The role The PhD scholars will develop skills in modeling, analysis, data management, scenario and policy formulation and least cost carbon-abatement strategy development. The research will connect with and support a number of new projects at UQ including:
- An ARC Linkage project to quantify the presently unknown water-energy- carbon connections in individual households, as well as clusters of households within cities. The project will lead to detailed knowledge of the influence of technologies, behaviours, and urban water policy, on water use and related energy use, carbon emissions and costs. The results will inform efficient design, monitoring and management of buildings and cities. The work is supported by the Melbourne Water Sector (Smart Water Fund) and has strong linkages with
the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology), ETH Zurich (Bits to Energy Laboratory) and other partners.
- A project addressing water cycle in South East Queensland to help underpin improved long-term cost-efficiency and hedge against escalating energy costs. The project will (a) quantify the carbon impact (risk) in the water supply chain (b) develop and input to decision support tools for asset optimisation (c) identify least cost options (d) engage with stakeholders throughout the project.
- Other projects including construction of an on-line virtual laboratory for Industrial Ecology using a multi-stakeholder input-output model (involving 6 other national research partners).
There are opportunities to work on large water and energy data sets, and with existing and developing models. The work is relevant engineering, physics, environmental management and social science.
Collectively the water-energy- carbon research group work will enableformation of a broader set of policy outcomes of national relevance to addressing the national goal of 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, while also minimizing water use and overall urban
metabolism. It will have wide potential implications for water and energy utility governance.
The person
You should have an Honours or Masters degree, or equivalent in engineering, physics, environmental management, social science. It is essential that you can clearly demonstrate research potential. An interest in high quality research leading to industry or policy
outcomes is desirable. Experience in modelling and/or social science policy analysis is desirable.
Remuneration
Tax-free stipends of $30,000 per annum are available for three years, with the possibility of a six month extension. This scholarship will cover postgraduate tuition fee for international applicants. Top-up scholarships would be available for applicants already holding another
relevant scholarship. Applicants are encouraged to have applied for Australian Postgraduate Award and/or UQ Research Scholarships.
To submit an application for this role, use the Apply button below. Allapplicants must supply the following documents: Cover letter, Resume and Address of selection criteria including 1/ Relevant tertiary degree; 2/ Data management, analysis or modelling of water/energy/ carbon 3/ Written or aural presentation skills, 4/ Independence and self-motivation.
Application Deadline : 7 December 2012
