Advanced geotechnical sensing and early warning system for smart highway

The opportunity

We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to develop geotechnical sensors and its wireless sensor network to measure combined soil-infrastructure interactions. The primary focus of this role is (1)  creating a cost-effective, robust, and ultrasensitive sensor based on our SiC sensing technology and (2) developing an energy-efficient wireless sensor network with multi sensors-one footprint approach. Success in this role requires knowledge in mechatronics, IoT and electrical. The project is in collaboration with our industry partner Geoinventions Ltd.

Scholarship details

Working for one of the most influential universities in Australia and the Asia–Pacific region, you will join a University that spans five physical campuses in South East Queensland and all disciplines, while our network of more than 200,000 graduates extends worldwide. We have world-class facilities for micro- and nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing. The team has over 30 years of experience in cutting-edge MEMS sensors and actuators development. We form strong partnerships with industry to undertake applied research that has the potential for commercialisation and positive impacts for the wider community.

The successful candidate will be located at the Gold Coast campus.

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you will be able to work in sensors and IoT sensor network.

  • Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
  • Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

Please note:

  • You should have a strong background in Mechatronics Engineering and experiences  in design, analysis, fabrication and characterization of mechatronics system.

International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:

  1. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
  2. A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
  3. A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19

The 2024 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $33,480 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

For project related enquiries please contact:

Professor Dzung Dao


Phone: (07) 5552 7515


Email: d.dao@griffith.edu.au

For administration enquiries please contact:

Griffith Graduate Research School

Email: hdr-scholarship@griffith.edu.au

Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to d.dao@griffith.edu.au containing:

  • Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
  • Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section
  • A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
  • Names of two referees

The closing date for expressions of interest is:  23 March 2024

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line

Get in touch

If you have a question, need some help with your scholarship application, or would like to make a donation, feel free to contact us.