Transform Your Future with 25 Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology

The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, New Zealand’s prestigious Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE), invites applications for 25 fully funded PhD scholarships. These opportunities span cutting-edge nanotechnology and materials science research themes, with a generous annual stipend of NZD 38,500 plus full tuition fees. Scholars will join world-class labs, collaborate with industry, and contribute to breakthrough innovations addressing climate, sustainability, and next-gen technology challenges.

🔍 Job Details

About the MacDiarmid Institute

The MacDiarmid Institute is New Zealand’s flagship nanotechnology and materials science CoRE, uniting top researchers from leading universities. These PhD scholarships are designed for innovators ready to tackle pressing global challenges—from zero waste manufacturing to quantum computing—through nano-enabled solutions.

Scholars gain more than just research experience. The program includes industry/government internships, leadership workshops, research skill bootcamps, and community outreach, all under the guidance of world-leading scientists.

Research Themes & Project List

1. Towards Zero Waste – Reconfigurable Systems (7 Projects)

1. Assembly dynamics of advanced colloids – Prof. Geoff Willmott (University of Auckland)

2. Stimuli-responsive multi-compartment hydrogel capsules – Prof. Jadranka Travas-Sejdic (University of Auckland)

3. Electromechanical coupling in functionalised biological materials – Assoc. Prof. Jenny Malmström (University of Auckland)

4. Pickering emulsion-based compartmentalisation of polymer coacervates – Assoc. Prof. Catherine Whitby (Massey University)

5. Peptide-based piezoelectric materials for antibacterial applications – Prof. Viji Sarojini (University of Auckland)

6. Multiscale magnetic materials for light-based technologies – Assoc. Prof. Jenny Malmström (University of Auckland)

7. Stimuli-responsive liquid micro-structures for sustainable chemistry – Prof. Patricia Hunt (Victoria University of Wellington)

2. Towards Low Energy Tech – Future Computing (10 Projects)

1. Altermagnetism in low-dimensional superconductors – Dr. Shen Chong (Victoria University of Wellington)

2. Molecular functionalisation of neuromorphic devices – Prof. Simon Brown (University of Canterbury)

3. Brain-like computing with ultrasound – Dr. Jami Shepherd (University of Auckland)

4. Ferroelectric & multiferroic nitride thin films – Dr. Daniel Sando (University of Canterbury)

5. Spin-compensated Heusler alloy ferrimagnets – Dr. Simon Granville (Victoria University of Wellington)

6. Magnetic Josephson junctions – Prof. Ben Ruck (Victoria University of Wellington)

7. Quantum simulations of unconventional superconductors – Prof. Michele Governale (Victoria University of Wellington)

8. Molecular ‘synapses’ for neuromorphic computing – Prof. Nicola Gaston (University of Auckland)

9. Modelling nanoparticle/nanotube networks – Dr. Elke Pahl (University of Auckland)

10. Plasmonically-enhanced perovskite devices – Dr. Ciarán Moore (University of Canterbury)

3. Towards Zero Carbon – Catalytic Architectures (7 Projects)

1. MOF materials for carbon capture – Prof. Paul E. Kruger (University of Canterbury)

2. Immobilised electrocatalysts for CO₂ reduction – Prof. Sally Brooker (University of Otago)

3. Lanthanide materials for ammonia production – Assoc. Prof. Franck Natali (Victoria University of Wellington)

4. Plasma-sprayed gas diffusion electrodes – Prof. Aaron Marshall (University of Canterbury)

5. Plasma-assisted ammonia synthesis – Prof. Geoff Waterhouse (University of Auckland)

6. High throughput electrocatalyst screening – Prof. Aaron Marshall (University of Canterbury)

7. Catalytic pollutant removal with hydrogen production – (Supervisor TBA)

4. Pūtaiao Māori – Sustainable Resource Use (2 Projects)

1. ‘Facilitating Pathways’ in the physical sciences – Co-led by Massey University & Victoria University of Wellington

2. (Project details under Pūtaiao Māori stream – supervisor TBA)

Why This Opportunity is Unique

• Fully funded: NZD 38,500/year + tuition fees

• World-class facilities for nanofabrication, advanced microscopy, and quantum materials research

• Mentorship from globally recognized experts in nanotechnology

• Professional growth: leadership & commercialization training, science communication workshops

• Impact-driven research aligned with sustainability, low-carbon energy, and tech innovation goals

Reference Links

• Official Call for Applications: MacDiarmid Institute PhD Scholarships

Disclaimer

Information provided is based on official sources at the time of publication. Applicants should verify details on the official MacDiarmid Institute website before applying.

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