Joining us?

TWO NEW Ph.D. SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Project Description:

Nguyen’s group has two new Ph.D. scholarships for research projects focusing on:

(1) the development of novel organocatalytic methods and applications in organic synthesis

(2) construction of novel advanced functional materials from interesting organic building blocks

Slide1

Organocatalysis, chemical processes catalyzed by small non-metallic organic compounds, has recently emerged as one of the most promising fields in organic chemistry. It can be employed in diverse synthetic cascade sequences to quickly construct complex bonds, stereocenters and polycyclic frameworks. The Nguyen group has pioneered the concept of using the tropylium ion as a novel organocatalyst for several organic reactions. Tropylium ions possess an interesting combination of structural stability and chemical reactivity due to its Hückel aromaticity and its positively charged polyene nature, respectively, which make them attractive catalytic systems. We have also exploited the chemical versatility and unique structural properties of the tropylium ion to derive family of novel push–pull organic dyes with strong absorption in the visible range via simple and practical synthetic protocols. These stable organic dyes are highly stimuli‐responsive, as demonstrated by their sensitivity towards solvent, pH change, redox reaction, Lewis base and counterion, which marks them as potentially useful compounds for optoelectronic applications.

Selection Criteria:

Suitable applicants will typically have an Honours degree and/or Masters degree or equivalent in Chemistry. The followings are preferred:

  • At least 03 months of prior research experience in a synthetic chemistry lab.
  • A sound knowledge of organic chemistry and reaction mechanism.
  • Applicants with previous scientific publications in organic chemistry will be ranked highly.
  • Domestic candidates can discuss directly with Dr Vinh Nguyen about their plan.

For international applicant:

  • You must possess a degree equivalent to the 1st class Honours (85/100 or 3.4/4.0) degree in Australia to be eligible for UNSW Tuition Fee waiver in addition to this stipend.
  • You must have valid IELTS test results with 6.5 overall score or above with no band less than 6.0 for admission to the PhD program at UNSW. Without this IELTS score or equivalent language certificate, your application will not be accepted.

How to Apply:

You must apply directly to Dr. Vinh Nguyen by email. Please include in the email Subject line: “OrgCat and AdvMat PhD Application” and attach:

  • A CV detailing your education history and academic achievement (publication, prize, etc)
  • Academic transcripts of prior degrees and IELTS language test result (international students)
  • Contact details of at least two academic referees (not required for former UNSW students).

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in person or via Zoom video conference. After that, they will be guided through the official UNSW application process by Dr Vinh Nguyen.

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Dr. Vinh Nguyen
Associate Professor
Room 225 Dalton Building
School of Chemistry
The University of New South Wales
Sydney Australia 2052

Email: t.v.nguyen[at]unsw.edu.au
Tel: +61-2-9385 6167

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We always welcome Honours, MPhil, MSc and PhD students, so please email me about your interest. I am more than happy to support applications for tuition fee scholarships and stipends for Australian and international students:

Research Training Program (RTP) (Australian MSc and PhD students)

International Research Training Program (RTP) (PhD scholarships for international students)

Endeavour Scholarships (PhD stipends for international students)

Australia Awards (International students from developing countries)

China Scholarships Council (PhD stipends for Chinese students)

Indonesia Joint Scholarship Program (PhD stipends for Indonesian students)

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Research Grants  (short stays for PhD students)

Swiss National Science Foundation (short stays for PhD students, postdoc fellowships)

Marie Curie out-going Fellowships (EU citizens only, short stays, postdoc fellowships)

Unfortunately I currently do not have any funding for postdocs  but I am happy to support suitable candidates for Fellowship applications.