The University of Melbourne, in collaboration with the University of Tokyo and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), is offering four PhD positions as part of an international Collaborative PhD Program. This initiative aims to advance research in planetary materials, space mission return sample characterisation, and high-speed aerodynamics, contributing to planetary and space science and to future space research and exploration.
Each PhD project will be co-supervised by experts from the University of Melbourne, University of Tokyo, and JAXA, with access to world-class facilities at the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS).
The program includes a three-week technical research visit to ISAS/JAXA's facility for the entire PhD cohort, hosted by JAXA's Astromaterials Science Research Group, as well as bilateral exchange opportunities between the University of Melbourne, and the University of Tokyo and JAXA.
Our partners
University of Tokyo
Established in 1877, the University of Tokyo is Japan’s oldest national university and a leading institution in science and technology research in Asia. It is internationally recognised for academic excellence and serves as a key centre for scientific innovation and advanced education.
The University of Tokyo offers an extensive range of programs in the sciences, including physics, chemistry, engineering, environmental studies, information science, and advanced mathematics. It also provides specialised opportunities to explore topics unique to Japan, such as seismic and volcanic research or sustainable urban infrastructure in high-density environments.
Exchange students in the sciences can pursue graduate-level studies within the University of Tokyo's multiple campuses. The Hongo Campus, home to the School of Science and the School of Engineering, serves as the main academic centre and is located in central Tokyo. The Kashiwa Campus, another major site, focuses on cutting-edge interdisciplinary research in natural sciences and information technology.
Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS)
Founded in 1964 and currently operating as a core institute within the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) is Japan’s principal institution for space science and exploration. It plays a central role in the scientific and engineering development of satellite and deep space missions.
ISAS conducts high-level research and development in fields such as astrophysics, solar system exploration, space plasma physics, and aerospace engineering. The Institute has led or contributed to numerous international missions, including Hayabusa2 (asteroid sample return), XRISM (X-ray astronomy), and SLIM (lunar landing technology demonstration).
Through collaboration with universities including the University of Tokyo, ISAS provides graduate-level education and research opportunities to students from around the world. Its facilities, located in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, offer a unique environment where academic inquiry and real-world mission development intersect.
Collaborative PhD Opportunities
Minimum mass optimisation for stable metal isotopic analysis
This project focuses on optimising analytical techniques for stable metal isotope ratios (eg Ca, Ti, Cr, Cu, Zn, Rb) to trace the origins and post-formation processes of extraterrestrial materials, and their relationship to Earth and other terrestrial planets. Given the limited sample masses available from space missions, this research will develop chemical separation techniques and minimum mass analytical protocols using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry. The outcome will enhance the efficiency of sample use in planetary science and mission return sample analysis.
Coupled micro-CT and in situ isotopic analysis of extraterrestrial samples
This project integrates high-resolution micro-CT imaging with in situ elemental and isotopic analysis to characterise extraterrestrial regolith and meteorite samples. By spatially resolving phase composition and elemental distribution, the research aims to refine techniques for identifying exogenous materials, reconstructing planetary and solar system histories, and supporting space mission sample analysis.
Spatially-resolved radiometric dating of extraterrestrial materials
Radiometric dating is crucial for determining the formation and secondary process histories of planetary bodies, yet sample mass constraints pose significant challenges. This project will develop micro-scale in situ techniques for Rb-Sr and U-Pb, and micro Ar-Ar geochronology, enabling precise dating of extraterrestrial samples. The research will incorporate micro-CT phase identification and explore the impact of secondary mineralisation on dating accuracy.
Predicting high-speed aerodynamics for sample return capsules
Ensuring the safe return of pristine extraterrestrial materials requires a thorough understanding of aerodynamic instabilities during re-entry. This project will investigate the transition from hypersonic to transonic wake flow instabilities in sample return capsule designs. Using a combination of experimental shock tunnel and wind tunnel testing (JAXA) and advanced computational fluid dynamics (UoM), the research will refine aerodynamic models for future space missions.
Meet our academic lead
Dr Brandon Mahan is the academic lead of the UOM-UTokyo-JAXA Collaborative PhD Program. Dr Mahan is an analytical geochemist in the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Melbourne, where he is Head of the Melbourne Analytical Geochemistry research group. His research extends across Earth Systems and Life Sciences, with a passion for trace element and isotope geochemistry. He holds expertise in methodological development to address complex analyses and characterise precious samples, in particular those in planetary science and cosmochemistry, where he conducts research into early evolution of the Solar System, Earth and other celestial bodies.
First published on 5 May 2025.
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