Applications are now being accepted for the AUFRANDE Advanced PhD Fellowship Program at the University of New South Wales. Prospective candidates are urged to submit their applications prior to the deadline.

About the University of New South Wales and the Fellowship

Established in 1949, the University of New South Wales (UNSW), commonly known as UNSW Sydney, stands as a prominent public research institution in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. UNSW is a proud member of the Group of Eight, an alliance of leading research-intensive universities in Australia. With a steadfast commitment to excellence in research and education, UNSW has been instrumental in shaping the academic landscape both nationally and internationally.

Demonstrating its global stature, UNSW is a founding member of Universitas 21, a prestigious network comprising research universities worldwide. This affiliation underscores UNSW’s dedication to fostering global collaboration and providing a diverse and enriching academic milieu for its students and scholars.

An exciting venture at UNSW is AUFRANDE, an innovative PhD training initiative designed to kickstart the research journey for outstanding individuals. AUFRANDE offers a unique opportunity for scholars to commence their PhD voyage in both France and Australia, engaging in industry-supported research projects.

The program seeks a highly motivated researcher to lead an innovative project co-hosted by the Université de Bordeaux in France and the University of New South Wales in Australia.

The specific position, “Advanced surface modified materials for Li-ion batteries” (DC29), presents candidates with a choice from three pioneering projects outlined on the AUFRANDE website. The successful candidate will enter into a 36-month employment contract with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique – Institut de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Bordeaux (UMR5026) in France. Concurrently, they will be enrolled as a PhD candidate at both Université de Bordeaux in France and the University of New South Wales in Australia, where they will spend a substantial 12-month duration.

AUFRANDE places significant emphasis on international mobility, a cornerstone of the program. Alongside the residential year in Australia, the selected candidate will join a cohort of 64 Ph.D. fellows, participating in regular events aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. This collaborative ethos not only cultivates a robust community but also lays the groundwork for impactful future collaborations and careers, leaving an indelible mark on the global research landscape.

Details about AUFRANDE Advanced PhD Fellowship Program at the University of New South Wales:

Fellowship Sponsors: Université de Bordeaux (France) & the University of New South Wales (Australia)

Fellowship Benefits:
- Enrollment in two Ph.D. programs in France and Australia with the possibility of earning two doctorates
- Participation in cutting-edge projects with significant societal and financial impact
- Full-time employment in France for a minimum of 36 months
- Compensation exceeding the federal minimum wage along with social security benefits
- Exposure to unique global opportunities, including a six- to twelve-month residential stint in Australia
- Engagement in a vibrant, interdisciplinary network of supervisors and researchers
- Direct collaboration with prominent industry figures while leveraging AUFRANDE’s extensive network of industry partners

Eligibility Criteria for AUFRANDE Advanced PhD Fellowship Program:

To qualify for the AUFRANDE Advanced PhD Fellowship Program at the University of New South Wales, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Candidates must not possess a doctorate at the time of application. Individuals who have successfully defended their Ph.D. thesis but have not yet received written confirmation of their doctorate will not be eligible to apply.
- The applicant's primary activities (employment, education, etc.) in France must not have exceeded 12 months during the three years preceding the application deadline (i.e., since January 24, 2021). Time spent undergoing procedures to obtain refugee status under the 1967 Protocol and the 1951 Refugee Convention, mandatory national service, and/or short-term visits such as vacations will not be counted.
- Applicants must not be employed permanently by the selected research host at the time of the application deadline.
- Both the French and Australian universities offering the Ph.D. programs have academic requirements for admission, which applicants must meet.
- Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English at the C1 level.

Selection Process:
1. Online Application: Submit your completed application through the online portal before January 24, 2024. Please note that applications failing to meet both AUFRANDE and the two Ph.D. awarding universities' requirements will be rejected.
2. Eligibility Verification: The AUFRANDE Team and the two Ph.D. granting institutions will verify that your application meets the MSCA eligibility criteria and complies with all regulations.
3. Evaluation of Eligible Applications and Initial Ranking: Applications meeting the eligibility requirements will be assessed based on the Evaluation Criteria by the designated Selection Panel. For further details, consult the AUFRANDE website’s Guide for Evaluators.
4. Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a videoconference interview by the Selection Panel. Candidates will be contacted at least five days before the interview date.
5. Final Ranking and Position Allocation: If selected for the position and perform well in the interview, you will receive a conditional offer letter for admission to the AUFRANDE Program.
6. Onboarding of Selected Candidates: To commence your Ph.D. candidacy, complete the registration process at both Ph.D. granting institutions—France and Australia—and sign an official employment contract at your research host. Subsequently, you will receive offer letters from the institutions.
7. Commence your Ph.D. work between July and October of 2024.

Application Procedure for AUFRANDE Advanced PhD Fellowship Program:

Interested and eligible candidates should follow the application process outlined on the program's website to submit their applications.

The Submission Deadline is: January 24, 2024

If this fellowship opportunity does not align with your interests, explore other scholarship opportunities available in Australia.