PhD Scholarship in Anthropology of Hydrogen Futures

Job No.: 670424

Location: Clayton campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3.5-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a Research Living Allowance, at current value of $35,013AUD per annum 2024 full-time rate (tax-free stipend), indexed plus allowances as per RTP stipend scholarship conditions at: www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/scholarships/scholarship-policy-and-procedures. A tuition fee scholarship and Single Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) will be provided for a successful international awardee.

The Opportunity

This PhD scholarship is funded as an important part of an ARC funded project Hydrogen Hub Futures, conducted by Dr Kari Dahlgren, as part of her Discovery Early Career Researcher Award.

This project will critically examine the emerging hydrogen industry in Australia and its impact on regional communities. It aims to contribute to the social science of the energy transition and industrial decarbonisation by studying the development of the hydrogen sector. Through in-depth ethnographic research in communities identified as potential future hydrogen hubs, the project will explore local aspirations and ensure that the industry not only delivers its promised environmental benefits but also addresses the unique needs and desires of the communities involved.

The successful applicant will join the research team and contribute to the wider project but will also undertake their own distinct PhD project. The specific focus of the PhD project is open to negotiation, but it may include extended ethnographic fieldwork in an Australian community identified as a potential hydrogen hub, such as Pilbara (WA), Gladstone (QLD), Bell Bay (TAS), Port Bonython (SA), the Hunter (NSW), or another region considering hydrogen development. Alternatively, the PhD project could explore broader issues associated with the hydrogen sector, through a focus on the energy transition or industrial decarbonisation in Australia, depending on the applicant’s interests and experience.

Undertaking this PhD as part of a larger project has several advantages. First, the successful candidate will be integrated into an already successful research agenda that has been funded by the Australian Research Council, and will have access to funding to support fieldwork, travel, and conference attendance. Second, the candidate will benefit from expert supervision from research leaders in social science, especially anthropology and human geography. Finally, the candidate will benefit from being part of outcomes from the research, which may include co-authored publications (where the candidate’s contributions will be recognised through co-authorship) and research workshops.

About Monash University

Monash University is the largest university in Australia and regularly ranks in the top 100 universities worldwide. Monash has six globally networked campuses and international alliances in Europe and Asia. The applicant will be based at the Clayton campus in Melbourne. Social Science at Monash is diverse and vibrant, including research expertise in anthropology, geography, sociology, politics and sustainability transitions. We have a strong and supportive research culture, led by internationally recognised scholars successful in attracting national and international competitive funding.

Candidate Requirements

The successful applicant will have an excellent academic track record in Social Science, and ideally experience in anthropology, human geography or other closely related field. Proficiency in qualitative research methods, especially ethnographic methods, and an understanding or interest in energy transitions or industrial decarbonisation are desirable. A combination of the required academic qualifications and practical experience in the social dimensions of the energy transition, gained through previous roles in industry, policy, or experiences in a transitioning regional community will also be considered.

In its assessment, the selection committee will prioritise applicants who hold an Australian (or equivalent international) Honour’s or Master’s degree (both in a relevant field), with a significant research component and with first-class honours/H1 awarded.

Details of eligibility requirements, including English-language proficiency skills, to undertake a PhD in the Faculty of Arts are available at arts.monash.edu/graduate-research/application-process.  Applicants should ensure they familiarise themselves with these requirements before deciding whether they should apply.

Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on campus. Please note: applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.

The successful applicant will be expected to enroll by March 2025.  However, there may be some flexibility as to the date of commencement.

Enquiries: You are required to discuss your research proposal with project leader Dr Kari Dahlgren. Please email kari.dahlgren@monash.edu before you submit an Expression of Interest.

Submit an Expression of Interest

EOIs shall comprise:

• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability
• A brief research proposal not exceeding 750 words in length that fits within the broad project aims and objectives, and demonstrates some understanding of the area of research
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works, conference presentations and relevant work experience
• A full statement of academic records, degree certificates and official grading system (if available), supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
• English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
• Names and contact details of 2 academic referees
• Copy of your current passport (if available)

Once you have discussed your EOI with Kari Dahlgren, please submit your Expression of Interest Form and indicate that you are applying for a “Special Scholarship Scheme – PhD Scholarship in Anthropology of Hydrogen Futures”.

Applications Close: Sunday 3 November 2024 11:55pm AEDT