Macquarie University Astronomical Instrumentation and Adaptive Optics PhD Scholarship 2027

Macquarie University is offering a PhD research opportunity focused on adaptive optics and advanced astronomical instrumentation. The project aims to develop technologies and computational methods that can overcome atmospheric distortion and enable telescopes to capture wider, sharper and higher-resolution images of the universe.

The research combines optics, engineering, simulation, AI and machine learning, with the successful candidate working alongside international research teams and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineOctober 31, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorMacquarie University
• City to studyNew South Wales
• School to studyMacquarie University
• Course to studyEngineering , Science
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

The scholarship comprises:

• a tuition fee offset/scholarship
• a living allowance stipend.

The value of this stipend scholarship is $40,900 per annum (full time, indexed) for three years.

Requirements

The scholarship is available to candidates eligible to undertake a direct entry three-year PhD program, full-time from 2026.

Applicants must:

• hold an MSc (or equivalent) in physics, optics, astronomical instrumentation, engineering or a closely related field
• meet Macquarie University’s PhD entry and English language requirements
• have a strong academic background and interest in adaptive optics principles, along with problem-solving skills and commitment to hands-on experimental work.

Highly desirable attributes include:

• previous experience with Monte Carlo adaptive optics simulation
• laboratory work in optical systems or instrumentation
• programming skills (Python, MATLAB or similar)
• background in astronomical instrumentation or observational astronomy
• proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods.

Applicants must not already:

• hold a doctoral degree
• be matriculated for a doctoral degree at another institution.

Application Documents

Your EOI should include the following documents:

• CV including information about publications
• transcripts of most relevant/recent degrees
• information about thesis components (thesis mark, word count, weight/length in comparison to the degree overall)
• statement of suitability as a candidate for the project (max 500 words).

Check also:
ANU Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026
University of Canberra Research Scholarships 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Submit an expression of interest (EOI) to the supervisor, Dr Tayyaba Zafar, at [email protected].
• Your EOI should include the Application documents.

The Graduate Research Academy at Macquarie, in coordination with the academic supervisors, will complete the selection process.

For more information, kindly visit Macquarie University scholarship webpage.