time for all vehicles on the road (either autonomous, public transport, taxis, etc.). The underlying operational problem associated with the shared on-demand CAEVs is a sequential stochastic control problem with incoming dynamic requests for rideshare, routing optimisation and electrical recharge constraints. In the first part of this project, the PhD student will develop an agent-based simulation tool (or a micro simulation model) for modelling the CAEV behaviour in a real urban setup and testing multiple assignment strategies [1]-[2]. This would include communication between vehicles and route optimisation for arriving in time at random recharge stations across the city subject to specific recharging constraints. Secondly, the focus will be on developing a controller supervision system that would allow traffic operators to balance the traffic demand and CAEV fleet allocation across large urban areas in order to ease traffic congestion [3]. This would take into consideration a dynamic fleet reconfiguration which would operate under safe navigation conditions [4-5].

The PhD student will be located in the newly formed Future Mobility Lab at UTS cofounded by Dr Simona Mihaita, under a new Data Science Institute led by Professor Fang Chen. The institute counts around 30 staff members with research interests spanning across asset management, transportation, behavioural data science and human dynamics. The Data Science Institute has both strong ties with industry, as well as world-class research, providing the ideal environment for solving real-world problems.     

Interested candidates must have solid background knowledge in transport modelling, traffic control and mathematical modelling (preferably stochastic optimal control, dynamic routing), and strong programming capabilities in Python/R. Experience with transport modelling at micro and meso levels are a big plus. We are looking for a candidate with a master by research qualification and demonstrated research capabilities (publications). Candidates with publications in major conferences/journals will be prioritised. The position will be open until the ideal candidate is identified.     

If you are interested, please send the following to Dr Simona Mihaita:

your CV,grades transcripts from undergrad and Masters,your research proposal ideas on the topic (max. 2 pages; to be refined with supervisor and final selected candidate).Masters thesis manuscript (if applicable) or any other research thesis;a cover letter (no more than one page), outlining how your profile fits the PhD position;3 referees (academic or industrial supervisors, co-authors): name, position and email;(if you have one) one of your publications which is most relevant for this position.

The selected PhD student will work under the supervision of Dr. Mihaita and interact closely with academics from the Future Transport Mobility Lab and a large industrial partner in Australia. Regular meetups and workshops will be organised for presenting new findings and results.

References: 1. Mehdi N., Matthew J. R., Agent based model for dynamic ridesharing, Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, Volume 64, 2016, pp 117-132, ISSN 0968-090X.

2. Pereira, J.L.F, Rossetti, Rosaldo J.F. , An Integrated Architecture for Autonomous Vehicles Simulation, Proceedings of the 27th Annual ACM Symposium on Applied Computing, SAC 12, 2012, isbn 978-1-4503-0857-1.

3. Michael H., Hani S. Mahmassani, Dynamic autonomous vehicle fleet operations: Optimization-based strategies to assign AVs to immediate traveller demand requests, Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, Volume 92, 2018, pp 278-297.

4. Mao, T., Mihaita, A.S., Cai, C., Traffic Signal Control Optimisation under Severe Incident Conditions using Genetic Algorithm, ITS World Congress 2019, Singapore, 21-25 Oct 2019, Preprint: https://bit.ly/2ITBCwF

5. Mihaita A.S., Tyler P., Menon A., Wen T., Ou Y., Cai C., Chen F., "An investigation of positioning accuracy transmitted by connected heavy vehicles using DSRC", TRB

96th Annual Meeting, Washington D.C., 2017.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Simona Mihaita

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre: Data Science Institute

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

This PhD topic will look at exploring all possibilities for utilising drones around improving the road safety, road maintenance planning and any road intervention operations (pre or post accidents).

The first year will explore intensively the literature review around the utilisation of drones for such operations, the systems requirements, the constraints, approvals and test-bed requirements before such a system can be deployed.     

The second year of the PhD will look at exploring together with Dr. Simona Mihaita and A.Prof. Nabin Sharma the deployment of a drone prototype at UTS that can be used for such operations with the establishment of a case study area to test the prototype.     

The perfect candidate will have strong programming skills, a passion for drone utilisation, as well as hands-on capability into prototyping.

If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Simona Mihaita.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Simona Mihaita

Duration: 3.5 Years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre: Data Science

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Electric Vehicle have started to be more and more adopted in various cities around the globe with the hopes of reducing traffic pollution and provide safe and green travel alternatives. However, their adoption is not straightforward and their impact on the local traffic grid or air pollution is highly underestimated. This PhD aims at studying the impact of EV adoption by using a combination of traffic modelling and data science techniques. The work will include the delivery of an analysis platform/framework that connects robust fine-grained local transport simulation with local energy system modelling to explore the electric vehicle (EV) impacts on road usage and battery charging demand. The platform will enable users to test different EV scenarios and explore the emergent effects of local EV patterns on medium-voltage distribution networks and the consumers they service, both now and into the future. Some of the main objectives of this PhD are:

Building a microsimulation modelling in Aimsun for traffic congestion evaluation in an Australian city where traffic data is available,Constructing EV recharge stations in the model and implementing routing towards the recharge stations of regular cars,Testing various scenarios concerning the energy consumption and future evolution based on current/predicted traffic flow patterns,Construct models and algorithms for optimising the location of EV recharge stations. Write the manuscript and present results across several conferences or via journal publications. 

      
The PhD student will be located within the Future Mobility Lab at UTS (www.fmlab.org) under the supervision of Dr. Simona Mihaita. Domestic students are highly encouraged to apply.

The candidate:     
Interested candidates must have solid background knowledge in data science – and desirably transport modelling. Experience with handling large and complex data sets and strong Python programming skills are a big plus. We are looking for a candidate with a master by research qualification and demonstrated research capabilities (preferably through publications). Candidates with publications in major conferences/journals will be prioritised. The position will be open until the ideal candidate is identified.

If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Simona Mihaita.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Professor Elise van den Hoven

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science

Closing date: when closed

Domestic and International applications accepted

The world is digitising at a rapid rate, more and more physical objects and activities have become digital and moved online. For many things this is welcome since digitisation has numerous advantages, but for some we miss the physical embodiment.

This project will be part of the Materialising Memories research program, in which we study when physicalisation and embodiment would provide benefits in the context of everyday remembering practices. Innovative concepts are worked out into interactive prototypes that will be evaluated in the real world. A project could focus on some of these iterative design phases, and does not have to include all.

Any topic loosely related to Memories (which is very broad, look at some example projects in this magazine: http://www.materialisingmemories.com/new-mm-magazine-out-now/) will do, as the focus of this project is on Materialising and Embodying interaction design in everyday life. The approach is design research using qualitative methodology.Creative proposals, that broaden the Materialising Memories portfolio, are welcome.Materialising Memories is based in three universities and countries: University of Technology Sydney, Eindhoven University of Technology and University of Dundee. This project will take place in Sydney, Australia, but could potentially be in collaboration with one of the other two universities.

If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and cover letter to Professor Elise van den Hoven.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: Professor Amir H Gandomi

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre: Date Science

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

This project is about extending Genetic Programming in order to deal with challenging problems including large scale problems. Several topics are going to be investigated in this project including hybrid approaches, information theory, cloud computing, etc. The researcher needs to code genetic programming during this project.

A solid background in computer and data sciences as well as strong programming skill (MatLab/Python/Java). A master degree in computer science, data science, mathematics, AI, engineering, or related field. Basic statistics knowledge and familiar with genetic programming and evolutionary computation topics.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Professor Amir H Gandomi.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $36,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contract: Distinguished Professor CT Ling

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science

Centre: Human-centric AI research centre (HAI)

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applicants accepted

This project explores the potential of using human-centric deep generative models to provide more accurate and reliable decision-making support that takes into account the safety and trustworthiness of manufacturing processes. The project will involve the development and implementation of deep generative models that can learn from existing design data and user feedback to generate optimal decisions or processes. The models will be trained on a wide range of data sources to ensure they can generate designs representative of  human experience.

The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of machine learning fundamentals and generative models, is highly proficient in mathematics and programming languages and has good analytical and problem-solving skills. The candidate should be proficient in at least one of Python, C, C++ or C# programming languages

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Distinguished Professor CT Ling.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: A/Prof Bo Liu

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Online platforms provide goods and services to people all over the world in a flexible way. Due to COVID-19, the number of online platforms increased significantly. As more and more business activities are conducted in a virtual environment, there is a corresponding increase in major privacy and security challenges. This project aims to work in the online education industry to provide a revolutionary secure environment for both business owners and users. This secure online environment will enable privacy and security guarantees that will be first implemented on our Partner Organisation’s education platform. The developed technologies can be easily adapted to most online-service industries and can be commercialized immediately.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to bo.liu@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: Professor Amir H Gandomi

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre: Date Science

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

This project is about incorporating second-order information into machine learning methods in order to boost the initialization and learning processes. From the machine learning methods in this project, it particularly focuses on deep neural networks. Several topics are going to be investigated in this project including hybrid approaches, big data analytics, graph theory, large scale problems.

A solid background in data and computer sciences as well as strong programming skill (MatLab/Python). A master degree in data science, computer science, mathematics, AI, engineering, or related field. Background in statistics and machine learning methods, deep learning in particular. Publications with major conferences and/or journals.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Professor Amir H Gandomi.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $36,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contract: Distinguished Professor CT Ling

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science

Centre: Human-centric AI research centre (HAI)

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applicants accepted

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) allow for direct interaction between the brain and machines, but current non-invasive EEG-based BCI technology relies on artificial stimuli or trained thoughts  which cannot read the brain directly to sense what a human is naturally experiencing. Invasive techniques such as Electrocorticography have shown some ability to 'read' speech and ‘see’ the object of focus in the mind's eye, but these methods are not suitable for widespread use. In this project,  a hands-free, non-invasive nBCI will be developed to create a natural and intuitive link between the brain and machines, enabling the understanding of silent speech and visualization of mental imagery. This disruptive technology has strong potential to replace current human-computer and human-machine interfaces and is foundational for wearable computers and devices that create a direct link with a wearer's brain.

The successful candidate will have experience in signal processing, data analysis, machine learning and programming, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills. Additionally, experience with EEG or other neuroimaging techniques would be advantageous.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Distinguished Professor CT Ling.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt) and a $10,000 top up.  Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Dr Sebastian Oberst

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science and School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering     
Centre: Centre of Audio, Acoustics and Vibration

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration (CAAV) was formed in 2017 and now has nine full time academic staff. The Centre is based at Tech Lab, which is a brand new research led facility that is close to the airport in Sydney. Tech Lab hosts brand new state-of-the-art acoustics experimental facilities that includes an anechoic chamber, semi-anechoic chamber, reverberation room and sound transmission loss suite. These new facilities will support new research projects in acoustics, including this current project.      

Termites communicate mainly over vibrations transmitting and receiving miniscule wave packages, which travel along wood fibres and termite-built clays. Our research in the past indicated that it should be possible in principle to use vibration signals to determine an individual ants’ or termites’ location (vibroklinotaxis). We were the first who evidenced termites substitute wood by building load-bearing structures. While past research has been focused either on the sender or the receiver, individual or groups of termites, the properties and the function of the substrate as food, communication channel or building materials has been neglected.

The project aims at studying structures of the higher and lower termites. Different structures of within the mound and close to foraging sites are collected from nature reserves (Darwin, Canberra). Mounds of different colonies will be dissected and the material specimen will be taken out, analysed using micro-CT and mass spectroscopy. The static and dynamic material properties need to be experimentally and statistically analysed. The material features will be clustered using machine-learning techniques, 3D recurrence quantification and recurrence networks and matched with geometry. Using a computer model, vibro-acoustic simulations will be conducted to explore the role of transfer paths in vibroklinotaxis.

The successful candidate will work in a thriving acoustics research group at a brand new facility dedicated to impactful research and which will include the chance to collaborate with researchers in other areas at Tech Lab, as well as undergo research training and development.

Findings are expected to contribute to the understanding how termites build and whether different functions and properties can be assigned to different parts of their structures. Novel bio-inspired acoustic porous materials are likely to be innovated by this research – with huge potential for technology transfer.

The successful candidate holds a MSc/MEng degree either in physics, applied mathematics, theoretical mechanics and materials engineering (with an interest to work interdisciplinary). Skills in mathematics, especially statistics and machine learning are required. Knowledge of nonlinear dynamics and nonlinear time series is not expected but desired. Excellent command of English is necessary and communications as well as presentation skills are important.

The project is suitable to candidates who have a solid background in experimental vibration testing and transfer path analysis as well as signal processing methods. A potential candidate also requires good knowledge of statistics and numerical modeling and should be interested in working with insects and insect structures. Some travel and fieldwork will be required.

If interested please contact Dr Sebastian Oberst and include your CV and motivation letter together with relevant diploma, transcripts, publication list and contact details of two referees.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Duc Minh Pham

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science and School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The project is in the field of data analytics (broadband network traffic insight and customer insight). The objective is to construct a thorough and detailed inventory that encapsulates both the current and anticipated future requirements for application services, along with a forecast of the expected demand on the National Broadband Network (NBN). In addition, objective of this research proposal is to validate, enhance, and extend a mathematical model designed to analyse instantaneous user throughput measurements. The model aims to classify capacity-constrained measurements, which provide valuable insights into the performance of the network or system being investigated. In doing so, we aim to ensure that the NBN can be strategically prepared to handle and support the bandwidth and service needs that these applications will necessitate, both now and in the years to come. The research also helps to improve business operation by better target subscribers with offers that ultimately provide the consumer with a better experience.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $47,500 per annum (tax-exempt).  

Contact: Associate Professor Marian-Andrei Rizoiu

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre:  Data Science Institute

Closing date: when filled

Domestic Applications Only

Overview
Ever felt the frustration of a flight simulator game lacking a clear goal? At the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), in partnership with Navantia Australia, we're transforming virtual training experiences. We aim to integrate Virtual Reality (VR) with serious gaming to create educational simulations. Imagine piloting a virtual helicopter in a fire crisis scenario, with your team members being highly advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents. These agents, designed to be smarter and more adaptable than typical game bots, will learn from in-game interactions and adapt to the users’ learning curve.

Project Aim
This research focuses on developing AI agents capable of seamless interaction with users in a VR setting, utilising these interactions to provide tailored educational experiences. The groundbreaking aspect of this project is the development of AI-powered bots that adapt to users' in-game behaviours, learning from the most skilled players. This approach enables a broad range of applications, including transitioning from training to performance evaluation.

About the Role:

• Research Focus: Developing AI agents for VR training environments, in collaboration with Navantia Australia.
• Responsibilities: Building AI models to learn from virtual interactions, personalizing training through behavior analysis, and pioneering AI in educational simulations.
• Environment: Work within Marintec's advanced research framework, with access to premier facilities and a close partnership between UTS and Navantia Australia.

Eligibility:

• Must be an Australian citizen.
• Requires a solid foundation in computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or related disciplines.
• Knowledge or Experience in Reinforcement Learning and AI agents is preferred.
  Demonstrated passion for educational technology research and innovation.

Benefits:

• A comprehensive PhD scholarship valued at $47,500 per annum for 3.5 years, covering tuition fees and providing a generous living stipend.
• Access to leading-edge research facilities and academic expertise at UTS.
• Exclusive industry engagement opportunities with Navantia Australia.
• Involvement in the UTS Industry Doctorate Program (IDP), equipping you for future leadership positions in your field.
   

How to Apply

Please send by email (Marian-Andrei.Rizoiu@uts.edu.au ) the following documents:
 

• your CV, showing your education and professional experience, prizes (such as university medals etc), awards and publications if any;
• a cover letter (no more than one page), outlining i) your profile’s match with the current subject, and ii) your expertise (example: describe one prior project involving Computer Science/ML/AI);
• grades transcripts from undergrad/Honours/Masters (which applicable);
• Masters thesis or equivalent research thesis (if applicable);
• 3 referees (academic or industrial supervisors, co-authors): name, position and email;
• (if you have one) one of your publications that is most relevant for this opportunity.

Contact Information:
Associate Professor Marian-Andrei Rizoiu,
Behavioral Data Science, University of Technology Sydney
email: Marian-Andrei.Rizoiu@uts.edu.au
website: www.behavioral-ds.science/

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Simona Mihaita

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre: Data Science Institute

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

This topic is will investigate a new research topic in the areas of Transport Modelling and Quantum Computing. The idea is to explore what applications from transport and smart city modelling can make use of Quantum Computing - routing algorithms, multi-objective optimisation algorithms, minimisation of transport detail, etc.     

