Fully Funded Energy Futures Scholarship -

In order to enable the transition to net zero, this PhD project, which is based at the Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI), will look into how the energy industry and businesses can institutionalize and operationalize futures approaches, such as foresight, exploratory scenarios, and normative scenarios. The project hopes to answer the fundamental question of what governance structures, institutional frameworks, and organizational capabilities are necessary to integrate Futures approaches in transition planning toward net zero by using a knowledge co-production approach with the Australian energy sector. The solutions will deal with the market and energy governance concerns that the sector is currently dealing with and addressing.

About The Scholarship

Anyone interested in future studies, energy and sustainability transitions, management, or the social sciences has the chance to create an original research project. The Scholarship project focuses on how futures and scenarios can be effectively incorporated into the industry and organizational decision-making, as well as how institutional and organizational processes and capacities could be strengthened for anticipatory action in line with net zero transitions. It does not focus on creating scenarios or modeling energy futures.

This PhD will make use of interdisciplinary ideas and study techniques. Candidates with relevant interdisciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as are those with experience with social science research techniques (such as interviews, surveys, and workshops).

Research candidates at MSDI have access to money and resources in addition to the scholarship to support the research they conduct while they are candidates.

Eligibility

Due to the terms of the scholarship, this opportunity is only available to domestic applicants (citizens and permanent residents of Australia and New Zealand).

The chosen candidate must meet Monash University’s requirements for PhD admission and exhibit exceptional research aptitude.

Candidates must fulfill one of the following admission requirements:

a. A bachelor’s degree requiring at least four years of full-time study, with the fourth year typically containing a research component that leads to an initial honors degree (H1)

b. A course that, in the institute’s opinion, is comparable to a first-class honors degree.

c. A master’s degree with a sizable portion devoted to research that is at least equal to (A – 80%) above.

It will be helpful to have research or professional experience in the energy industry.

Scholarship recipients must attend classes on campus full-time. Candidates with advanced degrees won’t be taken into consideration.

Type of Employment: Full-Time

Three years and six months of a fixed-term appointment

Compensation: The chosen candidate will earn a full-time stipend of $30,000 per year (pro-rata).

The Method Of Transdisciplinarity

To assist in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, MSDI brings together the brightest thinkers and doers from Monash, academia, business, government, and the community in transdisciplinary partnerships. We work to comprehend, shape, and transform Australia’s and our region’s systems for sustainable development, partnering with others to increase knowledge and capacity and promote real change.

One of MSDI’s primary strategic domains of change is climate action, under which this PhD is situated. This is consistent with the strategic plan for Monash Impact 2030, which recognizes climate change as one of the most important global issues of our time.

The climate works Centre will also co-supervise and oversee the project. In the past ten years, the Centre has played a unique role in Australia’s transition to a net zero future by bridging the gap between research and practical climate action. The PhD student will have access to an extensive network of business and industry practitioners through Climateworks Centre to conduct research, develop outcomes, and research impact that is useful to industry, in addition to academic outputs.

Commencement

The project will start in March 2023, although based on the candidate’s availability, there is some flexibility about the start date. Starting the project is required by June 2023.

Supervision

Associate Professor Shirin Malekpour (MSDI), Dr. Cameron Allen (MSDI), and Dr. Emi Gui will supervise this PhD student (Climateworks Centre). There may also be a third-party supervisor (to be confirmed).

Inquiries

Send us an email at [email protected]. If you have any questions about the project’s specifics, please email Associate Professor Shirin Malekpour at [email protected].

Post A Statement Of Interest (EOI)

Candidates who are qualified must fill out an Expression of Interest (EOI) form and include the following information:

• A brief introduction to the applicant’s qualifications and their reasons for applying in the cover letter (one page)

• A study proposal (two pages)

• A curriculum vitae that lists any publications, honors, and awards received in school, conference presentations, and any relevant employment history.

• Academic records from undergraduate and graduate studies

• Proof of English language ability (if appropriate)

Information About How To Reach Two Academic Referees

In October, those who have been shortlisted will be contacted for an interview. An “Invitation to Apply” will be sent to one chosen applicant.

Final Date

On October 2, 2022, at 11:55 p.m. AEDT

Advertised: September 5, 2022, AUS Eastern Time

Application deadline: October 2, 2022, AUS Eastern Time