PhD Scholarship - Solvent route process for Li metal carbothermic reduction

About the role
Swinburne University of Technology, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and industry partners, is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship focused on developing a more sustainable pathway for lithium metal production.

This exciting research opportunity will contribute to national research capability in sustainable lithium production and support the development of technologies that could help shape future industry demonstrations and Australia's critical minerals supply chain.


About the research
Lithium metal has significant potential as an anode material for next-generation lithium batteries, offering the possibility of higher energy density and supporting the continued development of electric vehicles and other energy technologies.

Current industrial production of lithium metal relies on molten salt electrolysis, which has significant environmental challenges, including the generation of toxic chlorine gas. This research will investigate an innovative alternative: carbothermic reduction of lithium oxide using a liquid metal solvent.

The project aims to develop a fundamental understanding of this high-temperature solvent route, with a particular focus on overcoming reversion reactions and identifying opportunities for more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable lithium metal production.

The research may also contribute to future approaches for recycling lithium and other critical metals, supporting a more circular economy.


What you will do
Working closely with researchers at Swinburne, CSIRO and industry partners, you will:

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review and develop an understanding of relevant thermodynamics.
• Use thermodynamic modelling to investigate suitable metal solvent systems and process conditions.
• Design, build and establish a high-temperature experimental rig.
• Conduct experimental investigations to evaluate selected solvent systems and process performance.
• Characterise materials, analyse results and refine the process.
• Contribute to high-quality journal publications and complete a PhD thesis.

This is an excellent opportunity to undertake research with strong industry relevance while contributing to the development of more sustainable technologies for Australia's critical minerals sector.


About you
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with:

• A background in Process or Extractive Metallurgy, Chemical or Environmental Engineering, Materials Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Research experience, particularly involving high-temperature experiments and modelling.
• Experience with computer-based modelling software, such as thermochemical or flowsheeting packages.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a diverse research team.
• Industrial experience in the process or metals industry (desirable).
• A track record of high-quality journal publications (desirable).

You will be curious, analytical and motivated to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges in sustainable metal production.


What the scholarship provides
The scholarship provides:

• 3.5 years of full-time scholarship funding, with a potential 6-month extension.
• Tuition fee waiver/scholarship for up to four years.
• A PhD thesis allowance of up to $840.
• A relocation allowance of $505 per eligible adult and $255 per eligible child, up to a maximum of $1,455.
• The opportunity to undertake research in collaboration with Swinburne, CSIRO and industry partners.
• The opportunity to contribute to research with potential national and international impact in sustainable lithium production.

The successful applicant will be invited to apply for entry into a Swinburne PhD program. Further information about applying for a research degree is available through Swinburne's research degree application information.


Qualifications
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours); Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours); or Master's degree


About Swinburne University of Technology 
Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

Our Ad Astra strategy is the cornerstone of Swinburne’s bold ambition to lead globally in technology-driven education and research. This strategy positions us to create transformative solutions, empower learners, and partner with industry to thrive in an ever-changing world.   


To Apply 
Please submit your:

• CV
• Academic degree certificates
• Academic transcripts
• English language test results (IELTS or TOEFL)
• Copies of journal publications, if applicable

To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page. 

For further information about the research project or scholarship, please contact Professor Geoffrey Brooks | gbrooks@swin.edu.au (Please note that all applications will need to be formally submitted by the EOI advert on the careers webpage)

If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at ••••@swin.edu.au 


Applications Close: Sunday 6 September 2026, at 11.00pm

Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.


Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.

Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

Swinburne is proud to be recognised as an AWEI Gold Employer, reflecting our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where LGBTQIA+ employees, students and communities can thrive.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.

We support applicants with disabilities, and reasonable adjustments can be requested at any stage of the recruitment process.

For reasonable adjustment requests - including accessible formats of the position description, application form, or other documents, please contact ••••@swin.edu.au or call +61 • •••• •550.  Please note: this phone number is for disability and reasonable adjustment enquiries only.  General enquiries about the role can also be emailed to ••••@swin.edu.au.


Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes.
As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.