The ideal candidate will have strong programming skills in Python, backed by knowledge in Quantum theory (Physics), and/or data-driven modelling around transportation/smart cities or any related topic.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Simona Mihaita.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr. Shoujin Wang

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science 

Closing date: when filled

Research Area: AI and Data Science

Domestic and International applications for PhD and Master by research accepted

In this thrilling era of generative AI, content creation has reached unprecedented heights, spanning texts, images, and videos with ease. Yet, amidst this innovation, ensuring quality remains a daunting task. Fake or biased information often lurks within generated content, posing risks to individuals and society at large when widely disseminated.

But fret not! Enter the heroes of the digital age: responsible content recommenders. Armed with advanced generative models like GPT-4, they stand as guardians of truth and integrity, revolutionizing the landscape by thwarting the spread of misinformation while promoting positivity and authenticity.

Our mission? To develop cutting-edge content recommender systems that leverage AI's immense potential. We're not merely providing recommendations; we're forging a path toward a safer, more enlightened digital world. Join us on this exhilarating journey as we unleash the power of innovation and creativity, safeguarding against the perils of fake content.

This project aims to develop advanced generative content recommender systems powered by large generative models, such as GPT-4, to provide positive recommendations while mitigating fake contents.

Link to More Informationt
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379153139_Responsible_AI-powered_news_recommender_systems_for_combating_fake_news_RSNSW_2023_Student_and_Early_Career_Research_Award_Presentations
 

Selection Criteria
1. Basic computing and coding skills
2. Self-motivated candidates with interests in machine learning and recommender systems

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Tanzeela Altaf

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science and School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic applications accepted

This research aims to transform network monitoring practices by introducing innovative approaches and technologies, ultimately enhancing customer experience through proactive issue detection and resolution. 
We're specifically seeking candidates with a strong background in network engineering knowledge to understand network architectures and protocols, proficiency in data science for handling large datasets, familiarity with machine learning and AI techniques for anomaly detection, programming proficiency in languages like Python, understanding of research methodologies and academic writing for conducting high-quality research, and excellent communication and problem-solving skills. If you're interested in applying, please submit your CV, a letter of support, and any relevant academic transcripts via Tanzeela.Altaf@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000.

Contact: Associate Professor Guodong Long

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre: Centre for Artificial Intelligence (CAI)

Closing date: when filled

Only Domestic applications accepted

This is funded by an ARC Discovery Project. Federated machine learning is a machine learning paradigm that can collaboratively train an intelligent model at a server without collecting users’ private data and real-time behaviour on smart devices. This project aims to develop a next-generation robust federated learning framework to tackle the challenging scenarios of imperfect decentralised data in real applications, e.g. mobile phones and the Internet of Things (IoT) devices.     

The outcomes will bring great benefits to a broad range of industry sectors by providing novel large-scale intelligent applications with privacy preservation. Specifically, there are several predefined research tasks that need the student to explore and implement.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Associate Professor Guodong Long.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Associate Professor Guangquan Zhang

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The project is an Australian Research Council Discovery Project and it is calling for applications for Ph.D. a scholarship under the supervisory team of Prof. Guangquan Zhang and Dist. Prof. Jie Lu. Candidates with relevant background or strong research track record including publications in computer science, statistics, and relevant disciplines are encouraged to apply.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Associate Professor Guangquan Zhang.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship between $47k and $67k per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: A/Prof Catarina Moreira

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science and Data Science Institute

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Description

The Data Science Institute (DSI) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is a world leader in data science and ethical artificial intelligence and has a strong focus on Industry engagement. The UTS Data Science Institute DSI boasts over 200 PhD students and 100 academic staff with award winning researchers in AI.

In collaboration with Leonardo.Ai we are advertising an industry PhD program that will tackle research questions at the bleeding edge of GenAI research with an aim to drive forward both foundational research in the field through traditional publication outputs, as well as supercharging the Leonardo.Ai platform. Leonardo.Ai is a world leader in generative AI and is building one of the leading AI laboratories in foundational AI research. Leonardo.Ai has also recently been acquired by Canva and now hosts over 200 million users through the combined platforms. Both Leonardo.Ai and Canva have strong principles in: being a good human being foremost, maximizing impact, moving at speed and owning our goals and winning together. 

Project Aims

This PhD project aims to advance the field of safe and ethical generative AI by developing robust classification and detection methods specifically for AI-generated media. Current safety classifiers are primarily trained on real-world images and video, which often fail to perform effectively on AI-generated content. Addressing this gap, the research will focus on designing and refining safety classification methods for multi-modal outputs in generative AI. The student will therefore push the current safety methodologies into the regime of precision machine learning, such that edge cases are exceptionally rare on large scale multi-modal AI.

Thesis topics will explore a variety of approaches, including classification systems for generated outputs, analysis of model hidden states, and other metrics for detecting undesirable content. The research may also involve post-training techniques to refine and remove problematic concepts from AI-generated outputs. We aim to open source this work and present the research findings at major AI conferences globally.

The successful PhD candidate will have access to leading edge compute facilities (e.g. H100s), a team of world class research leaders across both UTS, Leonardo and Canva, cutting edge tools to conduct research, and mentoring and guidance to complete a best-in-class PhD research program. 

Eligibility

We are looking for the best of the best! You will be adequately qualified to enter the UTS PhD scheme with Undergraduate / Postgraduate Qualifications in e.g. Computer Science, Data Science, AI, Physics, Mathematics or equivalent.   

Candidate Profile

• A strong background in programming, mathematics, statistics or related areas. 
• Knowledge and interest in Diffusion, GANs, LLMs and generative AI in general as demonstrated by independent project work in GitHub. 
• Proficiency in modern deep learning frameworks such as Pytorch or Jax.  
• Ideally, we are looking for candidates with previous experience in top-tier Tech companies. We, however, welcome applications from underrepresented groups and diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in English (both Verbal and Written). 

Location 

This PhD will be hosted at the University of Technology Sydney and the student will spend significant time at the Leonardo.Ai headquarters, which is located on the waterfront in North Sydney (20 mins train ride from UTS).  

Available Scholarships

Scholarships vary between $47k and $67k depending on the quality of the candidate.

Contact

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to A/Prof Catarina Moreira (catarina.pintomoreira@uts.edu.au).

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact:  Prof Shui Yu

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science

Closing date: when filled

Domestic applications only

"We have two scholarships from Australia Research Council in the field of security of AI applications, e.g., blockchain, social networks.
The candidates are expected to be
1. Australian citizen or PR holder
2. have (or will have in the near future) Master degree or Honors degree
3. Self motivated"

Please send the CV and cover letter to Professor Shui Yu via Shui.Yu@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact:  Dr Jing Jiang

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

This project is supported by Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (ARC DECRA). The project aims to invent the next-generation federated machine learning framework by leveraging smart devices and their inherent structured relationships. The applicant must have research experience with demonstrated high-quality research publications in AI-relevant domains including machine learning, reinforcement learning, graph neural networks, data mining, natural language processing and computer vision. It is preferred that the applicant has special strength in one of the below areas including statistics, optimisation, theory of machine learning, and programming on deep learning. 

Please send the CV to Associate Professor Jing Jiang (jing.jiang@uts.edu.au).

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $36,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contract: Distinguished Professor CT Ling

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science

Centre: Human-centric AI research centre (HAI)

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applicants accepted

Communication between agents in a Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) system is an effective method in improving the learning of collaborative behaviours without a centralised training scheme. There are different approaches in enabling communication between the agents such as the types of messages to be sent, the protocols of message passing, or the integration of messages from different agents. Recent progress in attention-based mechanisms and transformer architectures  allow multiple implementation approaches  for communication-based MARL. This research investigates the feasibility and constraints of different communication protocols in a MARL system and how they enhance the convergence of reinforcement learning algorithms

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Distinguished Professor CT Ling.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Simona Mihaita

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre: Data Science Institute

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

This topic is related to the modelling of risky traffic behaviour and predicting the impact that such behaviour can have on traffic congestion and safety on the street. The PhD will explore several international data sets available in this field and will implement several AI driven algorithms in order to predict the likelihood of a crash under specific driving behaviour conditions.     

The ideal candidate will have strong programming skills in Python, backed by ML/DL/AI expertise and data-driven modelling around transportation/smart cities or any related topic.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Simona Mihaita.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000.

Contact: Associate Professor Guodong Long

Duration: 3.5 years 

School: School of Computer Science     
Centre: Centre for Artificial Intelligence (CAI)

Closing date: when filled

Domestic applications only

This project aims to develop transformer-based interpretable models for predictive analytics tasks on human behaviour, operating on sequence behaviour data associated with external supportive structured knowledge. It is expected to present theoretical foundations for robust representation learning on heterogeneous behaviour data and interpretable machine reasoning models, which can support a broad scope of intelligent systems.     

Expected outcomes will be a next-generation interpretable behaviour analysis system with versatile abilities to reason over various data structures and provide high-level interpretability about its reasoning procedure. The benefits will span the research and industry sectors, e.g., retail, healthcare, and service provider.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Associate Professor Guodong Long.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Dr Sebastian Oberst

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science and School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering     
Centre: Centre of Audio, Acoustics and Vibration

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Termites live in colonies of several million individuals, underground and in the dark. The substrate termites feed and live on is biogenically designed or modified to serve as a multifunctional, multi-scale material. Termites use this substrate to efficiently ventilate and air-condition their nest, to carry a maximum of load by using a minimal materials, as food storage, nursery or for defence of the colony and as communication channel. Yet, almost no details of how these different functions are achieved, are known.  

This project interfaces directly Biophysics with (Acoustic)Engineering to study a specific tri-trophic relationship of a certain ant species (predator), termites (prey, host) and inquilines (prey, parasite) and its nonlinear dynamics, but with focus on communication networks. The focus is here on studying the communication network characteristics and its species interactions (eavesdropping etc) by using the ‘active space’ concept of biology/biotremology and to relate this to the behavioural ecology of termites, their predators and competitors. Using the network and its input/output relations using theoretical considerations and experimental data, novel vibro-acoustic materials for camouflage are sought to be conceptualised, specifically for defence applications. 

The potential candidate should be self-driven and motivated, should have an Australian PR or citizenship, and a university degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics or comparable discipline.

Any other project info (e.g. top ups, sponsor info): ARC Discovery Project, FEIT

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Sebastian Oberst.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Dr Yang Yang

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The race to develop next-generation wireless electronics is accelerating at a rapid pace. Thanks to additively manufactured electronics (AME) technology, fast-prototyping, low-entry-cost, and in-house short-run manufacturing empower millions of start-ups and companies with demanding confidentiality and accelerated innovation. We aim to build a new class of multi-beam packaged antennas and miniaturised circuit designs to advance the knowledge for future mobile devices. Compact and unconventional AME antennas and circuits will be delivered to circumvent the limitations of today’s mobile devices, which are usually bulky and not compatible with future ultrafast wireless communications. The proposed AME antennas and microwave circuits should be easily integrated into mobile devices, cubic satellites. AME technology has a critical impact on 5G/6G high-speed wireless devices for low-latency communications and high-resolution sensing applications, which will immediately benefit telecommunication, defence and space industries. High performance millimetre-wave and terahertz prototypes with dynamic beams will be created for emerging intelligent and immersive technologies, e.g. unmanned vehicles, ultra-low latency virtual reality, smart cities, seamless telepresence, CubeSat systems, and space communications.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Yang Yang.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: A/Prof Yang Yang

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Distinguished Professor Karu Esselle

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

In this project, in collaboration with leading international and Australian companies, you will develop cutting edge radio-frequency technologies for antennas, RF front ends and associated communications or other integrated electronic systems. You will join a world-leading research team, who have a series of national and international awards and prizes in radio-frequency technologies, led by Distinguished Professor Karu Esselle (https://profiles.uts.edu.au/karu.esselle).

Land systems include radio-frequency telecommunications links between various platforms on land including satellite communications equipment on both stationary and mobile platforms.     

This project complements current and planned research conducted in collaboration with overseas and Australian companies and overseas collaborating universities including those in three Australian Research Council (Discovery and Linkage) projects.     

This project is open for both international and domestic candidates. However, due to potential in the future for leading to areas of sensitive critical technologies, citizenship of international applicants will be considered in the selection process. All citizenships should be declared in the application.     

Successful candidates will have access to state-of-the-art telecommunication laboratory and testing facilities. These facilities are situated in the UTS city campus and Tech Lab in Botany, including and a newly established antenna testing chamber. You will gain access to other instruments including interactive high-performance computing clusters, CAD software systems at iHPC and latest 3D printing machines at UTS ProtoSpace.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Distinguished Professor Karu Esselle.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Distinguished Professor Karu Esselle

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

In this project, in collaboration with leading international and Australian companies, you will develop cutting edge radio-frequency technologies for antennas, RF front ends and associated communications or other integrated electronic systems. You will join a world-leading research team, who have a series of national and international awards and prizes in radio-frequency technologies, led by Distinguished Professor Karu Esselle (https://profiles.uts.edu.au/karu.esselle).     

Maritime systems include radio-frequency equipment (on various platforms on water or underwater) such as satellite communications equipment and radar systems (on both stationary and mobile platforms such as fishing (e.g. trawler) vessels).     

This project complements current and planned research conducted in collaboration with partner organisations.     

This project is open for both international and domestic candidates. However, due to potential in the future for leading to areas of sensitive critical technologies, citizenship of international applicants will be considered in the selection process. All citizenships should be declared in the application.     

Successful candidates will have access to state-of-the-art telecommunication laboratory and testing facilities. These facilities are situated in the UTS city campus and Tech Lab in Botany, including and a newly established antenna testing chamber. You will gain access to other instruments including interactive high-performance computing clusters, CAD software systems at iHPC and latest 3D printing machines at UTS ProtoSpace.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Distinguished Professor Karu Esselle.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Distinguished Professor Karu Esselle

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

In this project, in collaboration with leading international and Australian companies, you will develop cutting edge radio-frequency technologies for antennas, RF front ends and associated communications or other integrated electronic systems. You will join a world-leading research team, who have a series of national and international awards and prizes in radio-frequency technologies, led by Distinguished Professor Karu Esselle (https://profiles.uts.edu.au/karu.esselle).     

Space systems include radio-frequency links between various platforms in space including spacecrafts. This project complements current research conducted in collaboration with space-related industry.     

This project is open for both international and domestic candidates. However, due to potential in the future for leading to areas of sensitive critical technologies, citizenship of international applicants will be considered in the selection process. All citizenships should be declared in the application.     

Successful candidates will have access to state-of-the-art telecommunication laboratory and testing facilities. These facilities are situated in the UTS city campus and Tech Lab in Botany, including and a newly established antenna testing chamber. You will gain access to other instruments including interactive high-performance computing clusters, CAD software systems at iHPC and latest 3D printing machines at UTS ProtoSpace.     

Excellent academic transcripts and demonstrated ability to conduct research are essential.     

Those receiving the flagship UTS Research Excellence Scholarship can expect a top-up that is based on the strength of the applicant.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Distinguished Professor Karu Esselle.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt).  Fee waivers may be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Prof. Jian Zhang

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic applications only

The successful candidate will primarily work on computer vision and machine learning, focusing on fundamental theory and technologies for object detection, recognition, and classification. This work aims to provide theoretical advancements and support for addressing applied problems in the ARC Linkage Project. The main objectives of the study include:

1. Developing vision-based monitoring of concrete in the mixing bowl to characterize workability through fine-grained model learning for vision-based workability estimation in concrete mixing.

2. Applying multi-modal data to improve workability predictions by integrating machine vision and learning through cross-attention models with multi-sensor feature fusion for robust concrete workability estimation.

3. Developing an algorithm to handle low-light conditions and noisy image/video data in a corrosive and messy environment (e.g., inside a concrete mixing drum).

Applicants can contact Prof. Jian Zhang directly about their application by sending their CV, a support letter, and transcripts. Highly motivated candidates with excellent academic records are strongly encouraged to contact Prof. Jian Zhang via .Jian.Zhang@uts.edu.au

Scholarship: A PhD top-up scholarship will be available through the broadband Technology Research Unit nbn programme- ASTRID.

