Two Fully Funded Phd Positions In Space Science

Two fully funded PhD positions in Space Science / Geochemistry / Geochronology Position: Two fully funded PhD positions in Space Science / Geochemistry / Geochronology Employer: The University of Melbourne, School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Location: Melbourne, Australia Sector: Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Petrology & Volcanology; Planetary and Solar System Sciences Type: Full time Level: Student / Graduate / Internship Salary: Full fee offset for four years and a living allowance of $38,500 per year pro‑rata (up to 3.5 years), plus a relocation grant of $2,000 (state/territory) or $3,000 (outside Australia) and Overseas Student Health Cover for international students. About The Opportunity The University of Melbourne, in collaboration with the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), is offering four PhD positions as part of an international Collaborative PhD Program. The initiative aims to advance research in planetary materials, space‑mission return sample characterisation, and high‑speed aerodynamics, contributing to planetary and space science and future space research and exploration. Project B: Coupled Micro‑CT and In Situ Isotopic Analysis of Extraterrestrial Samples This project integrates high‑resolution micro‑CT imaging with in‑situ elemental and isotopic analysis to characterise extraterrestrial regolith and meteorite samples. By spatially resolving phase composition and elemental distribution, the research aims to refine techniques for identifying exogenous materials, reconstructing planetary and solar‑system histories, and supporting space‑mission sample analysis. Primary Supervisor: Dr Jay Black Link to apply: Project C: Spatially‑resolved Radiometric Dating of Extraterrestrial Materials Radiometric dating is crucial for determining the formation and secondary process histories of planetary bodies, yet sample‑mass constraints pose significant challenges. This project will develop micro‑scale in‑situ techniques for Rb‑Sr and U‑Pb, and micro‑Ar‑Ar geochronology, enabling precise dating of extraterrestrial samples. The research will incorporate micro‑CT phase identification and explore the impact of secondary mineralisation on dating accuracy. Primary Supervisor: Dr Hayden Dalton Link to apply: Available Scholarships Full fee offset for four years for students undertaking a doctoral degree. Living allowance of $38,500 per year pro‑rata (2025 full‑time study rate) for up to 3.5 years. Relocation grant of $2,000 for students moving from states or territories other than Victoria or $3,000 for students moving from outside Australia. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) single membership for international students who require a visa to study in Australia. Application Requirements Successful applicants will receive full tuition fee support, a living stipend, research and mobility cost support, and relocation assistance in accordance with UoM’s Graduate Research Scholarships. A CV/resume Academic transcripts Cover letter with an expanded research proposal (250‑500 words) based on the project description Researchers are subject to acceptance screening in accordance with Japanese laws and regulations. Please refer to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s Security Trade Control for specific screening details. Applicants are requested to declare all citizenship(s) and nationality(ies) at this stage. Application Deadline EOI applications close on 11:59 pm AEDT, 1st January 2026 (early applications welcome). Expected Commencement First half of 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr