Monash University PhD Scholarship in Energy Futures in Australia
Title: Institutionalising Futures approaches in the energy industry
Location: Clayton campus
Employment Type: Full-time
Duration: 3-year and 6-month fixed-term appointment
Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive $30,000 p.a. as a full-time stipend (pro-rata).
The PhD Position
This PhD project is based at Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI) and will investigate how energy industry and businesses can institutionalise and operationalise Futures approaches – including Foresight, exploratory and normative scenarios – to enable transition to net zero. Using a knowledge co-production approach with the Australian energy industry, the project expects to address the fundamental question of what governance arrangements, institutional frameworks and organisational capacities are required to embed Futures approaches in transition planning toward net zero. The outcomes will address energy governance and market issues the industry is facing right now and preparing for the future.
This is an opportunity for someone with an interest in Futures studies, energy and sustainability transitions, management and social sciences to develop an original research project. The project is not about developing scenarios or modelling energy futures, but about how futures and scenarios can be embedded effectively into industry and organisational decision making, as well as how institutional and organisational processes and capacities could be strengthened for anticipatory action aligned with net zero transitions.
This PhD which will draw on interdisciplinary concepts and research methods. Candidates from interdisciplinary backgrounds relevant to the topic, and those familiar with social science research methods (e.g. interviews, surveys, workshops) are welcome to apply.
In addition to the scholarship, research candidates at MSDI have access to resources and funding to support research undertaken during their candidature.
Eligibility
Due to the conditions of the scholarship, this opportunity is open to only domestic (Australian and New Zealand citizens/permanent residents) applicants.
The successful applicant will need to meet the criteria for PhD admission at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability.
Applicants should meet one of the following entry criteria:
a. A bachelor’s degree of at least four years’ full-time study – normally including a research component in your fourth year, leading to an honours degree at first (H1)
b. An equivalent course to first-class honours degree – as rated by the institute
c. A master’s degree that comprises a significant research component, at least equivalent to (A – 80%) above.
Desirable: Research or professional experience in the energy sector will be desirable.
Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on-campus. Applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.
The transdisciplinary approach
MSDI brings together the best thinkers and doers from across Monash, academia, industry, government and the community in transdisciplinary partnerships to help achieve the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. We work to understand, influence and transform systems for sustainable development in Australia and our region, collaborating with partners to build knowledge and capacity, and drive practical change.
Climate action, within which this PhD is positioned, is one of MSDI’s key strategic domains of change. This is in line with Monash Impact 2030 strategic plan which recognises climate change as one of the key global challenges of our age.
The project will also be overseen and co-supervised by Climateworks Centre. The Centre exists to bridge the gap between research and practical climate action, and for the past decade has played a unique role in Australia’s transition to a net zero future. Through Climateworks Centre, the PhD student will have access to a wide network of industry and business practitioners to conduct research, and to produce industry relevant outcomes and research impact, in addition to academic outputs.
Commencement
The project will be commencing in March 2023 but there is some flexibility regarding the date of commencement depending on the candidate’s availability. The project must commence by June 2023.
Supervision
This PhD student will be supervised by Associate Professor Shirin Malekpour (MSDI), Dr Cameron Allen (MSDI) and Dr Emi Gui (Climateworks Centre). There might also be an external supervisor (to be confirmed).
Enquiries
Please contact us on msdi-gr-enquiries@monash.edu. For any enquiries relating to the specifics of the project, please contact Associate Professor Shirin Malekpour (Shirin.malekpour@monash.edu)
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Interested candidates that meet the requirements must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form and include the following:
- A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability and their motivation to apply (one page)
- A research proposal (two pages)
- A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works, academic awards and prizes, conference presentations and relevant work experience
- Academic transcripts (undergraduate and/or postgraduate)
- Evidence of English language proficiency (if appropriate)
- Contact details of two academic referees.
The EOI form can be found here.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview in October. One successful candidate will be issued an ‘Invitation to Apply’.
Closing Date
Sunday 2 October 2022, 11:55 pm AEDT
Advertised: Sep 05 2022 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Application close: Oct 02 2022 AUS Eastern Daylight Time