Contact: Associate Professor Daniel Franklin, Industry Professor Ray Owen – Telecom Research Unit,

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

As global broadband infrastructure continues to evolve, the exponential increase in household broadband consumption presents unique challenges and opportunities for network dimensioning and planning as well as economic challenges. This project explores the nexus between the empirical data measured in broadband networks – on the limits of human information processing capabilities—specifically, the visual and cognitive processing thresholds of the human brain and eyes—and the continuous demands on broadband networks. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this research will draw upon cognitive psychology, neurology, and telecommunications engineering to delineate the upper bounds of content consumption that can be meaningfully processed by an individual and then a households of individuals. Employing quantitative analyses and leveraging advanced network simulation tools, nbn data through the ASTRID programme the study will identify critical inflection points where increased broadband capacity ceases to yield commensurate benefits in human information consumption. This research will not only highlights the diminishing returns on network investments beyond these cognitive thresholds but also proposes a shift in how global network infrastructure is conceptualized, designed, and optimized. By integrating cognitive limits into the dimensioning of broadband networks, this work advocates for a more sustainable, human-centric approach to telecommunications infrastructure development. We expect the research findings to have profound implications for policymakers, network architects, and content providers, suggesting that the future of broadband might not solely depend on technological advancements but also on a nuanced understanding of human capacities.

Background:

To explore the potential PhD project titled "Beyond Bandwidth: Aligning Global Networks with the Human Cognitive Threshold," a multidisciplinary approach is crucial. This approach combines insights from cognitive psychology, neurology, and telecommunications engineering to investigate the relationship between broadband network capabilities and human cognitive limits in a household. The goal is to determine the upper limits of household content consumption that align with the processing capacities of the human brain and eyes within households. By utilizing empirical data from broadband networks and advanced simulation tools, the study aims to identify critical thresholds where increased broadband capacity no longer results in proportional benefits in human information processing. The significance of the project lies in illuminating the diminishing returns of network investments beyond these cognitive thresholds. It advocates for a paradigm shift in the conceptualization, design, and optimization of global network infrastructure. By incorporating cognitive constraints into broadband network planning, the research promotes a more sustainable and human-centric approach to the development of telecommunications infrastructure. This shift suggests that future broadband expansion should not only depend on technological advancements but also on a nuanced understanding of human cognitive capacities and limitations. The outcomes of the study are anticipated to have broad implications for various stakeholders, including policymakers, network architects, and content providers. It challenges the traditional belief that continuously increasing broadband capacity leads to enhanced information consumption, emphasizing the importance of considering human cognitive thresholds in network planning. By acknowledging these limits, the research proposes a more effective allocation of resources and a reassessment of network optimization strategies to better align with human cognitive capabilities.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Associate Professor Daniel Franklin  via Daniel.Franklin@uts.edu.au and Industry Professor Ray Owen via Ray.Owen@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Professor Youguang Guo

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

An electric motor drive system consists a number of components such as: the motor, power electronics and control. The design and analysis of one component may also need multi-disciplinary knowledge. For example, the analysis on motor performance should consider the electrical, magnetic, mechanical, thermal, chemical (insulation) and acoustic aspects. This project aims to design and optimise the motor drive systems for the system-level optimal performance based on multi-discipline knowledge.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Professor Youguang Guo.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt).  Fee waivers may be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Dr Andrew Zhang

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering     
Centre: Global Big Data Technologies Centre

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

This project aims to develop foundational technologies for an innovative perceptive mobile (cellular) communication network that is also capable of ubiquitous radio sensing. It is expected to generate groundbreaking theorems and algorithms that will significantly advance the knowledge of joint communication and sensing. The intended outcomes are an innovative large-scale sensing solution capable of real-time 3D-plus radio imaging of the world, and enhanced communications with improved quality and reliability. The technology will revolutionise traditional communication-only mobile networks. It will enable and boost expansive radio sensing applications in e.g. transportation, energy, agriculture, and security.

Students are expected to have a strong background on signal processing, information theory, and/or network techniques, and have a good knowledge on mobile communication networks and/or radar systems. Skills on Matlab programming are desired.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Andrew Zhang.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate rate of $42,500 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Prof Jahangir Hossain

Duration: 3.5 years

School: Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic applications only

This project will develop innovative solutions to provide cyber-resilient and secure power supply for defence vehicles. Outcomes will enhance the robustness of power supply for defence industry against new cyber threats, natural disaster, and improve military operational readiness. The project will allow the defence industry to integrate the security platform into mobile power supply with maximum returns. The current power supply struggles to ensure safe and secure fuel supply for defence vehicles, especially during unwanted situation. Defence vehicles will benefit from a secure and reliable power supply, with the added benefit of security and protection for the operators. The Australian Defence Industry will benefit from new knowledge underpinning international improvements in cyber-secure control of its long-term energy supply.

This project is looking for a candidate with knowledge in artificial intelligence and electrical power systems. The PhD students must be Australian citizens, and there should be a level of due diligence on each student to ensure there are no national security issues. If you are a Australian Citizen and have relevant knowledge and skills, please send your CV to Prof Jahangir Hossain, jahangir.hossain@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Professor Youguang Guo

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The modelling of an electric drive system covers multi-disciplinary areas such as magnetic, thermal and mechanical fields, as well as power electronic circuits and control algorithms. Conventional or single-component modelling methods may not be able to meet the needs of characteristic analysis, optimisation design and predictive control of the whole drive system. This project aims to develop dynamic modelling of permanent magnet motor drives based on digital twin (DT) technologies. To ensure the consistent state between the entity and the DT model, efforts should be given to the combined modelling of mechanism and data, the special working conditions considered for improving the DT model database and the life prediction of key components.      

It is also crucial to tap into the potential information from massive data to deal with uncertainty, error, coupling interaction and other disturbances. A series of services, such as fault diagnosis and detection, health management, state prediction and system control optimisation, will be developed at the decision-making level, which will be beneficial to engineering efficiency, accuracy and practicality.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Professor Youguang Guo.

Scholarship: The value and tenure of the scholarships is a full-time stipend rate of $33000 per annum (indexed annually). Top-up scholarships are available for highly qualified candidates. 

Contact: Dr Negin Shariati and Dr Rasool Keshavarz

Duration: 3.5 Years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Project title: "Sustainable Sensing, Enhanced Connectivity, and Data Analytics for Precision Urban and Rural Agriculture". This industry project has 4 work packages and will address key constraints of: (i) power consumption, (ii) sensing methods and modes, (iii) remote sensing and remote data collection (iv) connectivity and networking and (vi) supporting data analytics aimed at improving both sensor performance and system optimisation. 

Four fully funded PhD Scholarships are available for outstanding candidates to work on a 3.5-years PhD program at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) within the RF and Communications Technologies (RFCT) lab. Based within the Faculty of Engineering and IT, the RFCT lab brings together a collaborative multidisciplinary research and development group engaged in industry-based R&D. Successful PhD candidates will join a collaborative industry-led R&D project comprising NTT (The Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation), the Food Agility CRC and UTS. The candidates will work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary collaborative research team, to undertake independent scientific investigations and carry out associated tasks under the guidance of academics and industry mentors. Quality research outcomes and publications in high impact journals and conferences will be expected. 

This project exists to create a generation of agriculture sensors, sensing and communication technologies 'fit for Australian agricultural purpose' factoring in inherent limitations of current systems in performance, connectivity and power.  

This work package includes airborne data collection, satellite links for IoT devices, and simultaneous information and power transfer (SWIPT) systems.  We are seeking an experienced Embedded Developer to join our team.  

Relevant skills and qualifications for the PhD position include a strong background in wireless communications technologies, computer engineering, computer science, experience with embedded development, C programming, microcontrollers, and the ability to write drivers. Bonus points for experience with FPGAs. 

Responsibilities: 

Design, develop, and maintain embedded systems Write and maintain software and drivers for microcontrollers Troubleshoot and debug embedded systems Work closely with hardware engineers to ensure proper system integration 

Requirements: 

Strong proficiency in C programming Experience with microcontrollers, including programming and debugging Experience writing drivers for embedded systems Bonus: experience with FPGAs Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team environment Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of publishing research in academic journals and presenting at conferences.  

If you are passionate about embedded development and meet the above qualifications, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. 

If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Negin Shariati.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Associate Professor Mehran Abolhasan

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Wireless networks have transformed the way we communicate, socialise and conduct our daily work. Wireless Network enabled the birth of a diverse range of applications over the past 10 years. Such applications range from gaming, social networking all the way to various types of business applications. However, many of such applications have been designed with one key limitation in mind. That is, Wireless network tend to be unreliable. It is not uncommon to see network dropouts or link failures as you travel and use various networking application. This limitation is generally tolerated and enables above application to continue to operate without significant impact on their operation once a link is restored. However, with the emergence of 5G Wireless networks, which promises to provide high level of capacity and reliability, the question is being asked now: Can wireless network be made reliable and agile enough to run Mission Critical applications? Mission Critical applications must operate over networks which have high levels of reliability otherwise it could result in catastrophic outcomes such as loss of life. There are a diverse range of applications, which would benefit from a Wireless network which can achieve a high level of reliability and low-latency. These applications range from Vehicular Network communications and Coordination, Telehealth/Remote Surgery, management of Industrial IoT sensor and actuations and more.

This project will conduct detailed investigation in the various layers of the current Wireless communications stack and propose new models, algorithms and protocols which aim to enhance the reliability of wireless networks and reduce communications latency.

Experience Needed: Strong mathematical background, Knowledge of Optimisation techniques, AI/ML, Strong knowledge of Wireless networking, Solid scripting and programming in languages such as C ++ and Python.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and to Associate Professor Mehran Abolhasan.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Associate Professor Mehran Abolhasan

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International candidates accepted

Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the key technologies with the potential to create a multi-trillion-dollar Industry. IoT is already making significant impact on many existing Industries in a number of ways. This includes enabling business process improvements and better management of operations at scale, while opening ever-growing niche business opportunities. The existing impact of IoT can be seen in many numbers of Industries such as Agriculture, Mining and Transportation, where IoT has played a major role in enabling automation and monitoring. However, with the proposition of new technologies such as 5G, which provide a platform to develop and provision new types of services, the range of applications for IoT is set to grow.

This includes a new generation of tactile applications and services with mission critical operations, such as remote surgery, driverless cars and more. Each new application may introduce new research challenges before an IoT solution can be successfully developed. Across a range of challenges mentioned above some of the key research challenges that IoT faces includes: 1. Security and 2. Application specific Connectivity. In terms of Security, much research still needs to be conducted to ensure IoT Devices and the data they generate are secure.

This problem needs to be addressed at different stages and layers of the IoT stack. In terms of Application specific connectivity, since IoT devices have different transmission and QoS requirements, this issue will have to be addressed based on the application requirement. For example, one application may require low data-rate but long-range connectivity, and another may require ultra-reliable connectivity with low-delay and high-speed connectivity.

Furthermore, another application may require each IoT device to be located in places where recharging of batteries may not be feasible, hence the IoT devices must operate and transmit data in an energy efficient manner. This project will explore a number of research topics based on the above challenges.

Where will the research be conducted: The above research will be conducted in the RFCT lab at UTS, which is a new lab with state of art facility, enabling design, modelling and prototyping of next generation IoT devices.

Training and research opportunities: You will develop your skills in designing IoT, working with potential industry partners, developing new innovative IoT technologies solving real-world problems.

What we are looking for: You will ideally have a First-class Honours or a Masters by research. You will have skills in programming (required), good knowledge of communications technologies and protocols (required), Electronics prototyping (desired), Machine learning and analytics (desired)

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and to Associate Professor Mehran Abolhasan.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: Dr. Dush Thalakotuna

Duration: 3.5 Years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Looking for an exceptional and highly motivated PhD candidate to be a part of an industry-funded research project focused on pushing the boundaries of multi-band multi-beam antenna systems for ground stations. This unique opportunity offers the chance to collaborate closely with an esteemed engineering team from our industry partner. For the right candidate, there is also the potential to transition into a rewarding role with our industry partner upon successful completion of the project.

Requirements

• Outstanding academic background with a master's degree in the areas of Antenna/Electromagnetic/RF.
• Experience in phased array antenna design.
• Impressive publication record demonstrating research excellence.
• Prior industry experience in similar areas is an advantage

Benefits

• Full PhD scholarship with a tuition fee waiver, enabling you to focus entirely on your research.
• Exceptional candidate may be eligible for an industry top-up scholarship and health cover subsidy.
• Engage in hands-on collaboration with our experienced engineering team.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support your research endeavours at a world class university. UTS has ranked ninth in the world and first in Australia in the 2023 Young University Rankings and among the world’s top 100 in the QS World University Rankings.
• Develop a strong network and gain valuable industry experience.
• Make a lasting impact through your research contributions.

If you are interested in applying, please send your CV, and Research Proposal to Dr. Dush Thalakotuna via Dushmantha.Thalakotuna@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: The value and tenure of the scholarships is a full-time stipend rate of $33000 per annum (indexed annually). Top-up scholarships are available for highly qualified candidates. 

Contact: Dr Negin Shariati, Dr Daniel Franklin, and A/Prof Justin Lipman

Duration: 3.5 Years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Project title: "Sustainable Sensing, Enhanced Connectivity, and Data Analytics for Precision Urban and Rural Agriculture". This industry project has 4 work packages and will address key constraints of: (i) power consumption, (ii) sensing methods and modes, (iii) remote sensing and remote data collection (iv) connectivity and networking and (vi) supporting data analytics aimed at improving both sensor performance and system optimisation.

Four fully funded PhD Scholarships are available for outstanding candidates to work on a 3.5-years PhD program at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) within the RF and Communications Technologies (RFCT) lab. Based within the Faculty of Engineering and IT, the RFCT lab brings together a collaborative multidisciplinary research and development group engaged in industry-based R&D. Successful PhD candidates will join a collaborative industry-led R&D project comprising NTT (The Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation), the Food Agility CRC and UTS. The candidates will work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary collaborative research team, to undertake independent scientific investigations and carry out associated tasks under the guidance of academics and industry mentors. Quality research outcomes and publications in high impact journals and conferences will be expected. 

This work package aims to achieve improved performance and cost-effectiveness of very large-scale sensor networks – both enhancing the quality and reliability of sensing, and enabling optimisation of sensor networks deployments to maximise network/sensor lifespan and minimise overall network capital and operational costs. This project will utilise a combination of remote-sensing and direct-sensing measurements together with advanced data analytic techniques and artificial intelligence to achieve the design goals. 

Relevant skills and qualifications for this PhD position include: 

A strong background in electrical, computer, telecommunications or data engineering, computer science, or a related field. Knowledge of sensor technologies and their limitations, as well as signal processing techniques for sensor fusion. Experience with programming languages commonly used in data science and machine learning such as Python and/or MATLAB. Familiarity with statistical and machine learning techniques for predictive analytics, such as regression analysis, classification algorithms, and time-series forecasting. Experience with developing and implementing algorithms for optimising energy efficiency in wireless sensor networks. Familiarity with wireless communication protocols used in sensor networks Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to work independently as well as in a team environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of publishing research in academic journals and presenting at conferences. Previous experience in research projects related to sensor fusion, predictive analytics, and AI for wireless sensor networks would be advantageous. 

 If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Negin Shariati.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contacts: Adjunct Associate Professor Peter Watterson

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing Date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Nerve activation is emerging as a means to treat many debilitating medical conditions such as pain, muscle atrophy, depression and muscle spasticity. Inquiries are invited from suitably skilled and motivated STEM graduates interested in either a full-time Master of Engineering (Research) or PhD place to advance a new class of painless, non-invasive magnetic nerve activators, based on high-speed rotation of permanent magnets. A proof-of-concept prototype device using two magnets has already been designed, built and tested, with the early positive results published believed to be a world first (J. Physiology doi:10.1113/JP271743; Neuromodulation doi: 10.1111/ner.12958, Paper INS19-0407).

The research to be undertaken is likely to include some or all of:

• computer modelling to determine the electric field generated within human limbs and the resulting transmembrane potential created in nerves within the limb 
• the design of new magnet configurations and devices to optimise the membrane potential
• testing of prototype devices on animal and human nerves in collaboration with neuroscience researchers (subject to ethical approval being sought and granted).

