Dust is one of the most critical yet enigmatic components of galaxies, shaping their evolution by absorbing and scattering starlight and re-emitting it in the infrared. This PhD project leverages the GECKOS (Generalising Edge-on galaxies and their Chemical modalities, Kinematics, and Outflows to Solar environments) survey, which provides ESO/MUSE integral field spectroscopy of 35 edge-on galaxies. Spitzer offers complementary infrared data to map the glow of dust heated by stars. By bridging infrared emission and optical absorption, this PhD project aims to uncover how dust obscures our view of galaxies and influences their structure and evolution. Additionally, access to Euclid data provides a unique opportunity to investigate the interplay between dust and dark matter, refining our understanding of the hidden universe.

The student will have access to:

• Cutting-edge facilities, including data from ESO’s world-class telescopes, the Subaru Telescope’s PFS survey, proprietary Euclid data, and future JWST data through the Taiwan Data Reduction Pipeline.
• Hands-on experience with data reduction pipelines and instrumentation through the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO).

We are looking for a student with a background in physics and/or astronomy, basic analytical and programming skills, and a passion for exploring the obscured universe. The project provides comprehensive research training, equipping the student with expertise in multi-wavelength data analysis, infrared astronomy, and galactic evolution.

Admission and scholarship criteria of both universities must be met.
For National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), please refer to details of how to apply and of entry requirements here.
For Macquarie University (MQ), please refer to the PhD entry and English language requirements, and graduate research scholarship eligibility criteria.

Mode of study
Full time PhD

Year of entry
2025

Students will enrol at both institutions from the outset. In terms of their location for study, the entry point for students beginning at NTHU is September 2025 (exact date TBC). If beginning at MQ, the entry point is 1 October 2025.

Applicants who are already enrolled in a doctoral degree at the NTHU or MQ may be considered for the position if they have a minimum of 24 months left in their PhD candidature at the time of joint enrolment (September / October 2025).

Additional criteria
Applicants must not already (i) hold a doctoral degree, or (ii) be matriculated for a doctoral degree at another institution.

Macquarie components:

• MQ will fund a living allowance scholarship per position at an annual rate of AUD 38,500 (tax exempt), paid pro-rata, while the student is in Australia and a MQ tuition fee scholarship will be granted for the period of joint enrolment up to 36 months. 
• Macquarie will also provide an airfare allowance for flights between Taiwan and Australia up to a maximum of $4,000 AUD.

NTHU components:

• For MQ student: NTHU will provide Dual PhD Degree Scholarship NTD 15000/month while the student is at NTHU up to 24 months and a NTHU tuition fee scholarship will be granted.
• For NTHU student: NTHU will provide Dual PhD Degree Scholarship NTD 11,000/month while the student is in Australia up to 24 months. While studying at NTHU, students may apply for additional sources of funding. For more detailed information, please contact the relevant departments directly.

Call for expressions of interests (EOIs) from students opens: 3 February 2025.   
Call for expressions of interest from students closes: 10 March 2025. 
 
Students are to submit their EOIs to the MQ and NTHU supervisor, Dr Tayyaba Zafar via tayyaba.zafar@mq.edu.au and Prof. Goto Tomotsugu via tomo@phys.nthu.edu.tw, and cc gr.globalprograms@mq.edu.au and gac@my.nthu.edu.tw including 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).  

The Office of Global Affairs at NTHU will work with the Graduate Research Academy at MQ to arrange official notification of scholarship awards, invite scholarship awardees to formally apply for admission to both universities by mid-April 2025, and conclude contractual arrangements which must be in place prior to the start of the degree. 
 
Students who are nominated for the award will be asked to formally apply for candidature through the MQ application portal: https://www.mq.edu.au/research/phd-and-research-degrees/how-to-apply; and to submit the Application Form for Global NTHU-MQ PhD Program to the Office of Global Affairs at NTHU via gac@my.nthu.edu.tw.