Light-Driven Catalysis for Selective Hydrocarbon Functionalisation

About the research project

This project aims to develop light-driven catalytic systems for selective hydrocarbon functionalisation using visible light as a clean energy source. By avoiding harsh reagents, high temperatures, and metal waste, it will enable sustainable activation of C–H bonds in simple hydrocarbons. The resulting methods will establish new principles for selective reactivity, leading to efficient synthesis of high-value molecules, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemical intermediates

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Santosh Pagire

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• The scholarship is open to Australian and New Zealand (domestic) and to International candidates 
• Research must be undertaken on a full-time basis.
• Applicants should already have been awarded a First Class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector.
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong research and analytical skills.

Knowledge and skills that will be ranked highly include:

• Synthetic organic/organometallic/inorganic chemistry skills, including experience with chromatographic purification techniques
• Experience with structural characterisation techniques, such as NMR spectroscopy. 

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Synthetic organic/organometallic/inorganic chemistry skills, including experience with chromatographic purification techniques.
• Experience with structural characterisation techniques, such as NMR spectroscopy. 

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Santosh Pagire to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

Apply nowExplore other projects