Physics / biophysics / biochemistry PhD scholarships available - developing X-ray crystallography methods at the frontier of structural biology and chemical crystallography. Developing time-resolved serial crystallography at the Australian Synchrotron (Swinburne): Establish a new technique in Australia for seeing atomic-resolution structure and dynamics. Spans crystal growth and characterisation, sample delivery development, data collection and analysis code, and structure refinement.

In partnership with the Australian Synchrotron and RMIT.

Molecular movies for drug discovery (Swinburne): Time-resolved serial crystallography of ligand binding and oxidative protein folding in DsbA, a high-value target against antimicrobial resistance, with scope to extend to other drug targets. Suits a biochemist with quantitative training, or a physicist willing to learn wet-lab work.

Synchrotron nanocrystallography (RMIT + Swinburne): Develop a new technique combining fluctuation X-ray scattering with serial crystallography to bridge the gap between powder diffraction and crystallographic methods.



Applicable to biological or chemical/materials samples. All projects combine experimental physics, structural biology and computational analysis, and are highly collaborative.

We are looking for candidates with a solid interest in multidisciplinary research. The specific focus of each project will be shaped by your background and interests. ARC-funded scholarships are reserved for domestic applicants.

The above projects have potential top-up funding ($9K/year) through AINSE. For more details, additional projects and other scholarship pathways (including for international students), see the Zatsepin Lab website.

Swinburne

PhD applications close 9th October 2026. Please indicate which project you are most interested in and how your background supports your application. We also have software/coding and biochemistry/crystallisation projects for late undergraduate, Honours and Masters students. Please see the website, then enquire via [email protected].

📌 PhD scholarships (Melbourne)
🏢 Swinburne University Of Technology
📍 Melbourne