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We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join a translational medical-device research project developing a next-generation, jet-assisted soft-mist inhaler for patients who cannot reliably use conventional inhalers because of weak or irregular breathing.

Many inhalers depend on the patient generating sufficient inspiratory flow and coordinating inhalation with dose release. This can be challenging for older adults, children and people with advanced respiratory disease. The project aims to shift pulmonary drug delivery from a patient-dependent process to a device-assisted platform by integrating zero-net-mass-flux synthetic jets, piezoelectric actuation and quantitative aerosol diagnostics into an adaptive soft-mist inhaler.

Funded through the Victorian Medical Research Acceleration Fund, the project brings together the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Monash University and Monash Health. The successful candidate will work within the Laboratory for Turbulence Research in Aerospace and Combustion under the supervision of Professor Julio Soria, Dr Alireza Heidarian and Dr Bihai Sun, with clinical and translational collaboration from Monash Health.

The research spans biomedical fluid mechanics, aerosol science, experimental fluid mechanics, medical-device engineering, respiratory drug delivery and translational MedTech. It offers an opportunity to contribute to prototype development, experimental aerosol characterisation, bench validation and translational evaluation of an emerging pulmonary drug-delivery platform.

Research Focus

The PhD candidate will undertake research including:

• Experimental characterisation of aerosol generation, plume structure, droplet-size distribution, velocity fields and entrainment in a jet-assisted soft-mist inhaler.
• Integration and optimisation of zero-net-mass-flux synthetic jets using piezoelectric actuation, cavity and nozzle design, and electronic driver systems.
• High-speed imaging, particle image velocimetry and quantitative image-based analysis of aerosol transport.
• Design, fabrication and bench-top validation of an adaptive soft-mist inhaler research prototype.
• Low-inspiratory-flow testing and assessment of device-assisted aerosol delivery under clinically relevant operating conditions.
• Data processing, image analysis, uncertainty assessment and experimental interpretation using Python and/or Julia using LINUX-based OS.
• Communication of findings through journal publications, conference presentations and project reports.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the criteria for admission to a PhD at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Admission requirements are available at www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/apply.

Applicants should hold a research-based Honours or Master's degree, or equivalent, in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, applied physics or a closely related discipline. The degree should include a substantial research component, with First Class Honours/H1 or an equivalent high academic standing.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to conduct self-directed research while working collaboratively within a high-performing multidisciplinary team. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong academic record, equivalent to a WAM of 85 or above, GPA of 3.8/4.0 or First Class Honours/H1.
• A background relevant to experimental fluid mechanics, aerosols, jets, sprays, medical devices, inhalation science or biomedical engineering.
• Experience with experimental measurements, image-based diagnostics, laboratory testing or quantitative data analysis.
• Coding and analysis capability in Python and/or Julia, preferably with experience using LINUX OS.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with engineering, research and clinical collaborators.

Highly Desirable Skills

Experience in one or more of the following areas will be highly regarded:

• High-speed imaging
• Particle image velocimetry or particle tracking velocimetry
• Droplet or aerosol size measurement
• CAD, design for manufacture and rapid prototyping
• Image processing and computer vision
• Experimental data analysis and uncertainty quantification
• Piezoelectric actuation, acoustic systems or electronic driver development

Eligibility and Project Requirements

Applicants must satisfy Monash University's graduate research admission, English-language proficiency and scholarship requirements. Candidates should review these requirements before applying.

Because the project involves translational medical-device research and may include protected intellectual property, applicants must also be able to satisfy any applicable research-safeguards, IP, export-control, ethics, confidentiality and institutional review requirements.

The scholarship holder must enrol full-time and normally undertake the research on campus at Monash University's Clayton campus. Applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.

How to Apply

Submit an Expression of Interest by email to Dr Alireza Heidarian at alireza.heidarian@monash.edu and Dr Bihai Sun bihai.sun@monash.edu. The application should be provided as a single PDF and include:

• A cover letter explaining your suitability and motivation for the project.
• A curriculum vitae, including publications and relevant research, laboratory, coding or prototype-development experience.
• Academic transcripts, including GPA/WAM and an explanation of the grading scale.
• Evidence of English-language proficiency, where applicable.
• Contact details for two academic referees.
• Any relevant publication, thesis, project report, code portfolio or experimental work sample.

In the cover letter, applicants should clearly state:

• Degree background and GPA/WAM or equivalent academic result.
• Relevant experience in fluid mechanics, aerosols, experimental methods, medical devices or related areas.
• Experience with Python and/or Julia or any other programming language.
• Motivation for undertaking research in device-assisted pulmonary drug delivery.
• Proposed availability to commence the PhD.

Email subject line: PhD Application - Adaptive Soft-Mist Inhaler Project - [Your Name]

Enquiries: Dr Alireza Heidarian. alireza.heidarian@monash.edu, and Dr Bihai Sun, bihai.sun@monash.edu, Laboratory for Turbulence Research in Aerospace and Combustion, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Applications Close: Thursday 10 September 2026, 11:55pm AEST

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