Monash University 
Clayton, Australia Offer Summary
Monash University offers a fully funded double PhD degree in partnership with the University of Bayreuth under the OPTEXC International Research Training Group. This three-and-a-half-year fixed-term position focuses on optical excitations in organic and inorganic semiconductors. Candidates receive an annual tax-free stipend of AUD $37,145 and complete a mandatory 12-month research stay at the German partner institution. The program targets outstanding applicants with backgrounds in chemistry, physics, or materials science who hold or are completing a Bachelor Honours or Master’s degree. Specific research projects include solar cell materials discovery, printable solar cells, and synchrotron X-ray characterization. Applications, due by October 30, 2026, require a CV, transcripts, and a cover letter nominating a specific project. This opportunity provides joint supervision from world-class institutions and access to specialized facilities across Australia and Germany.
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Project Description
Monash/Bayreuth Double PhD Degree Opportunity – International Research Training Group “OPTEXC” - Optical Excitations in Organic and Inorganic Semiconductors
Job No.: 699020
Locations: Clayton [Home] / Bayreuth [Host]
Study mode: Full-time
Degrees: E8009.1 - Doctor of Philosophy (Monash - Bayreuth)
Duration: 3.5 years fixed-term appointment
Remuneration: AUD $37,145 per annum (tax-free stipend, 2026 full-time rate, pro-rata)
About the Monash–Bayreuth Joint PhD Program
The Doctor of Philosophy (Monash – Bayreuth) is an elite, international double-degree doctoral program delivered through a collaborative partnership between Monash University (Australia) and the University of Bayreuth (Germany). Designed to train the next generation of global research leaders, the program enables candidates to conduct cutting-edge research under joint supervision from both world-class institutions, culminating in a recognized double PhD degree.
Monash University (Australia): Ranked 31st globally and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight, Monash is a powerhouse of research innovation. Its Department of Materials Science and Engineering ranks second nationally, driving breakthroughs in advanced materials, polymer chemistry, biomaterials, and metallurgy within state-of-the-art facilities.
University of Bayreuth (Germany): A renown center for interdisciplinary excellence, Bayreuth is globally recognized for its pioneering research in optical excitations, organic/inorganic semiconductors, macromolecular science, and advanced energy technologies.
The International Joint Degree: As part of this program (integrated within the DFG-funded IRTG 2818 / OPTEXC framework), candidates complete an extended research stay of 12 months at the partner institution. Doctoral researchers gain access to cross-continental industry links, specialized facilities, and dual academic networks, graduating with two doctoral degrees to maximize global career impact.
The research opportunity
Monash University has partnered with the University of Bayreuth (Germany) along with the University of Melbourne to constitute an interdisciplinary International Research Training Group (IRTG): “Optical excitations in organic and inorganic semiconductors” (https://irtg-optexc.de/). As part of this program there is the opportunity for students to undertake fully funded joint degrees with the University of Bayreuth in Germany in the areas of experimental and theoretical physics, synthetic, physical and computational chemistry, material sciences and related areas.
The OPTEXC IRTG involves 20 academics in Australia and Germany working in complementary areas related to novel semiconductor materials. A range of PhD projects are on offer relating to understanding how the optoelectronic properties of semiconductors, notably the nature of their photoexcitations, can be tailored by employing external stimuli such as local fields. In this IRTG, you will be part of an international and diverse team working on both organic and inorganic semiconductors, in order to develop a general understanding of the effects of external stimuli on the photophysical properties of these types of semiconductors. This IRTG provides an outstanding environment for research training and a unique opportunity to undertake a truly international PhD, with a one-year research stay at the University of Bayreuth in Germany part of the doctoral qualification program, leading to joint PhDs with degrees from both universities.
Applications are sought from outstanding candidates with backgrounds in chemistry, physics, materials science and related disciplines.
Specific projects seeking applications are:
Supervisor: Prof. Udo Bach, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.
(Email: udo.bach@monash.edu)
Supervisor: Prof. Jacek Jasieniak, Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
(Email: jacek.asieniak@monash.edu)
Supervisor: Prof. Chris McNeill, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
(Email: christopher.mcneill@monash.edu)
For further information about the OPTEXC IRTG in general, please consult the website: https://irtg-optexc.de/. For specific questions about the research projects above, please email the corresponding supervisor.
What makes this opportunity special?
Earn a Doctor of Philosophy from Monash University and the University of Bayreuth (Germany).
12-month research stay in Germany - Undertake a fully funded 12-month research stay at the University of Bayreuth as part of the program.
Be part of a larger student cohort with joint workshops and training opportunities.
Who are we looking for?
We are particularly interested in applicants with a background or experience in:
Successful applicants will also demonstrate:
Qualifications:
This opportunity is open to international applicants.
Degree Information
Application Process
Please submit your application to Prof. Chris McNeill (christopher.mcneill@monash.edu) which should include:
Shortlisted applications will be invited to a video interview.
Enquiries
Prof. Chris McNeill:christopher.mcneill@monash.edu
Applications close: 30 October 2026, 11:55pm AEDT or earlier if the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and early applications are encouraged.
