Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemical or Physical Sciences
Undertake a PhD in Chemical or Physical Sciences
Fuel your passion for discovery
- Improve the products we use all of the time; from light bulbs to computers.
- Find new solutions to clean up oil spills and to strip toxic metals from water.
- Work to develop alternative green energy sources such as hydrogen.
- Work to find a novel band-aid that helps with healing and preventing infection.
Undertake a Chemical or Physical Sciences research-based higher degree at Flinders, and you’ll have the opportunity to work toward bringing affordable, green, energy efficient and advanced technology solutions to people around the world.
Become part of the Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology while you work on globally relevant problems, access cutting-edge instrumentation and create new scientific knowledge with the support of a team of leading research supervisors.
I am an
International Student
Australia or New Zealand.
I am a
Domestic Student
I'm an Australian Permanent Resident
(including Humanitarian Visa holders).
Why undertake a PhD in Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Complete your research under the supervision of nationally and internationally recognised engineers and scientists.
- Rated ‘Well above world standard’ in physical, medicinal & biomolecular chemistry, condensed matter physics, materials engineering, and nanotechnology in the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment.
- Access Flinders at Tonsley, home to the highly esteemed Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, top quality research facilities, as well as some of Adelaide's biggest businesses and industries
- Apply your research to the real world with Flinders’ expansive network of industry, government and scientific partners.
- Boost your expertise and career prospects and become an expert in your area of specialisation.
PhD opportunities
Your chosen research area is flexible, and ultimately agreed between you and your supervisor. Areas of focus could include:
- Chemical Sciences
- Energy and Advanced Materials
- Forensic and Analytical Science
- Nanotechnology
- Physics
- Or another area of interest in consultation with your supervisor.
Accelerate your career and be part of the solution to the equation of life with a PhD in Chemical or Physical Sciences.
Hear about graduate Liam Howard-Fabretto’s thesis
Your career
A PhD in Chemical or Physical Sciences will position you as an expert in your area of specialisation. A PhD is a stepping stone to professional research or as a highly sought-after expert in the private or public sector in Australia or internationally. This prestigious degree will equip you with valuable skills in communications, time management and organisation transferrable to any role.
Potential occupations include:
- Professional researcher
- Defence Scientist
- Research Scientist in sonar systems
- Forensic Scientist
- Analytical Chemist
- Winemaker/Oenologist
- Academic
Potential employers include:·
- Australian Space Agency
- The Australian Wine Research Institute
- DST Group
- Mining industry eg Rio Tinto, Santos
- Research centres, eg CSIRO
- Universities
- Public sector
- Private corporations
Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology
The Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology applies world-class research and know-how to find novel and robust solutions to challenges facing Australia in areas such as water, energy, health and security. The research focused centre works on a variety of socially beneficial developments including new methods for harnessing energy, DNA genotyping for cancer diagnostics, environmentally friendly corrosion and fingerprinting using quantum dots.
Potential research supervisors
Flinders academic staff are recognised experts in their specialised Chemical or Physical Sciences fields. They are embedded in real-world applications of research, with extensive knowledge, networks and industry partners to support PhD students and deliver exciting and valuable research outcomes.
Get in touch with a supervisor of your choice today, to discuss your area of interest, and start on your path to thought leadership.
Dr Zhongfan Jia
| Professor Claire Lenehan |
Analytical chemistry, forensic and analytical chemistry |
| Professor Colin Raston |
Chemistry, clean technology, interdisciplinary engineering and technology, local drug delivery, nanotechnology, organic chemistry, solar cells |
| Professor David Lewis |
Polymers, solar cells |
| Professor Gunther Andersson | Heterogeneous catalysis, photocatalytic hydrogen production, solar fuels, liquid surfaces, atmospheric chemistry at interfaces, organic based solar cells, concentrated solar energy, biological membranes |
| Associate Professor Ingo Koeper |
Analytical chemistry, nanotechnology, science education, surface science |
| Professor Jamie Quinton |
Carbonaceous materials, materials engineering/science, nanotechnology, science education, smart materials, solar cells, structure-processing-property relationship of materials, surface modification, surface science, catalysis, corrosion |
| Associate Professor Justin Chalker | Catalysis, chemical biology, functional materials, green chemistry, organic chemistry, organic synthesis, polymers, protein chemistry, sustainable chemistry |
| Associate Professor Martin Johnston | NMR spectroscopy, organic supramolecular chemistry |
| Professor Mats Andersson | Polymers, polymer synthesis, materials chemistry, nanotechnology, functional materials, solar cells, hydrogen generation, smart windows, conducting materials, biofouling, antifouling materials, conjugated polymers, organic chemistry |
| Associate Professor Mike Perkins | Marine natural products chemistry, molecular synthesis, organic chemistry |
| Professor Paul Kirkbride | Forensic and analytical chemistry, forensic science |
| Professor Sarah Harmer-Bassell | Biomining, condensed matter physics, geochemistry, inorganic electronic structure and spectroscopy, surface science |
| Dr Zhongfan Jia | Biomaterials, catalysis, functional polymeric materials, organic electronics, polymer |
| Dr Boris Blankleider | Theoretical physics, elementary particle theory, nuclear theory, condensed matter theory, computer modelling, lattice gases, cellular automata |
How to apply
Review the course rule
Submit your application
How to apply
Review the course rule
Submit your application
Enquire now
If you have a question about how to apply, please review our Frequently Asked Questions before submitting an enquiry.
For all other course enquiries phone, email or complete the enquiry form.
Office of Graduate Research
Phone: (08) 8201 5893
Email: hdr.admissions@flinders.edu.au.
Enquire now
If you have a question about how to apply, please review our Frequently Asked Questions before submitting an enquiry.
For all other course enquiries phone, email or complete the enquiry form.
Office of Graduate Research
Phone: (08) 8201 5893
Email: hdr.admissions@flinders.edu.au.
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
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