Applicants must have a strong mathematical background and aptitude, preferably with knowledge of electromagnetics (Maxwell's equations for electromagnetic vector fields). Availability and the suitability of either the Masters or PhD option may depend on the state of research at the time of your application. Please inquire by email first to check availability, indicating your preferred degree option and attaching a CV and a copy of your academic transcript.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Duc Minh Pham

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering and School of Computer Science 

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The project is in the field of data analytics (broadband network traffic insight and customer insight). The objective is to construct a thorough and detailed inventory that encapsulates both the current and anticipated future requirements for application services, along with a forecast of the expected demand on the National Broadband Network (NBN). In addition, objective of this research proposal is to validate, enhance, and extend a mathematical model designed to analyse instantaneous user throughput measurements. The model aims to classify capacity-constrained measurements, which provide valuable insights into the performance of the network or system being investigated. In doing so, we aim to ensure that the NBN can be strategically prepared to handle and support the bandwidth and service needs that these applications will necessitate, both now and in the years to come. The research also helps to improve business operation by better target subscribers with offers that ultimately provide the consumer with a better experience.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contacts: A/Professor Yang Yang

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing Date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The project aims to develop a new multiple pencil beam antenna system, using cutting-edge 3D printing technologies, for next-generation wireless communications and sensing. The PhD student will be able to design 3D printed antenna arrays, lens antennas, metasurface, and antenna feeding networks. The candidate will need to have a solid physics background with strong engineering techniques, e.g. soldering techniques, embedded programming, Matlab coding, and radio frequency imaging processing. The candidate might be involved in hardware-based coding/signal processing. Please send your CV (including a full list of publications) to A/Prof. Yang Yang (yang.yang-1@uts.edu.au). 

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers and top-ups may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Dr Andrew Zhang

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering     
Centre: Global Big Data Technologies Centre

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The UTS Radio Sensing and Pattern Analysis (RASPA) laboratory devotes to developing ubiquitous radio sensing and analytics technologies, by combining wireless signal processing and machine learning techniques. We focus on two major research areas in this lab. (1) Building ubiquitous radio sensing infrastructure using joint communication and radar sensing techniques. In one project, we are studying how to evolve modern communication only mobile network (such as 5G) to one with simultaneous radar sensing capability, by sharing the transmitted signals and most of system modules. (2) Harvesting information from radio signals by combining wireless signal processing, pattern analysis and machine learning techniques. The aim is to extract information from the received radio signals for detecting, tracking, and identifying objects, activities and events in the surrounding environment. In one project, we are developing an integrated solution for Health, Safety and Security using WiFi Sensing, and in another project, we are developing an integrated miniature Video and Radio Sensors for 3D sensing and object tracking.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Andrew Zhang.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Tanzeela Altaf

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science and School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic applications accepted

This research aims to transform network monitoring practices by introducing innovative approaches and technologies, ultimately enhancing customer experience through proactive issue detection and resolution. 
We're specifically seeking candidates with a strong background in network engineering knowledge to understand network architectures and protocols, proficiency in data science for handling large datasets, familiarity with machine learning and AI techniques for anomaly detection, programming proficiency in languages like Python, understanding of research methodologies and academic writing for conducting high-quality research, and excellent communication and problem-solving skills. If you're interested in applying, please submit your CV, a letter of support, and any relevant academic transcripts via Tanzeela.Altaf@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: The value and tenure of the scholarships is a full-time stipend rate of $33000 per annum (indexed annually). Top-up scholarships are available for highly qualified candidates. 

Contact: Dr Negin Shariati and Dr Rasool Keshavarz

Duration: 3.5 Years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Project title: "Sustainable Sensing, Enhanced Connectivity, and Data Analytics for Precision Urban and Rural Agriculture". This industry project has 4 work packages and will address key constraints of: (i) power consumption, (ii) sensing methods and modes, (iii) remote sensing and remote data collection (iv) connectivity and networking and (vi) supporting data analytics aimed at improving both sensor performance and system optimisation. 

Four fully funded PhD Scholarships are available for outstanding candidates to work on a 3.5-years PhD program at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) within the RF and Communications Technologies (RFCT) lab. Based within the Faculty of Engineering and IT, the RFCT lab brings together a collaborative multidisciplinary research and development group engaged in industry-based R&D. Successful PhD candidates will join a collaborative industry-led R&D project comprising NTT (The Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation), the Food Agility CRC and UTS. The candidates will work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary collaborative research team, to undertake independent scientific investigations and carry out associated tasks under the guidance of academics and industry mentors. Quality research outcomes and publications in high impact journals and conferences will be expected. 

This project exists to create a generation of agriculture sensors and sensing technologies 'fit for Australian agricultural purpose' factoring in inherent limitations of current systems in performance, connectivity and power.  

 This work package aims to achieve improved sensor performance in Australian environment conditions, and energy reduction/extend the sensors lifetime.   

The work package includes the development of remote sensing technologies, NPK sensors, soil moisture sensors, wireless power transfer (WPT) system, and batteryless sensors to meet industry requirements and standards.  

Relevant skills and qualifications for the PhD position include a strong background in RF circuit and antenna design, experience with ADS and CST software, and the ability to analyse RF systems. Bonus points for experience with FPGAs. 

Responsibilities: 

Design, simulate, and implement RF circuits Antenna design Testing RF circuits and systems  Troubleshoot RF circuits 

Requirements: 

Background in RF, communication technologies, electrical, electronics, or a related field.   Hands on skills in circuit RF design and analysis Experience with RF testing equipment  Strong experience in using ADS, CST and HFSS software Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team environment Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of publishing research in academic journals and presenting at conferences.  

If you are passionate about RF circuit and system design and development and meet the above qualifications, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. 

 If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Negin Shariati.   

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Associate Professor Mehran Abolhasan

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Over the past 10 years there has been a rapid growth and development in Wireless networking. Wireless networks have rapidly evolved over three generations reaching the current 5G wireless networking standard. 5G is seen as a major leap forward in innovation in wireless networking as it introduces higher levels of programmability and adaptability to achieve significantly better performance than 4G wireless networks. A key enabling technology in 5G is Software Defined Networking (SDN). By untangling the control and data plane from switching and routing devices, SDN enables for a more rapid innovation in the world of networking. This rapid innovation is set to accelerate the development of new generation of protocols and architectures for 5G Wireless and Beyond. However, SDN not only enables Wireless Networks to evolve quickly, but it provides the building blocks to allow them to operate much more efficiently and intelligently through the integration of AI/Machine Learning (ML) strategies.

This project will investigate into how different AI/ML strategies can be used to increase the scalability, operational efficiency and security of Wireless networks. The project will seek to develop new intelligent protocols and algorithms for 5G and beyond wireless networks (including 6G).

Experience Needed: Strong mathematical background, Knowledge of AI/ML, Strong knowledge of Wireless networking, Solid scripting and programming in languages such as C ++ and Python.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Associate Professor Mehran Abolhasan.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Professor Youguang Guo

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

An electric motor drive system consists a number of components such as: the motor, power electronics and control. The design and analysis of one component may also need multi-disciplinary knowledge. For example, the analysis on motor performance should consider the electrical, magnetic, mechanical, thermal, chemical (insulation) and acoustic aspects. This project aims to design and optimise the motor drive systems for the system-level optimal performance based on multi-discipline knowledge.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Professor Youguang Guo.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Trong Toan Tran

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Project summary

About the applicant

• Master's degree in Physics, Optics, Materials Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related disciplines.
• Having published international journal article(s) as the first-author.
• Experienced in working on research projects.
• Experienced in working with lasers and optics components is a plus.
• Knowing a programming language like Python, MatLab, C, etc is a plus.
• Having high-grade point average (GPA) in both their Bachelor and Master's degrees, e.g. >80%, is a plus.

• Laboratory: https://tttranlab.com/
• UTS profile link: https://profiles.uts.edu.au/TrongToan.Tran
• Google Scholar link: https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=-q1YEH4AAAAJ&hl=en

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt) and includes a full tuition fee waivers. 

Contact: Dr. Forest Zhu

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Centre: Global Big Data Technologies Centre

Closing date: when filled

Domestic Applications Only

Two fully funded Ph.D. Scholarships are available for outstanding candidates to work on a 3.5-year Ph.D. program at the University of Technology Sydney. The research topics will include millimetre-wave and sub-THz phased-array transceiver design in advanced compound semiconductor and CMOS technologies. High-quality research outcomes are anticipated during the program including papers in IEEE top-tier journals.

The candidates will have fully funded opportunities to attend international and domestic conferences to present their work. The stipend is $37,000 p.a. tax-free and includes a full tuition fee waiver.

The candidates should be familiar with EDA tools, such as Cadence and ADS, and know Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (active, passive) and RF-CMOS design.

Scholarship: The value and tenure of the scholarships is a full-time stipend rate of $33000 per annum (indexed annually). Top-up scholarships are available for highly qualified candidates. 

Contact: Dr Negin Shariati, Prof Mehran Abolhasan, A/Prof Justin Lipman

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Project title: "Sustainable Sensing, Enhanced Connectivity, and Data Analytics for Precision Urban and Rural Agriculture". This project has 4 work packages and will address key constraints of: (i) power consumption, (ii) sensing methods and modes, (iii) remote sensing and remote data collection (iv) connectivity and networking and (vi) supporting data analytics aimed at improving both sensor performance and system optimization.

Four fully funded PhD Scholarships are available for outstanding candidates to work on a 3.5-year PhD program at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) within the RF and Communications Technologies (RFCT) lab. The RFCT lab based within the Faculty of Engineering and IT, brings together a collaborative multidisciplinary research and development group engaged in industry-based R&D. Successful PhD candidates will join a collaborative industry led R&D project comprising NTT (The Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation), Food Agility CRC and UTS. The candidates will work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary collaborative research team, to undertake independent scientific investigations and carry out associated tasks under the guidance of academics and industry mentors. Quality research outcomes and publications in high impact journals and conferences will be expected.  

This work package will investigate into the potential application of AI/ML strategies to enhance the performance of IoT networks and develop new algorithms and methodologies to dynamically optimise radio and network parameters to enhance the performance of the IoT network. The work package will also explore how drone-based mobile base stations could be used to extend and enhance the coverage and capacity of IoT networks.      
Relevant skills and qualifications for the PhD position include: 

Excellent record of research publications in wireless networking and IoT. Experience with AI and ML-based Algorithm development for wireless communications and networking. Experience with working with open-source systems such as Linux. Hands on wireless networking skills. Experience in writing technical reports. Excellent communications and presentation skills.      
 

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Negin Shariati.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $47,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: Dr Mahmoud Karimi 

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

Centre: Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration

Closing date: when filled

Domestic applications only

Acoustic black holes (ABHs), inspired by their gravitational counterparts in astrophysics, are fascinating phenomena in acoustics. These structures are designed to absorb sound waves with remarkable efficiency, akin to how a black hole traps light due to its immense gravitational pull. In acoustic systems, these black holes typically involve gradually varying material properties, causing sound waves to slow down as they propagate. This gradual deceleration effectively prevents the waves from reflecting back out, leading to their absorption within the structure. Acoustic black holes have garnered significant interest for various applications, including noise reduction in engineering and architectural designs, as well as in the development of efficient acoustic metamaterials. By exploiting the principles of wave physics, researchers continue to explore the potential of acoustic black holes in revolutionising sound control and manipulation technologies. This project will develop a new ABH for noise and vibration mitigation of structures. For more information, please contact Dr Mahmoud Karimi via Mahmoud.Karimi@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: Dr Michael Ruppert

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering    

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

BACKGROUND:
Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) have been identified as one of the most promising technologies of the 21st century. These precision micro mechatronic systems have the potential to revolutionise both industrial and consumer products by combining silicon-based microelectronics with micromachining technology. MEMS devices are fabricated using integrated circuit (IC) batch processing techniques and can range in size from a few micrometers to millimetres. The interdisciplinary nature of MEMS utilises design, engineering, and manufacturing expertise from a wide range of technical areas including integrated circuit fabrication technology, mechanical engineering, materials science, advanced manufacturing, electrical engineering, control engineering, optics, and instrumentation.

Under a recently funded ARC research project, two PhD research topics are available to develop novel, scalable nanomechanical sensor platforms in combination with high-performance electronics and control systems for high-throughput imaging at the nanoscale level. The microsensors are based on MEMS devices with integrated actuation and sensing capabilities and will be interfaced with an atomic force microscope (AFM), one of the most powerful tools for imaging various surfaces with a resolution down to the length scale of a single atom. A major challenge in this field is to develop new technology to meet the needs of next-generation advanced manufacturing such as of nanomaterials and semiconductors. The available PhD projects are strongly connected to two cutting-edge applications in academia and industry: 1) high-throughput quality inspection of semiconductor devices and 2) visualisation of the chemical structure and precise orientation of adsorbed molecules under ultra-high vacuum and low temperatures conditions. Both PhD topics have the potential for research visits at overseas industrial partners and collaborating academic institutions.

PROJECT:
The PhD student will focus on designing novel electronic instrumentation interfaces with extremely low noise performance and minimal electrical cross-coupling between the MEMS actuators and sensors, particular for applications at cryogenic temperatures. A focus is placed on pushing the performance limits of discrete printed circuit board (PCB) / MEMS integration and fully integrated solutions with die-size active components and miniature passive components placed directly on the MEMS device. The HDR student will also develop a new scanning protocol for microcantilever arrays that is based on detection of the peak tip-sample force and will be implemented on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). This will be enabled by real-time measurement of the tip-sample interaction force and is expected to provide a significant imaging bandwidth increase compared to conventional methods. The successful PhD candidate is expected to develop an expert knowledge in electronic MEMS integration, low-noise analog electronics, high-speed controller implementations, and nanometrology with extensive laboratory and microscopy experience. The project is best suited for students with a strong background in analog electronics, embedded systems, feedback control systems, and FPGA implementations with a good understanding of system dynamics and a strong interest in precision mechatronic systems and emerging challenges in micro- and nanotechnology.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Michael Ruppert via Michael.Ruppert@uts.edu.au. 

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. Up to $15,000 top-up per annum is available for outstanding candidates.

Contact: Distinguished Professor Dikai Liu

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering    

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The project involves the development of intelligent robots for climbing and maintaining truss structures such as electric power transmission towers and telecommunication towers. These truss structures vary significantly in size, shape and structural complexity with dense and sparse beams at different heights. The robot is expected to autonomously scan its environment and understand what it has sensed, decide where to move to next and how to move to there, and interact with a structural member with the cleaning and painting tool.

This research will conduct analysis and modelling of human motion in climbing complex truss structures, develop methods that represent spatial, temporal and causal relationship, and then develop algorithms for mission planning. Machine learning will be applied for robot learning from human climbing demonstration.

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Distinguished Professor Dikai Liu.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Phuoc Huynh

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Solar chimney is a device which absorbs solar radiation to heat the air. The heated air, becoming buoyant, rises through the chimney’s passage and induces further air currents. When fitted to a building, solar chimney can thus induce fresh outside air to flow through the building for natural ventilation. Green wall and green roof on the other hand, are buildings’ wall and roof that are covered with green vegetation. This work investigates the effects of combining solar chimney and green wall – roof on the natural ventilation and thermal comfort in buildings. Other aspects like relevant costs and the practicality of construction of such combined system of solar chimney and green wall – roof will also be considered.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and Research Proposal to Dr Phuoc Huynh via Phuoc.Huynh@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Phuoc Huynh

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The water tank cools down during the night; the cool ambient air would provide the main cooling mechanism. During the day, the tank would remove the heat from the air as it passes through the tank before entering the building, thus enhancing thermal comfort. Solar chimney helps to induce naturally the air flow through the tank and the building. Being underground tends to keep the tank cooler than if it were above ground. The project involves experiments and computation.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and Research Proposal to Dr Phuoc Huynh via Phuoc.Huynh@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). An application for a top up scholarship is possible and fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Dr Sebastian Oberst

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science and School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering    

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

If interested, please contact Dr Sebastian Oberst by sending him an email contacting a motivation letter and CV together with relevant diploma, transcripts, publication list and contact details of two referees.

The Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration (CAAV) was formed in 2017 and now has nine full time academic staff. The Centre is based at Tech Lab, which is a brand new research led facility that is close to the airport in Sydney. Tech Lab hosts brand new state-of-the-art acoustics experimental facilities that includes an anechoic chamber, semi-anechoic chamber, reverberation room and sound transmission loss suite. These new facilities will support new research projects in acoustics, including this current project.

Termites communicate mainly over vibrations transmitting and receiving miniscule wave packages, which travel along wood fibres and termite-built clays. Our research in the past indicated that it should be possible in principle to use vibration signals to determine an individual ants’ or termites’ location (vibroklinotaxis). We were the first who evidenced termites substitute wood by building load-bearing structures. While past research has been focused either on the sender or the receiver, individual or groups of termites, the properties and the function of the substrate as food, communication channel or building materials has been neglected.

The project aims at studying structures of the higher and lower termites. Different structures of within the mound and close to foraging sites are collected from nature reserves (Darwin, Canberra). Mounds of different colonies will be dissected and the material specimen will be taken out, analysed using micro-CT and mass spectroscopy. The static and dynamic material properties need to be experimentally and statistically analysed. The material features will be clustered using machine-learning techniques, 3D recurrence quantification and recurrence networks and matched with geometry. Using a computer model, vibro-acoustic simulations will be conducted to explore the role of transfer paths in vibroklinotaxis.

The successful candidate will work in a thriving acoustics research group at a brand new facility dedicated to impactful research and which will include the chance to collaborate with researchers in other areas at Tech Lab, as well as undergo research training and development.

Findings are expected to contribute to the understanding how termites build and whether different functions and properties can be assigned to different parts of their structures. Novel bio-inspired acoustic porous materials are likely to be innovated by this research – with huge potential for technology transfer.

The successful candidate holds a MSc/MEng degree either in physics, applied mathematics, theoretical mechanics and materials engineering (with an interest to work interdisciplinary). Skills in mathematics, especially statistics and machine learning are required. Knowledge of nonlinear dynamics and nonlinear time series is not expected but desired. Excellent command of English is necessary and communications as well as presentation skills are important.

The project is suitable to candidates who have a solid background in experimental vibration testing and transfer path analysis as well as signal processing methods. A potential candidate also requires good knowledge of statistics and numerical modeling and should be interested in working with insects and insect structures. Some travel and fieldwork will be required.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Distinguished Professor Dikai Liu and  Yeman Fan

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Continuum robots are gaining a lot of attention in recent years. Due to their inherent characteristics such as compliance, flexibility, dexterity, and safety, continuum robots can be applied in aged care and health care to support daily living activities, exploration of compact and complex environments, and human-robot interaction. Design and control of continuum robots are challenging tasks due to the complexity of structure and the requirements of compliancy and stiffness tuning capability. This PhD project aims to develop novel methodologies for design and control of continuum robots. Prototypes of continuum robots will be developed and tested.

The project will involve a combination of design, modelling and experimental research. The candidate will develop prototype continuum robots that can be applied in real-word applications. The candidate will also implement methods for real-time control of robot motion and deformation, including bending, elongation, extraction, and stiffness variation.

The successful candidate will have a background in Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Robotics, Control Engineering or related fields, and should have a strong interest in mechatronic design and control of robotic systems.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dikai.Liu@uts.edu.au and Yeman.Fan@student.uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Phuoc Huynh

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Centre: Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Currently, the cost of desalinations is high; this is because of the equipment and materials (for filter, for example) used, and also the high amount of energy it consumes. On the other hand, water can boil at low temperature when its surrounding pressure is low enough. This project thus investigates desalination at low temperature (40 - 60 degrees C) using low pressure. Solar radiation provides all the energy needed for this process, thus rendering it free of any fossil-fuel-based energy which is both costly and not environmentally friendly.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and Research Proposal to Dr Phuoc Huynh via Phuoc.Huynh@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Phuoc Huynh

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Centre: Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Currently, desalination’s cost is high; high in the equipment and materials (for filter, for example) used, and also high in the energy consumed. This project investigates the use of simple materials like sand and clay to form the filter in the desalination process. Solar radiation provides all the energy needed for the process, thus rendering it free of any fossil-fuel-based energy that is both costly and polluting.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and Research Proposal to Dr Phuoc Huynh via Phuoc.Huynh@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: Dr Michael Ruppert

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering    

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

BACKGROUND:
Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) have been identified as one of the most promising technologies of the 21st century. These precision micro mechatronic systems have the potential to revolutionise both industrial and consumer products by combining silicon-based microelectronics with micromachining technology. MEMS devices are fabricated using integrated circuit (IC) batch processing techniques and can range in size from a few micrometers to millimetres. The interdisciplinary nature of MEMS utilises design, engineering, and manufacturing expertise from a wide range of technical areas including integrated circuit fabrication technology, mechanical engineering, materials science, advanced manufacturing, electrical engineering, control engineering, optics, and instrumentation.

Under a recently funded ARC research project, two PhD research topics are available to develop novel, scalable nanomechanical sensor platforms in combination with high-performance electronics and control systems for high-throughput imaging at the nanoscale level. The microsensors are based on MEMS devices with integrated actuation and sensing capabilities and will be interfaced with an atomic force microscope (AFM), one of the most powerful tools for imaging various surfaces with a resolution down to the length scale of a single atom. A major challenge in this field is to develop new technology to meet the needs of next-generation advanced manufacturing such as of nanomaterials and semiconductors. The available PhD projects are strongly connected to two cutting-edge applications in academia and industry: 1) high-throughput quality inspection of semiconductor devices and 2) visualisation of the chemical structure and precise orientation of adsorbed molecules under ultra-high vacuum and low temperatures conditions. Both PhD topics have the potential for research visits at overseas industrial partners and collaborating academic institutions.

PROJECT:
The PhD student will focus on the design, simulation, fabrication, packaging, and testing of novel, scalable nanomechanical sensor platforms based on MEMS fabrication processes. This includes exploring novel approaches to active microcantilever arrays which allow the real-time measurement of tip-sample forces and determining optimal microcantilever parameters such as resonance frequency, dynamic stiffness, quality factor, and integrated actuator and sensor placement to maximise sensor sensitivity. The project will also establish the optimal tip geometry depending on the desired AFM imaging application to result in artefact-free imaging performance and provide a deeper understanding of the influence of tip geometry on the contrast formation. The HDR student will be able to make extensive use of open-source MEMS foundries for MEMS fabrication as well as in-house nanofabrication facilities for post-fabrication using focused ion beam (FIB) deposition and milling. The successful PhD candidate is expected to develop an expert knowledge in microelectromechanical systems, finite element analysis, advanced semiconductor manufacturing and packaging technologies, and nanometrology with extensive laboratory and microscopy experience. This project is best suited for students with a strong background in mechanical design, modelling, and finite element analysis with a good understanding of system dynamics and a strong interest in precision mechatronic systems and emerging challenges in micro- and nanotechnology.
 

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Michael Ruppert via Michael.Ruppert@uts.edu.au. 

Scholarship: Annually, $35,000 AUD, plus a scholarship top-up $10,000 AUD and up to $5,000 for supporting international conference travels.

Contact: A/Prof Zhen Luo

Duration: 3.5 years

School:  School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering;     

Closing date: when filled

Domestic (Australian Permanent Residency) Applications Only 

Description: This project is to develop ultralight electromagnetic metamaterials for absorbing wave energy within frequency ranges of interest, using rational design methodologies such as topology optimisation and advanced manufacturing techniques. The metamaterial architectures with additive manufacturing processes can be tailored to leverage a range of unprecedented functionalities, including electromagnetic bandgap and cloaking, as well as concerned mechanical properties.

Skills: Electromagnetic simulation, Metamaterials, Microwave absorption, Design optimisation, and 3D printing.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and research proposal to A/Prof Zhen Luo via zhen.luo@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate. 

Contact: Prof Shoudong Huang

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

Center: Robotics Institute

Closing date: when filled

Domestic applications only

"The demand for hip replacements for treating osteoarthritis has grown substantially worldwide. In Australia, 52,787 total hip replacements (THR) were carried out in 2021, with a median cost of AUD 26,350 for each operation. Whilst hip replacement is generally a well-tolerated and successful surgical procedure, there are a significant number of complications that can result, including dislocation, leg length discrepancies, or early implant failure, leading to repeated surgeries with added stress to the patients and expense to the health system (the revision burden for THRs was 7.6% in 2021). One major cause of the complications is the inaccurate placement of the components. A low-cost, scalable, minimally invasive robotic system that could plan and prepare the placement of components with greater accuracy provides an innovative solution to this problem.

This project aims to develop a low-cost minimally invasive robot system to assist with THR surgery that can automatically plan and prepare for the accurate placement of the components. In particular, the aims of this project are to:

1. Develop a low-cost robot system built on the off-the-shelf universal robot that can use a minimally invasive approach to cut a pre-planned smooth surface in the acetabulum autonomously and accurately. This minimally invasive approach enables the hip replacement to proceed without hip dislocation leading to significantly less soft tissue trauma and thus more rapid recovery for the patient.

2. Develop a reliable electromagnetic sensor-based navigation system that can provide accurate femur and acetabulum position, and automatically calculate the expected biomechanical parameters such as leg length, offset, cup position, and hip centre of rotation intraoperatively. Furthermore, develop a pre-operative planning algorithm using information collected from a pre-operative CT scan, and integrate it with the robot system and the navigation system.

3. Systematically evaluate the performance of the integrated robotic system. Evaluate the feasibility, safety, and accuracy through cadaver experiments and phantom experiments."

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Prof Shoudong Huang via Shoudong.Huang@uts.edu.au. 

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Phuoc Huynh

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering

Centre: Centre for Health Technologies

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Medical micro-robots have been developed and used in a wide range of areas which include healthcare and bioengineering. This work concentrates on micro-robots that help with surgery, especially surgery relating to blood vessels. On the other hand, while micro-robots helping with blood-vessel (vascular) surgery have been developed and used for some time, there are still many outstanding important issues with them. One of those relates to the micro-robots’ locomotion. As the medical micro-robot operates in a complex viscoelastic physiological environment (blood is a Non-Newtonian fluid, i.e. a fluid with vastly changing viscosity, while the blood-vessels’ wall is highly deformable and viscoelastic), its efficient mobility is crucial. This work thus seeks to answer the research question “What is the most efficient locomotion mechanism for propelling a micro-robot for vascular surgery through the blood fluid inside the narrow blood vessels?” Another outstanding issue is the blood-cell damage due a micro-robot’s presence and motion. Propelling a micro-robot and its movement through the narrow blood vessels would cause stress on the blood cells that come to close proximity with the robots, especially their propelling mechanism. Blood cells are known to be damaged when they are subjected to excessive stress and over a length of time. This work thus seeks to also minimize such blood-cell damage.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and Research Proposal to Dr Phuoc Huynh via Phuoc.Huynh@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: A/Prof Dongbin Wei

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

Closing Date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) is a unique room-temperature metal deposition process that combines the advantages of additive and subtractive approaches. The process involves using ultrasonic oscillations to weld thin layers of metal foils or other materials, creating a solid object. During the UAM process, the elastic vibration energy is converted into frictional work, deformation energy and limited temperature rise at the interfaces. Shearing motion cleans off surface oxides through friction to allow for the direct contact of clean metal on clean metal. Atoms in the welding area are instantly activated, ultimately achieving a solid-state metallic bond with minimal heating of either component.

The unique advantages of UAM include: (1) the bulk of materials do not experience changes in grain size, precipitation reactions or phase changes due to low processing temperatures. The properties of the incoming feedstock are the same as the properties of the final part; (2) bonds between dissimilar metals may be achieved without creating undesirable brittle metallurgy, which differentiates the process from fusion-based processes; and (3) the low-temperature bond allows delicate components to be embedded in solid metal without the damage incurred in comparable fusion-based processes.

Various HDR topics may be initiated based on the platform of Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing machine including:

• New challenging applications such as composite materials, embedded electronics and fabrication of fluidics devices with complex internal channels.
• The mechanism that explains the significant effects of high-frequency vibration on consolidation processes
• The behaviour of materials during UAM, etc.

Applicant should have self-motivation and commitment to work on research topics, a Master’s degree by research or a Bachelor’s degree with a solid academic record in the relevant fields.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to A/Prof Dongbin Wei via Dongbin.Wei@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Phuoc Huynh

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Under-water robots have been playing an essential role in diverse applications. Efficient propulsion plays a crucial role with under-water robots. This work seeks to answer the research question of “Which propulsion method would be the most efficient for an under-water robot?” among the common methods of propulsion. Another issue with under-water robots relates to their interaction with the surrounding water. Because water’s density is high, it could give rise to strong forces when flowing. Thus one issue is the differentiation between deflection (for example, of a robot’s limbs and antennae) resulting from water flow versus the intended deflection (for example, resulting from robots coming into contact with other objects or the floor; this deflection thus helps to detect objects). This work seeks to enable under-water robots to distinguish between those deflections.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and Research Proposal to Dr Phuoc Huynh via Phuoc.Huynh@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr. Felix Kong 

Duration: 3.5 years

School:  School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, School of Computer Science, School of Electrical and Data Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

This project is about algorithms for climbing robots to climb up tall truss structures (like electrical towers) and do useful work on them. The three-legged robot is inspired by parrots, which use both feet but also their beaks to climb. We're working with a startup called Crest Robotics, who's building these robots.

In terms of the work, there's lots to do here, from improving locomotion to studying manipulation. We want the robot to be nimble and agile like Boston Dynamics' Atlas or Spot - using the usual inverse kinematics isn't enough here. Fortunately, we know how to do this using dynamic motion control, and we need your help! We also need motion planning algorithms to give us good motions, like where to put your feet, and how to move your body between footholds. There's also perception, including SLAM, that allows us to build a map of the tower, figure out where we are, and also know where it's safe to even consider putting our feet.

To be successful for a PhD here, we want to see strong C++/python skills, with ROS or ROS2 experience preferred. Knowledge of multi-rigid-body robot kinematics is necessary, and if you know about multi-rigid body dynamics, that's even better.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send a research proposal, CV and cover letter to Dr. Felix Kong via felix.kong@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Phuoc Huynh

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering

Centre: Centre for Health Technologies

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

While it has been widely accepted that face-masks help to reduce the risk of spreading and catching viruses like COVID-19, the ill effects, beside the discomfort, of wearing those masks need to be better understood and managed. In this project, investigation on the effects of Anti-virus Face-masks of different makes and designs on Vital Signs like body temperature, blood's oxygen level, heart rate, breath rate, blood pressures, etc. will be conducted for different situations and people (sitting, walking, going upstairs, going upstairs with load, running, in open air, in closed air-conditioned rooms, young people, old people, obese people, etc.) Work will be mostly experimental. Project would involve some small cost for purchasing or construction of apparatus.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and Research Proposal to Dr Phuoc Huynh via Phuoc.Huynh@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Phuoc Huynh

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Because the water surface is not rigid, so when an airfoil is positioned close to it the flow of air (when airfoil is above the surface) or of water (when airfoil is below the surface) is expected to be different to when the airfoil is positioned close to a hard surface (e.g. a ground surface) or when the airfoil far away from any surface. Such flow difference would result in different forces on the airfoil, especially the lift. This project aims to investigate the effects of a water surface, in both calm and wavy conditions, on forces, especially the lift, on an airfoil that is positioned close to the water surface, as air or water flows about the airfoil. Flow pattern will also be considered. Project is mostly computational, but also involves experiments.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and Research Proposal to Dr Phuoc Huynh via Phuoc.Huynh@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). An application for a top up scholarship is possible (Total funding of up to $45,000 per annum).

Contact: Dr Sebastian Oberst

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering    

Closing date: when filled

Domestic applications only

Development of a framework for multi-functional vibroacoustic metamaterials to simultaneously control noise and vibrations via energy trapping and harvesting. Novel materials greatly enhance the manoeuvrability and the ability to discover covert activities and to stay undetected. Developing multi-functional systems for operational awareness, navigation, and surveillance by utilising efficient sensors, and optimising energetic constraints will enable the defence science and technology sector to innovate in all-purpose applications. This project generates new capabilities and a competitive advantage against intruders (vehicles, vessels) for increased national security with a trajectory to significantly enhance the long-term growth and market share of the Australian defence industry.     

The project focuses on honeycomb structures that are found in the nature at various length scales     
from the vibro-acoustic point of view. Honeycomb is a strong and stable pattern that is linked to dominant sound insulation and absorption characteristics in the beehive. Similar designs are also found in other insect-built structures. The size of the honeycomb cell, angle of the walls, periodicity of the layers are contributing factors in the honeycomb performance. Naturally occurring honeycombs are found to have material and geometrical variation across their structure. The objective is to mimic such patterns to create bio-inspired hierarchical honeycomb metamaterials to manipulate wave propagation for energy trapping and absorption. An array of 3D printed composite layers with geometrical imperfections is optimised for sound radiation and vibration transmission.     

