Development and application of new lining to protect concrete

School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment

Lead Researcher: Doctor Mariam Darestani

About the project

The School of Engineering, Design, and Built Environment at Western Sydney University (WSU) comprises several disciplines, including Engineering (Civil, Environmental, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronic and Robotics), Architecture, Construction Management, and Industrial Design. The School conducts world-leading research in its three research themes across disciplinary areas - Sustainability and Resilience, Design & Digitalisation, and Industrialisation and materials that comprise six research groups (including Advanced Manufacturing and Future Materials) and three research centers – the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Technology, the Centre for Infrastructure Engineering and the Centre for Smart Modern Construction.

This PhD Project is part of CRC Smartcrete, which commenced its operations in August  2023 and will operate over the next three years (2023-2026). The project sponsors a PhD candidate for three years with the possibility of a 6-month extension.  Developing and applying new linings of Aluminosilicate geopolymers for the protection of concrete in water utilities is the focus of this PhD research. Testing the products on a laboratory scale and in the field will be completed in collaboration with a chemistry Ph.D. student and a material engineering postdoctoral researcher.

We are now offering this PhD research scholarship to a highly motivated candidate within the team with a sound background and research experience in inorganic / mineral chemistry. The project will be based at the Penrith campus, Western Sydney University, with the requirement to work on other campuses and travel to Melbourne, VIC, for field tests at the industry partner facilities.

What does the scholarship provide?

  • The successful PhD candidate (domestic or international) will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years with the possibility of a 6-month extension to support living costs.
  • The PhD candidate is also supported for conference attendance, fieldwork, and additional costs as approved

[International candidates are required to hold an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance policy for the duration of their study in Australia. This cost is not covered by the scholarship.]

Eligibility criteria

We welcome both domestic and international applicants with strong academic backgrounds in civil, chemical and materials engineering, or other equivalent areas. In particular, candidates with interests and research experience in zeolites and geopolymers are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates with research or work experience working on concrete aging or corrosion in laboratory or water utilities will be considered favourably.

The successful applicant should:

  • hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following:
    • (i) an Australian Bachelor with Honours Class 1 or Class 2 Division I) degree,
    • (ii) Master of Research degree
    • (iii) Master of Philosophy degree
  • have very good academic records.
  • have good knowledge and research experience in civil engineering, especially concrete formulation and durability.
  • have good knowledge and understanding of geopolymers
  • have good communication skills and academic writing skills demonstrated by high-quality publications
  • be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
  • Work experience in industry, especially in materials and mining engineering, is highly valued, although not compulsory

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.(opens in a new window)

How to apply

Follow the step-by-step instructions on the how to apply for a project scholarship(opens in a new window) page.

  • Note: You do not need to complete 'Step 5: Submit an online application for admission' when applying for this scholarship. You must complete 'Step 6: Submit an online application for a project scholarship'.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.

For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the Lead Researcher;

Dr Mariam Darestani : m.darestani@westernsydney.edu.au

Applications close 30 April 2024

*Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).

Scholarship reference code: PS2024_015_SoEDBE