The successful candidate will work in a thriving acoustics research group at a brand new facility dedicated to impactful research and which will include the chance to collaborate with researchers in other areas at Tech Lab, as well as undergo research training and development.     

Our vision is to be a leading public university of technology recognised for our global impact. We are a dynamic and innovative university, ranked by the Times Higher Education as Australia’s top young university, and located in one of the world’s most liveable cities. With a culturally diverse campus life and extensive international exchange and research programs, UTS prepares graduates for the workplaces of today and tomorrow.     

About the Scholarships

The successful domestic (citizen, permanent residency) candidate will receive a stipend at the Research Training Program rate including a top-up totalling up to 45,000 AUD per annum for (3 years, possible for a six-month extension), tax-exempt. The candidate further could get extended periods of time to work as an intern at partnering businesses and the Defence Science and Technology Group; time to be spent either on practical or theoretical aspects relevant for the customer.     

About you

• Demonstrated self-motivation and commitment to work on research topics
• Demonstrated experience in undertaking research in the fields of physics and engineering, desirable in vibrations and acoustics
• Demonstrated knowledge of data analytics, desirable in machine learning and pattern recognition
• Excellent written skills evidenced by scientific journal papers, conference papers, or technical reports
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills
• Ability and capacity to implement required health and safety policies and procedures
• Masters degree by research or Bachelor degree with strong academic record which is equivalent to First Class Honours (Domestic candidates only)

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Sebastian Oberst.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). An application for a top up scholarship is possible and fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Distinguished Professor Dikai Liu

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering    

Domestic applications only

Combining the strength of humans with the strength of intelligent robots provides a new way of automating tasks that are labour intensive and hazardous to human workers, e.g. heavy object handling, assembly tasks in manufacturing, manual tasks at construction sites, and patient handling in aged/health care. Human involvement in these tasks is still preferred. This research will investigate methodologies that enable intuitive and friendly human-robot collaboration, including human models, trust models between humans and robots, dynamics of human-robot teams, role arbitration between humans and robots, shared control, and brain-robot interface. Research outcomes will be implemented in the robotic co-workers developed by researchers at UTS, and applied in industry sectors including construction, manufacturing and aged/health care. Novel human collaborative robots will also be developed for practical industry applications.

Several PhD positions are available in this project. A PhD student’s research may focus one or two of the topics aforementioned. This project would suit students who have a strong background in Mechatronics, Computer Science or Control,  and are interest in Robotics.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Distinguished Professor Dikai Liu.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: A/Prof Nick Bennett

Duration: 3.5 years

School:  School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering; Civil and Environmental Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic applications only

Future satellites will require sophisticated approaches to heat rejection in order to keep electronics within their safe operating range. Our group is exploring multiple approaches to address this challenge - incorporating both experimental and modeling. We seek a PhD candidate to join us as we embark on exploring new ideas.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to A/Prof Nick Bennett via Nicholas.Bennett@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Phuoc Huynh

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Pipes are a main means for conveying water. As fresh water has already become a precious commodity in many parts of the world, any loss of it, especially while being carried in pipes, is very wasteful and undesirable. Often, water loss is incurred through pipe leakages which usually also serve as precursors of the more catastrophic ruptures. An ability to detect such leakages and obtain the correspondingly important information on them like their size, number, location and shape, is thus very desirable; and this has been the subject of many studies. This work investigates the effects of leaks’ parameters like size, location, and shape on water loss; it also aims to relate such leakage details to pressure variation and flow rate in water carrying pipes. Then the reverse problem will be studied; namely pressure variation along the pipe and flow rate would be used to help with detecting the leaks and identifying their characteristics.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and Research Proposal to Dr Phuoc Huynh via Phuoc.Huynh@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact:  Dr. Mahmoud.Karimi

Duration: 3.5 years

School:  School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

"Buried water pipes form the invisible lifelines of our modern cities and communities, delivering the essential resource of fresh water to our homes, businesses, and industries. While these underground networks are designed to be durable and reliable, they are not immune to wear, tear, and damage over time. The detection of leaks in buried water pipes is of paramount importance to ensure the sustainable management of this vital resource, protect public health, and maintain the integrity of our infrastructure.

The leak from a pipe generates complex noise waves that propagate along the pipe and through the soil and will reach the ground surface causing vibrations. This project aims to detect and localise a leak from buried water plastic pipes by measuring ground vibrations induced by the leak noise and applying beamforming algorithms to the measured data. Both numerical and analytical methods of the water-pipe-soil system will be used to establish a robust procedure for leak detection using beamforming. The effects of ground surface material, pipe depth, beamforming algorithms, environmental noise, and sensor array parameters on the accuracy of source (leak) localization will be investigated. The numerical studies will be validated by experimental data obtained from a test rig.

Applicants with strong backgrounds in mathematics, physics, vibrations, and acoustics are encouraged to apply by sending their CV and academic transcripts to Dr Mahmoud Karimi via Mahmoud.Karimi@uts.edu.au. 

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). An application for a top up scholarship is possible (Total funding up to $45,000 per annum).

Contact: Dr Sebastian Oberst

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering    

Closing date: when filled

Domestic applications only

Development of a framework for multi-functional vibroacoustic metamaterials to simultaneously control noise and vibrations via energy trapping and harvesting. Novel materials greatly enhance the manoeuvrability and the ability to discover covert activities and to stay undetected. Developing multi-functional systems for operational awareness, navigation, and surveillance by utilising efficient sensors, and optimising energetic constraints will enable the defence science and technology sector to innovate in all-purpose applications. This project generates new capabilities and a competitive advantage against intruders (vehicles, vessels) for increased national security with a trajectory to significantly enhance the long-term growth and market share of the Australian defence industry.     

The project focuses on design and validation of multi-functional acoustic metamaterials for wave scattering and absorption properties. The novelty of this part emerges from the combination of using 3D printed structures with micrometer pores (e.g., diatom injected resins) with micromechanical sensors in point or array defects of macroscopic exotic geometry to create high absorption and/or high energy density band characteristics. The investigation is extended to energy harvesting into the optimised patterns and novel shapes, such as those obtained by topology optimization. Optimization of resonator shapes, dimensions, materials, as well as arrays is performed. Conventional and novel metamaterials, such as micro perforations, acoustic black holes, honeycomb structures will be applied to explore the combination of wave propagation mechanism and energy trapping. Multifunctional metamaterials are major role in the future in various industries including the manufacturing industry, defence, space, aeronautical and maritime businesses.     

The successful candidate will work in a thriving acoustics research group at a brand new facility dedicated to impactful research and which will include the chance to collaborate with researchers in other areas at Tech Lab, as well as undergo research training and development.     

Our vision is to be a leading public university of technology recognised for our global impact. We are a dynamic and innovative university, ranked by the Times Higher Education as Australia’s top young university, and located in one of the world’s most liveable cities. With a culturally diverse campus life and extensive international exchange and research programs, UTS prepares graduates for the workplaces of today and tomorrow.     

About the Scholarships. The successful domestic (citizen, permanent residency) candidate will receive a stipend at the Research Training Program rate including a top-up totalling up to 45,000 AUD per annum for (3 years, possible for a six-month extension), tax-exempt. The candidate further could get extended periods of time to work as an intern at partnering businesses and the Defence Science and Technology Group; time to be spent either on practical or theoretical aspects relevant for the customer.     

About you.

Demonstrated self-motivation and commitment to work on research topics.Demonstrated experience in undertaking research in the fields of physics and engineering, desirable in vibrations and acoustics.Demonstrated knowledge of data analytics, desirable in machine learning and pattern recognition.Excellent written skills evidenced by scientific journal papers, conference papers, or technical reports.Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills.Ability and capacity to implement required health and safety policies and procedures.Masters degree by research or Bachelor degree with strong academic record which is equivalent to First -Class Honours (Domestic candidates only)

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Sebastian Oberst.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Prof Sarath Kodagoda

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering     
Centre: UTS Robotics Institute     

Closing date: when filled

Domestic Applications Only

More than 253 million people worldwide are blind or have low vision, with over 575,000 in Australia. Through the ARC Linkage Project funding and in collaboration with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, the project aims to develop a robotic guide. In this context, the main aim of this PhD position is to develop multimodal interfaces for robotic guide dog application. This project would suit students with a background in robotics, mechatronics or related fields. Beneficial is experience in human-robot interaction methods and mechanical design, and programming (especially python, C++, ROS).

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Graeme Best

Duration: 3.5 years

School:  School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

"The aim of this project is to enable multi-robot systems to perform information gathering missions in complex outdoor environments that exhibit perceptual challenges, such as varying lighting, smoke and dust clouds, and irregular spatial topologies. These challenges arise in missions such as 3D mapping and object recognition for ocean monitoring and planetary exploration. Current approaches to robot information gathering are insufficient for these challenging missions as they do not consider how the changing environmental conditions influence the performance of sensors and perception algorithms. This project will involve developing coordination algorithms and predictive perception models for these scenarios so that multi-robot teams can recognise, communicate, and reason over environmental conditions that influence the quality of gathered information.

This project would suit students with a strong background in Robotics, Computer Science (particularly algorithms and data structures), and/or Software Development. To apply, please email Dr Graeme Best  via Graeme.Best@uts.edu.au with your CV and a short (one paragraph) statement of interest."

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Graeme Best

Duration: 3.5 years

School:  School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Robots working in outdoor environments are often tasked to gather information about the environment, such as by building a map, finding objects of interest, or studying how an environment evolves over time. Robots need to plan their motion to obtain high-value observations of the environment. Ideally, this is performed as a multi-robot system, where robots need to coordinate their actions to maximise the collective performance of the team.

There is broad scope to take this project in many possible directions. One idea is to study how robots can gracefully switch between centralised coordination (a common decision maker) and decentralised coordination (each robot plans for itself) as the communication network evolves. Related directions include developing: data representations for multi-robot communication; coalition formation algorithms; decentralised coordination algorithms for complex tasks; and deploying these ideas on physical multi-robot systems.

This project would suit students with a strong background in Computer Science (particularly algorithms and data structures) and an interest in Robotics and Software Development. To apply, please email Dr Graeme Best with your CV and a short (one paragraph) statement of interest.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Graeme Best  via Graeme.Best@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). An application for a top up scholarship is possible and fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Dr Sebastian Oberst

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Computer Science and School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering    

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

If interested, please contact Sebastian Oberst by sending him an email contacting a motivation letter and CV together with relevant diploma, transcripts, publication list and contact details of two referees.

The Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration (CAAV) was formed in 2017 and now has nine full time academic staff. The Centre is based at Tech Lab, which is a brand new research led facility that is close to the airport in Sydney. Tech Lab hosts brand new state-of-the-art acoustics experimental facilities that includes an anechoic chamber, semi-anechoic chamber, reverberation room and sound transmission loss suite. These new facilities will support new research projects in acoustics, including this current project.      

Termites communicate mainly over vibrations transmitting and receiving miniscule wave packages, which travel along wood fibres and termite-built clays. Our research in the past indicated that it should be possible in principle to use vibration signals to determine an individual ants’ or termites’ location (vibroklinotaxis). We were the first who evidenced termites substitute wood by building load-bearing structures. While past research has been focused either on the sender or the receiver, individual or groups of termites, the properties and the function of the substrate as food, communication channel or building materials has been neglected.

The project aims at studying structures of the higher and lower termites. Different structures of within the mound and close to foraging sites are collected from nature reserves (Darwin, Canberra). Mounds of different colonies will be dissected and the material specimen will be taken out, analysed using micro-CT and mass spectroscopy. The static and dynamic material properties need to be experimentally and statistically analysed. The material features will be clustered using machine-learning techniques, 3D recurrence quantification and recurrence networks and matched with geometry. Using a computer model, vibro-acoustic simulations will be conducted to explore the role of transfer paths in vibroklinotaxis.

The successful candidate will work in a thriving acoustics research group at a brand new facility dedicated to impactful research and which will include the chance to collaborate with researchers in other areas at Tech Lab, as well as undergo research training and development.

Findings are expected to contribute to the understanding how termites build and whether different functions and properties can be assigned to different parts of their structures. Novel bio-inspired acoustic porous materials are likely to be innovated by this research – with huge potential for technology transfer.

The successful candidate holds a MSc/MEng degree either in physics, applied mathematics, theoretical mechanics and materials engineering (with an interest to work interdisciplinary). Skills in mathematics, especially statistics and machine learning are required. Knowledge of nonlinear dynamics and nonlinear time series is not expected but desired. Excellent command of English is necessary and communications as well as presentation skills are important.

The project is suitable to candidates who have a solid background in experimental vibration testing and transfer path analysis as well as signal processing methods. A potential candidate also requires good knowledge of statistics and numerical modeling and should be interested in working with insects and insect structures. Some travel and fieldwork will be required.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr. Suvash C Saha

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering     

Closing date: 31/1/2027

Domestic and International applications accepted

Particle deposition refers to the process by which particles settle out of a fluid and adhere to a surface. In the context of lung physiology, deposition in the lungs refers to the accumulation of airborne particles within the respiratory tract. When we inhale, particles suspended in the air can deposit in various regions of the respiratory system, primarily depending on their size and aerodynamic properties. Larger particles tend to deposit in the upper airways, such as the nose and throat, while smaller particles can penetrate deeper into the lungs, reaching the bronchioles and alveoli. This deposition can have significant health implications, as certain particles, such as pollutants or pathogens, can trigger respiratory diseases or exacerbate existing conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Understanding particle deposition patterns in the lungs is crucial for assessing respiratory health risks and developing strategies to mitigate exposure to harmful airborne particles.

Required: Mechanical engineering, Mathematics or Physics background is required. 

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr. Suvash C Saha via Suvash.Saha@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS  rate of $47,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Dr Mahmoud Karimi

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

Centre: Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration

Closing date: when filled

Domestic applications only

Passive vibration control refers to a set of techniques and strategies used to mitigate or reduce unwanted vibrations and oscillations in mechanical and structural systems without the need for active energy input. Piezoelectric (PZT) materials have been widely used as sensors and actuators for controlling structural vibration, and in many cases are preferred over other damping treatment methods. Typically, to mitigate structural vibrations, a piezoelectric patch is attached to or integrated into a host structure. The piezoelectric patch generates an electric field in response to the strain due to mechanical vibration. The vibration of the structure can be controlled by manipulating this energy transfer. This project will control the vibration of structures. Through a combination of experimental work, numerical simulations, and practical case studies, this research seeks to advance our understanding of vibration control. For more information, please contact Dr Mahmoud Karimi via Mahmoud.Karimi@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Phuoc Huynh

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering

Centre: Centre for Health Technologies

Domestic and International applications accepted

Flow of blood in arteries and veins is very different to flow of common fluids like water and air in conduits with rigid wall. Firstly, wall of arteries and veins is not rigid, but rather often could be considered as visco-elastic. Secondly, blood’s properties are often Non-Newtonian, in contrast to those of the common fluids which are Newtonian. Thirdly, peristalsis which is a series of wave-like wall-contractions is an important aspect relating to blood motion. This project thus aims to investigate effects of wall properties, fluid properties, peristalsis characteristics, ... on the blood-flow’s key parameters like flow rate and pressure in conduits similar to arteries and veins. Project is mostly computational, but also involves experiments.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and Research Proposal to Dr Phuoc Huynh via Phuoc.Huynh@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS  rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt). Fee waivers may also be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Mr Sipei Zhao

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and School of Electrical and Data Engineering    

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Personal sound zones (also called multizone sound field reproduction) system aims to generate independent virtual zones for multiple listeners to enjoy their own music/audio content in a shared physical space without the sound fields interfering with each other. Although private listening can be readily achievable with headphones, it is uncomfortable for listening over long periods of time and inconvenient in some scenarios, such as attending exhibition in museums and art galleries or driving a vehicle. Using loudspeaker arrays to generate a multizone sound field can address these restrictions of headphones and enable shared listening spaces. Multizone sound field reproduction (also referred to as personal audio) with loudspeaker arrays has emerged as a key research topic over the past two decades. However, despite rapid progress, most existing studies are theoretical and/or have been performed in ideal acoustic environments. There are still many challenges preventing a robust multizone sound field reproduction system to be implemented in realistic listening environments with multiple listeners and varying music/audio content.     

This project aims to investigate the optimisation strategy for loudspeaker array to reproduce multiple sound zones. Students will have access to world-class acoustic labs at UTS Tech Lab, including a full anechoic chamber, a hemi-anechoic chamber, a reverberation room, a sound transmission loss suite, a listening and hearing test room and two control rooms. Students can use the world-class equipment for spatial audio research, including:

4 x Yamaha mixing desks with up to 128 channel I/O74 x Genelec 8010A studio monitors12 x Genelec 8040A studio monitors74 x DPA 4060 recording microphones64 x B&K array microphones with multi-channel B&K Pulse measurement system.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Phuoc Huynh

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering

Centre: Centre for Health Technologies

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Blood-cell damage or hemolysis would occur in a heart pump when the cells are subjected to excessive stress. This project investigates the use of non-rigid, especially visco-elastic, material for the surface of a pump’s chamber-wall and impeller, to affect the flow inside the pump such that stress on the blood cells is significantly reduced. Project is mostly computational, but also involves experiments.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and Research Proposal to Dr Phuoc Huynh via Phuoc.Huynh@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Graeme Best

Duration: 3.5 years

School:  School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering 

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Robots performing complex missions are often required to switch between high-level behaviours, such as "explore", "pick up object", and "return home". A key challenge is determining how to autonomously switch between these behaviours to satisfy the objectives of a mission. The behaviour tree architecture has emerged as a convenient data structure for encoding this decision making. This project will involve making behaviour trees even more useful for real robotic systems.

There is broad scope to take this project in many possible directions, for example: encoding multi-robot communication through behaviour trees; simulation-based learning of behaviour tree structures; encoding logical policies as behaviour trees for improved interpretability; and deploying behaviour trees on physical robots.

This project would suit students with a strong background in Computer Science (particularly algorithms and data structures) and an interest in Robotics and Software Development. To apply, please email Dr Graeme Best with your CV and a short (one paragraph) statement of interest.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Graeme Best  via Graeme.Best@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Distinguished Professor Dikai Liu

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering    

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The number of package deliveries significantly increases as more and more consumers continue to shop online and utilise quick (e.g. same-day) shipping options. This has created a critical issue in package handling, i.e. OH&S of package handlers. Assistive robotics allows human and robot directly work together, in flexible ways and with/without physical contact, to do a task and achieve shared goals.

This project will develop methodologies and a prototype collaborative robot for unloading packages in the express process of a company.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Distinguished Professor Dikai Liu.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Prof Sarath Kodagoda and Prof Ray Owen

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

Domestic and International applications accepted

Hidden beneath our urban landscapes, broadband networks serve as the digital backbone of modern connectivity, enabling communication essential for homes, businesses, and industries. Despite their resilience, these underground pipes that house network cables are susceptible to degradation and faults. Traditional methods that facilitate the detection of blockages remain outdated, inefficient, and often result in unnecessary excavation and costly remediation, causing delays and budget overruns.

Inspired by large-scale broadband infrastructure deployments by entities like NBN Co in Australia, BT Openreach in the United Kingdom, and Chorus in New Zealand, the project aims to produce robust, novel solutions that revolutionise blockage detection in small-diameter underground pipes.

The successful candidate will focus on analysing multimodal sensing technologies and their capability to assess the continuity and characteristics of broadband pipes. Analytical solutions and numerical studies will be validated by experimental data obtained from testbenches setup to imitate common pipe conditions and environments. The effects of various parameters such as, blockage type, ground material, pipe depth and length, environmental noise, and sensor array parameters will be investigated, as well as the potential for leveraging advanced signal processing, AI, and machine learning techniques.

Applicants that have a strong background in robotics, mechatronics, AI, and machine learning are encouraged to apply by emailing their CV and cover letter to sarath.kodagoda@uts.edu.au and ray.owen@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Distinguished Professor Dikai Liu and Dr. Bowen Yi

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering    

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Inspired by biology, soft continuum robots have gained a lot of attention in recent years due to their ability to reach a higher level of agility and compliance. However, controlling these robots is a challenging task due to their highly compliant nature and complex dynamics. In this research project, we aim to develop novel modelling and intelligent control techniques that enable soft continuum robots to perform complex tasks in various applications such as invasive surgery, human-robot collaboration, search and rescue operations, and physical assistance to human workers.

The project will involve a combination of theoretical and experimental research. The candidate will develop mathematical models that capture the dynamical behaviour of soft continuum robots. Next, the candidate will design real-time control algorithms that can efficiently regulate the motion and deformation of these robots. The algorithms can be validated using either the continuum robotic platform in the UTS Robotics Institute, or the new continuum robots to be developed for practical applications.

The successful candidate will have a background in Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Robotics, Control Engineering or related fields, and should have a strong interest in modelling and control of complex systems.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dikai.Liu@uts.edu.au and Bowen.Yi@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt) with fee waivers provided. 

Contacts: Dr Sipei Zhao

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

We are recruiting 2 PhD students to work at the Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration (CAAV) of University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in the field of sound field control. The specific research topics include: personal sound zones, spatial audio, active noise control and 3D sound field reconstruction. Candidates with a background in acoustics, audio signal processing, and electrical and electronic engineering are recommended to apply.     

The candidates will work in an integrative, collaborative environment at UTS Tech Lab. They will have access to world-class acoustic labs including: a full anechoic chamber, a hemi-anechoic chamber, a reverberation room, a sound transmission loss suite, a listening and hearing test room, and two control rooms. The candidates will also have access to world-class equipment for audio research including: 4 Yamaha mixing desks with up to 128 channels input and 128 channels output, 74 Genelec 8010A loudspeakers, 12 Genelec 8040A Loudspeakers, 74 DPA 4060 recording microphones and 64 B&K array microphones with Multi-channel Pulse Measurement systems. 

If you are interested in applying for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Sipei Zhao.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr. Matthias Guertler

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Only Domestic applications accepted

Desired qualifications and skills

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt) with fee waivers provided. 

Contacts: Milan Andrejevic and Dikai Liu 

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and Robotic Institute

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Collaboration between humans and robots is rapidly increasing, creating a need for integrative work between engineering and psychology to improve robots' collaborative skills. One promising approach is to equip robots with cutting-edge cognitive computational models of their human collaborators' decision-making processes. These models would enable robots to account for latent factors guiding human decisions (e.g., beliefs, inferences, preferences, risk, confidence, caution), during collaborative tasks. This could enhance the efficiency of robots' observational learning and allow them to take actions that support and optimise human decision-making, ultimately improving teamwork and productivity.

Candidate requirements:

• Honours or Master’s degree in

  Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, and a good grasp of statistics; OR 
  Engineering, Computer Science, or other related and relevant discipline and a strong interest in psychological science

• willingness to learn computational cognitive modelling approaches;
• excellent academic writing skills;
• experience with, and/or willingness to learn coding and using statistical software (R, Matlab, Python, and/or alike); 
• demonstrated work ethic.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and Research Proposal to Milan Andrejevic (Milan.Andrejevic@uts.edu.au) and Dikai Liu (dikai.liu@uts.edu.au).

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Phuoc Huynh

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Centre: Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Like energy from the wind, energy from sea waves is plentiful, free and causing no pollution. As water is much more heavy than the air, sea-wave energy is thus also much more concentrated than wind energy. One method to extract energy from sea waves is by using vanes that oscillate under the wave forces. But instead of rigid vanes, this project investigates using flexible materials for vanes to better capture sea-wave energy. Work will be computational and experimental.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and Research Proposal to Dr Phuoc Huynh via Phuoc.Huynh@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Phuoc Huynh

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Centre: Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Reservoirs and lakes supply most of the water needed by urban population, while farm dams are important to rural life. Yet, large amounts of the precious fresh water are being lost from those storages; and the main cause is evaporation, especially in summer. This project aims to reduce significantly this loss by covering the water surface. The project develops assemblies of properly designed covers which are mounted on floats and reflect sunlight, thus providing an effective, practicable, robust and cost-efficient, yet environmentally friendly, method for saving the precious water for community’s development and well-being.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and Research Proposal to Dr Phuoc Huynh via Phuoc.Huynh@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Phuoc Huynh

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and Faculty of Science

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Heat affects strongly some material properties, notably the viscosity. In the extrusion process, materials in non-solid state are forced to flow out of dies to form products. Viscosity affects strongly such flow, and hence the product shape. This project investigates on the use of heat to affect the extruded-product shape, mostly via changing the product-material's viscosity. This method of affecting the product shape is much more economical and easy to realise than changing the die geometry. Metals and more complex materials like polymers will be considered. Work will be mainly computational, but will also involve experiments.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and Research Proposal to Dr Phuoc Huynh via Phuoc.Huynh@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Phuoc Huynh

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Closing date: when filled

International applications accepted

Flow through porous media relates to many practical applications; and it still poses many challenging research questions, especially when heat and moisture are also involved. This project investigates using solar chimneys and the natural air flow they induce to help with preserving agricultural and aquatic products. The project thus involves air flow through moist porous media. Solar chimneys could be arranged to provide the needed flow of ambient air or heated air. The project studies the effects of key parameters like the porosity, amount, size and shape of the products, arrangement of the solar chimneys, moisture content, etc. on the optimal desired outcomes. Project is both computational and experimental.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and Research Proposal to Dr Phuoc Huynh via Phuoc.Huynh@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Scott Daniel

Duration:  3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted.

Humanitarian engineering is an emerging engineering field that is becoming increasingly incorporated into university engineering curriculum around Australia and the world, with various institutions offering subjects, minors, and even majors in the area. However, there remain competing definitions and interpretations of humanitarian engineering, ranging from emergency disaster relief, to design under constraint, to a broad set of skills and approaches that can be incorporated in mainstream professional engineering practice.  

Phenomenography is a research methodology for understanding the different ways a phenomenon is conceptualised, and can be used to identify the critical features that distinguish these different conceptualisations. This project will build on some preliminary research already underway, and use interviews with humanitarian engineering practitioners and academics to identify the key dimensions of contemporary humanitarian engineering practice. 

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Scott Daniel.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Kyeong Kang

Duration:  3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Centre: DigiSAS

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

This project has the potential to improve the user experience, enhance platform functionality, and promote responsible and ethical use. It is to consider the potential risks and biases of AI algorithms and ensure that they are designed or implemented in a transparent and accountable manner. 

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Kyeong Kang.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Kyeong Kang

Duration:  3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Centre: DigiSAS

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The analysis of social digital platform research highlights the complex and multifaceted effects of digital platforms on individuals and society. While these platforms offer many benefits 

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Kyeong Kang.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Associate Professor Kaveh Khalilpour

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The development of successful climate change mitigation policies requires rigorous socio-environmental and macroeconomic models. The goal of this study is to assess the impact of developing CO2 recycling industry (for the production of green chemicals) in the Australian and global economy, in terms of detrimental factors such as environmental impacts, employment, and GDP. The study will be based on the integration of life cycle analysis (LCA) and world socio-economic input-output analysis. The extended input-output analysis will enable measuring the intricate relationship of the sectors of an economic region, their respective environmental impact as well as their employment capabilities.      

Relevant reference     
Rojas Sánchez, D., Hoadley, A., Khalilpour, K. (2019), A multi-objective extended input–output model for a regional economy, Sustainable Production and Consumption, 20, 15-28.

Selection Criteria

• Background in life cycle analysis
• Background in linear programming
• Background in econometrics and macroeconomics

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Associate Professor Kaveh Khalilpour.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr. Camille Dickson-Deane

Duration:  3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Understanding how learning occurs sans direct observation is arguably one of the biggest concerns in education today. The functional design of online learning environments (OLEs) requires more than just students and instructors interacting towards a learning outcome. There are learning designers/engineers who review how learning occurs. Through this, they create/simulate designs that would assist with the best learning one can achieve through a digital environment. The goal of this study is to achieve an increase in learning outcomes which are mediated by digitised infrastructure. The challenges of a digitised environment are catalysed by the inherent humanistic need to have access to quality education (United Nations SDG 4). Through looking at human behaviours in digital environments and re-crafting design to accommodate more naturalistic methods of learning in this delivery mode we can have improved designs for online learning environments in higher education and industry.

Fields of Study:

• Cognitive Science
• Data Science
• Computer Science
• Interaction Design
• Learning Science
• Instructional Science and Technology

Keywords: pedagogical usability, individual differences, contextualised digital learning

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr. Camille Dickson-Deane via Camille.Dickson-Deane@uts.edu.au.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Scott Daniel

Duration:  3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Humanitarian engineering is an emerging engineering field that is being incorporated into the engineering curriculum at the University of Technology Sydney by the rollout in coming years of a humanitarian engineering sub-major. This will build on and complement existing subjects such as Introduction to Engineering Projects and others which focus on the development of skills in human-centred design, socio-technical thinking, sustainability, and other skills related to humanitarian engineering. 

However, such skills can be challenging to teach, learn, and assess. This project will involve developing and validating scenario-based assessments for one or more of these skills, and using these assessments to evaluate student skill development. 

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Scott Daniel.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Kyeong Kang

Duration:  3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Centre: DigiSAS

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

This research could examine how digital literacy and access are affecting cultural participation and engagement, and how these issues can be addressed to promote greater digital equity. 

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Kyeong Kang.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Associate Professor Kaveh Khalilpour

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Motivated by the strong market uptake of PV and wind technologies, the energy network is in an irreversible journey toward decentralisation. The energy planning objectives in this context is moving to scenarios such as "100% renewables", "net-zero emission", "net-negative emission" and "climate-neutral" networks. The key challenges are the added uncertainties including but not limited to energy supply (e.g. availability of wind/solar), demand at the prosumer era, new technology learning rates, carbon penalty, and the emergence of energy storage systems. 

The objective of this HDR project is to develop economic dispatch, unit-commitment, and Optimal Power Flow (OPF) frameworks for planning and scheduling of community, state, or national level energy network infrastructures. The study can consider both long-term planning and short-term scheduling. The key case-study will be the Australian National Energy Market (NEM).

References

Khalilpour, K. R., & Vassallo, A. (2016). Community Energy Networks With Storage: Modeling Frameworks for Distributed Generation. (Green Energy and Technology). Springer. Khalilpour, KR 2019, The Transition From X% to 100% Renewable Future: Perspective and Prospective, In Polygeneration with Polystorage for Chemical and Energy Hubs, Pages 493-512, 

Selection criteria

• Background in mixed-integer optimisation (preferably GAMS or Gurobi)
• Background in network planning
• Background in energy systems, markets, and policy

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Associate Professor Kaveh Khalilpour.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Associate Professor Kaveh Khalilpour

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The concurrent growth of world populations and water scarcity has led to a greater demand for water desalination systems. However, the energy intensity and subsequent high costs of desalination remain the main barrier for the widespread deployment of desalination systems. Add to this, the sustainability concerns of fossil fuel energy sources. This challenge has led to focused international research on the energy-water nexus, i.e. energy-efficient water production systems. One possible pathway in this context is the integration of desalination processes with renewable energy sources. Various renewable energies—such as solar, wind, and geothermal—can be coupled with many desalination methods, based on the availability of these resources in different locations, and also on other factors such as reliability required or the capital cost of establishment. This HDR project will focus on optimal configuration, design and integration of renewable desalination systems with the objective of least cost water production. Applicants with prior knowledge (or motivation to master) in systems optimisation are welcome to apply.      
      
References

Rabiee, H., Khalilpour, K., Betts, J. M., & Tapper, N. J. (2019). Energy-water nexus: renewable-integrated hybridized desalination systems. In Polygeneration with Polystorage : For Chemical and Energy Hubs (pp. 409-458). London UK: Elsevier. Mujtaba, I, Srinivasan, R., & Elbashir, N. (2017). The Water-Food-Energy Nexus: Processes, Technologies, and Challenges.

 Selection Criteria

Background in process systems optimisation Background in water and energy systems

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Associate Professor Kaveh Khalilpour.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr. Robert Wu

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership 

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Digital transformation prompts businesses to reassess and realign their practices to meet changing customer needs (Pratap 2023, p.736) and may be particularly relevant to incumbent firms affecting the usage and usefulness of performance metrics in e-commerce success (Verhoef et al. 2021, p.892). It is expected to drive global cross-border e-commerce sales to around US $4.2 trillion by 2027, a significant increase of 28.4% from 2020 (ZION MarketReserach 2019). Therefore, business’s demands for digital transformation make e-commerce an attractive area for business research today (Ku, Liu & Liang 2018, p.1; Soluk & Kammerlander 2021, p.704), which can serve as critical for benchmarking sustainable e-commerce success in their businesses (Pratap et al. 2023, p.749).  However, research lacks an understanding of how digital transformation might accelerate and promote the adoption of Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries. 
This research aims to explore a digital transformation adoption framework as a guide for SMEs in developing countries to address the challenges of meeting changing customer needs in the age of digital transformation.

References:
Ku, Y.C., Liu, C.C & Liang, T.P. (2018). Academic perceptions of electronic commerce journals rankings and regional differences. Journal of Electronic Commerce Research, 19(1), pp.1-15.
Pratap, S., Jauhar, S. K., Daultani, Y & Paul, S. K. (2023). Benchmarking sustainable E‐commerce enterprises based on evolving customer expectations amidst COVID‐19 pandemic. Business Strategy and the Environment, 32(1), pp.736–752. 
Soluk, J & Kammerlander, N. (2021). Digital transformation in family-owned mittelstand firms: A dynamic capabilities perspective. European Journal of information systems, 30(6), pp.676–711.
Verhoef, P. C., Broekhuizen, T., Bart, Y., Bhattacharya, A., Dong, J. Q., Fabian, N & Haenlein, M. (2021). Digital transformation: A multidisciplinary reflection and research agenda. Journal of business research, 122, pp.889–901.
ZION MarketResearch (2019), Global cross-border B2C e-commerce market is expected to reach around USD 4,195.4 billion by 2027. viewed on 22 Apr 2023. https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/cross-border-b2c-e-commerce-market.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr. Bahareh Berenjforoush Azar

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership 

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Electrical Vehicles (EVs) have been rapidly adopted in the past two years. One fact is that China's transport sector has significantly taken over other countries to lead EV development and adoption. However, the transport sector still falls short of its climate targets: there is an urgent need for transport decarbonisation in line with the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C imperative (WBSCD 2023).

This research will address the need to better understand the development and adoption of EVs in China. It aims to explore a digital transformation framework for addressing the challenges of quantity, accessibility, and efficiency in charging infrastructure deployment to EV adoption in the transport industry in developing countries.
 

Scholarship: This project includes funding for a living stipend scholarship at the UTS rate of $37,000 per annum (tax-exempt) with fee waivers provided. 

Contact: Dr. Robert Wu

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership 

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Electrical Vehicles (EVs) have been rapidly adopted in the past two years. One fact is that China's transport sector has significantly taken over other countries to lead EV development and adoption. However, the transport sector still falls short of its climate targets: there is an urgent need for transport decarbonization in line with the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C imperative (WBSCD 2023). 
This research will address the need better to understand the development and adoption of EVs in China. It aims to explore a digital transformation framework for addressing the challenges of quantity, accessibility, and efficiency in charging infrastructure deployment to EV adoption in the transport industry in developing countries.

Reference:
WBCSD (2023). How to use data for faster and better charging: A digital action framework for electric vehicle charging and operations. Viewed on 16 Feb 2024. 
https://www.wbcsd.org/Programs/Cities-and-Mobility/Transforming-Urban-Mobility/Digitalization-and-Data-in-Urban-Mobility/Resources/How-to-use-data-for-faster-and-better-charging-A-digital-action-framework-for-electric-vehicle-charging-and-operations.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Scott Daniel

Duration:  3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Recent preliminary research into humanitarian engineering education has indicated a higher level of diverse participation than what is represented in the general engineering student cohort. In particular, gender participation has been seen to be at or near parity. This research will explore the underlying perceptions and motivations for students engaging in humanitarian engineering activities to understand this diverse participation.  

Extending on existing research that focuses on university student participation, this project will explore high school students’ perceptions of humanitarian engineering as well as industry professionals. The insights from this research will provide recommendations and inform how engineering education approaches can be shifted to enable more diverse participation in the sector. 

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Scott Daniel.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Associate Professor Kaveh Khalilpour

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The conventional hydrogen production pathway is fossil fuel-based, involving fossil fuel reforming for synthesis gas generation. While hydrogen itself is clean and sustainable, its dependence on fossil fuels has been the key challenge hindering its consideration as an alternative energy source. In recent years however the projection of a possible renewable energy over-supply has created a new story for the hydrogen economy, which is based mainly on water splitting, using renewably sourced energy. The interests have gone even beyond the self-security concerns and there is a growing interest in hydrogen export as a commodity which requires a full supply chain including production/generation, storage/carrier and conversion.     

The key advantage of hydrogen over other energy storage alternatives such as batteries is its potential for long-term, seasonal, storage at massive capacities. The lower heating value (LHV) of hydrogen is 120 MJ/kg, compared to about 50 MJ/kg for methane and even less for petroleum products. Although the LHV of hydrogen is extremely favourable, it suffers from low volumetric density (e.g., 0.0823 kg/m3 at the ambient condition). Therefore, improving the volumetric density of hydrogen is a necessary step in facilitating optimal hydrogen supply chain development. This is achievable with several options including compression, liquefaction, physisorption, and chemisorption which will be rigorously studied in this project.     
      
The project is around Integrated multi-scale design of materials, process system, and the market for building green and viable hydrogen supply chain. The successful higher degree by research (HDR) students will work on multiscale modelling of renewable hydrogen production-storage-consumption systems from computational materials synthesis to optimal system design and integration with the renewable energy market.      
The potential students are expected to have a good background in one or more of molecular modelling, thermodynamics, and process systems engineering, with emphasis on theoretical optimisation.

References

International Energy Agency (IEA), 2019, The Future of Hydrogen, Abdin, Z., Zafaranloo, A., Rafiee, A., Mérida, W., Lipiński, W., & Khalilpour, K. R. (2020). Hydrogen as an energy vector. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 120. Khalilpour, K., Pace, R., Karimi, F. (2020) Retrospective and prospective of the hydrogen supply chain: A longitudinal techno-historical analysis, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.

Selection criteria

• Background in systems optimisation (preferably GAMS or Gurobi)
• Background in energy systems, markets, and policy
• Background in network planning

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Associate Professor Kaveh Khalilpour.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Scott Daniel

Duration:  3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

The landscape of humanitarian engineering education in universities is rapidly expanding, with the number of programs in humanitarian engineering and related fields roughly doubling in the last decade. Ideally, these programs should equip students with the skills to be effective in humanitarian engineering work. But what are the key skills used in humanitarian engineering practice? And what skills learned in humanitarian engineering practice can be subsequently applied in mainstream professional engineering practice?  

To answer these questions, this project will build on some preliminary research already underway, and use interviews with professional engineers who have undergone humanitarian engineering work, such as EWB Field Professionals, Returned Australian Volunteers for International Development who undertook an engineering role, or engineers who have been deployed from the RedR Humanitarian Roster. 

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Scott Daniel.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Kyeong Kang

Duration:  3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Centre: DigiSAS

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

This research could explore how digital technologies are enabling new forms of activism and social movement organizing, and how this is changing the dynamics of political and cultural change. 

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Kyeong Kang.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Associate Professor Kaveh Khalilpour

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Often demand and price forecasting techniques are developed for short-term scheduling purposes with consideration of micro-economic inputs. However, in medium- and long-term planning macroeconomic parameters also play important roles. The goal of this project is to develop efficient probabilistic forecasting algorithms for medium- and short-term (energy) demand and price projection with consideration of macroeconomic parameters and mixed-frequency data. Applicants with prior knowledge (or motivation to master) in data analysis are welcome to apply.

References

Lusis, P., Khalilpour, KR., Andrew, L., & Liebman, A. (2017). Short-term residential load forecasting: Impact of calendar effects and forecast granularity. Applied Energy, 205, 654-669. Khalilpour, KR., & Vassallo, A. (2016). Community Energy Networks With Storage: Modeling Frameworks for Distributed Generation. Springer. 

 Selection Criteria

• Background in data analysis, particularly predictive analytics
• Background in econometrics

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Associate Professor Kaveh Khalilpour.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Associate Professor Kaveh Khalilpour

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Cascading failure of infrastructure networks incurs substantial economic and social consequences. As such, there are intensive research activities on improving infrastructure networks resilience. The robustness of the Australian national energy network has been also questioned on several occasions such as the Basslink failure in 2015 and South Australia blackout in 2016.     

The core aim of this project is to develop efficient methodologies for assessing the reliability of networks with consideration of dependent failures. The study will assess various case-studies including the Australian electricity and gas networks to identify the critical nodes which make these networks susceptible to failure (physical or cyber-attack).      
      
Selection criteria

• Background in network (graph) theory
• Background in programming (preferably Matlab, or R, or Py)
• Ability to work with GIS data

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Associate Professor Kaveh Khalilpour.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr. Robert Wu

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership 

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

Digital transformation prompts businesses to reassess and realign their practices to meet changing customer needs (Pratap 2023, p.736) and may be particularly relevant to incumbent firms affecting the usage and usefulness of performance metrics in e-commerce success (Verhoef et al. 2021, p.892). It is expected to drive global cross-border e-commerce sales to around US $4.2 trillion by 2027, a significant increase of 28.4% from 2020 (ZION MarketReserach 2019). Therefore, business’s demands for digital transformation make e-commerce an attractive area for business research today (Ku, Liu & Liang 2018, p.1; Soluk & Kammerlander 2021, p.704), which can serve as critical for benchmarking sustainable e-commerce success in their businesses (Pratap et al. 2023, p.749). Many countries have worked out the journeys and prospects of a brighter future for their nations for the next five to ten years, such as Saudi Vision 2030.

Research lacks a digital transformation framework, which might be a strategic guide to be adopted by a developing country. This research aims to explore a strategic digital transformation framework as a guide for assisting a developing country in addressing the challenges of meeting national perspectives towards Vision 2030 in the age of digital transformation.

References:
Ku, Y.C., Liu, C.C & Liang, T.P. (2018). Academic perceptions of electronic commerce journals rankings and regional differences. Journal of Electronic Commerce Research, 19(1), pp.1-15.
Pratap, S., Jauhar, S. K., Daultani, Y & Paul, S. K. (2023). Benchmarking sustainable E‐commerce enterprises based on evolving customer expectations amidst COVID‐19 pandemic. Business Strategy and the Environment, 32(1), pp.736–752. 
Vision (2024), Saudi Vision 2030. Viewed on 25 Feb 2024. https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en/.
Soluk, J & Kammerlander, N. (2021). Digital transformation in family-owned mittelstand firms: A dynamic capabilities perspective. European Journal of information systems, 30(6), pp.676–711.
Verhoef, P. C., Broekhuizen, T., Bart, Y., Bhattacharya, A., Dong, J. Q., Fabian, N & Haenlein, M. (2021). Digital transformation: A multidisciplinary reflection and research agenda. Journal of business research, 122, pp.889–901.
ZION MarketResearch (2019). Global cross-border B2C e-commerce market is expected to reach around USD 4,195.4 billion by 2027. viewed on 22 Apr 2023. .https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/cross-border-b2c-e-commerce-market

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Associate Professor Kaveh Khalilpour

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

It is long known that the peak demand accounts for over-investment in the utility (e.g., electricity, gas, and water) network assets. This results in a high price of delivered utility which does not fairly differentiate between peak and non-peak users. Utility tariff is proven to be one of the best demand-side management (DSM) tools for shaping consumers’ behaviour. Still, the mainstream pricing models are inclining block and time-of-use tariffs and other mechanisms are less discussed or practised.      

The objective of this HDR research project is to utilise optimisation formulations and data analytics for evaluation of the impact of current tariffs in terms of fairness and justice for consumers. The main research query will be how to introduce tariff mechanisms which direct the peak-consumers behaviour toward taking more responsibility in their peak demand management. Such solutions not only can improve the resilience of the utility networks but also can contribute to social fairness by avoiding the transfer of the associated costs of peak demand to all users. Especial attention will be given to the case of decentralised electricity networks in the context of energy-justice nexus.

References

Khalilpour, KR & Lusis, P 2020, Network capacity charge for sustainability and energy equity: A model-based analysis, Applied Energy, vol. 266, pp. 114847-114847.Zhong, Q., Khalilpour, R., Vassallo, A., & Sun, Y. (2016). A logic-based geometrical model for the next day operation of PV-battery systems. Journal of Energy Storage, 7, 181-194. 

Selection Criteria

• Background in data analysis and optimisation
• Background in network analysis
• Background in energy systems, markets, and policy

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Associate Professor Kaveh Khalilpour.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Kyeong Kang

Duration:  3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Centre: DigiSAS

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

This research could examine the ethical implications of AI technologies, including issues such as bias, privacy, and accountability. 

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Kyeong Kang.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Kyeong Kang

Duration:  3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Centre: DigiSAS

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

This research could explore how social media platforms are influencing the way people express their cultural identities, and how this is changing the nature of culture and identity more broadly.

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Kyeong Kang.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Associate Professor Kaveh Khalilpour

Duration: 3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted

With the widespread emergence of microgrids, virtualised smart energy networks are being developed and new Energy Services Company (ESCO) business models are evolving with the role of power aggregator. These businesses can operate in either in centralised form or create virtual smart energy networks where small, medium and major energy prosumers could be able to sell/buy energy amongst themselves as well as with the involvement of centralised aggregators.      

The goal of this study is to design advanced cooperative peer-to-peer market models (cooperation, selfishness, games, auction, etc.)     
with a focus on scheduling policies (optimal sell/buy/store decisions) for the cooperation of multiple microgrids in larger coalitions. The study will also investigate the role of various generation (PV, wind, Genset, etc.) and storage (battery, hydro, hydrogen, etc.) systems in virtual markets.

References

Khalilpour, KR 2019, Design and Operational Management of Energy Hubs: A DS4S (Screening, Selection, Sizing, and Scheduling) Framework, In Polygeneration with Polystorage for Chemical and Energy Hubs, Pages 493-512.Khalilpour, KR & Vassallo, A 2016, Noncooperative Community Energy Networks, DOI.Khalilpour, KR & Vassallo, A 2016, Cooperative Community Energy Networks, DOI.

Selection Criteria

• Background in mixed-integer optimisation (preferably GAMS or Gurobi)
• Background in network analysis
• Background in energy systems, markets, and policy

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Associate Professor Kaveh Khalilpour.

Scholarship: UTS Scholarship Scheme – Submit your application by the application deadlines to be considered for the UTS competitive scholarship scheme.

Contact: Dr Scott Daniel

Duration:  3.5 years

School: School of Professional Practice and Leadership

Closing date: when filled

Domestic and International applications accepted.

Recent research has highlighted there is need for engineers to develop cultural competencies and professional capabilities through acquiring knowledge of Indigenous Australian contexts relating to cultural heritage (Hollis and Goldfinch, 2017). This industry expectation also places the higher education sector at the forefront of teaching Indigenous competencies and professional capabilities across engineering education. 

Therefore, the aim of this research project is to review literature relating to Indigenous cultural competencies across the discipline of engineering and work with Indigenous peoples and communities on Country to gather place-based scenarios for the purposes of teaching Indigenous cultural competency and professional capabilities to engineering students. Universities Australia defines Indigenous cultural competency as that students will have:

“Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Australian cultures, histories and contemporary realities and awareness of Indigenous protocols, combined with the proficiency to engage and work effectively in Indigenous contexts congruent to the expectations of Indigenous Australian peoples” (Universities Australia, 2011, p.3).

For the purpose of this research “Indigenous cultural competency” is positioned as a life long journey of learning that encapsulates the following:

• Knowledge of Indigenous Australian context including cultures, histories and contemporary legacies
• Building effective communication and engagement skills to work with and for Indigenous Australian peoples and communities
• Developing professional approaches and practices that reflect the expectations of Indigenous peoples and communities

This research project would be Indigenous-led and could apply a range of methodologies including storytelling to build ethical and authentic community partnerships to develop specific research questions and to communicate key research findings.

Hollis, X., & Goldfinch, T. (2017). Experience, education and training on Aboriginal Cultural Heritage in engineering. Australasian Journal of Engineering Education, 22(1), 54-62.

Universities Australia, National Best Practice Framework for Indigenous Cultural Competency in Australian Universities (2011)

If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Scott Daniel.