PhD Scholarship – Modelling the social and political drivers of net zero transitions

Job No.: 670767

Location: Clayton campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3.5-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a tax-free stipend, at the current value of $35,013 per annum 2024 full-time rate, as per the Monash Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend. Monash University will also include a cash contribution towards travel and research costs.

About the Project

Reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions requires the rapid adoption of new technologies and practices. Policy support is critical to accelerate their adoption but has faced setbacks and delays in Australia due to political resistance and low social acceptance. A key problem is that the models used for policy evaluation fail to consider important social and political hurdles or how to overcome them.

This PhD project will contribute to addressing this crucial gap by supporting the development of a system dynamics model that incorporates a range of net zero technologies and lifestyle solutions along with social and political drivers and barriers to adoption. By doing so, it will guide and enable policymakers to design better strategies to overcome barriers, build momentum for change, and accelerate adoption of net zero solutions.

Opportunity and Supervisory Team

The PhD opportunity is based at Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI) and will support a research project funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) on modelling the technological, social and political drivers of the net zero transition. The PhD candidate will be supervised by at least two senior researchers.

The principal supervisor for the PhD project is Dr Cameron Allen who is a Senior Research Fellow and recipient of the ARC’s Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) which supports outstanding early career researchers to address a crucial knowledge gap that benefits Australia.

The co-supervisor for the PhD project is Dr Enayat Moallemi who is a Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO with expertise in risk-cobenefit assessment of net zero options for sustainability transitions using a range of knowledge sources and methods.

Additional co-supervisors may also join the project in due course.

Desired Student Skillset

The PhD project will combine established methods from system dynamics modelling and sustainability transitions research in an innovative and interdisciplinary approach. A background in science and engineering or social science and policy analysis is desirable. Experience with systems modelling (e.g. system dynamics, integrated assessment or agent-based models) and/or research on sustainability transitions and transformations will be highly regarded. Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are also required.

Eligibility Requirements

This opportunity is available to domestic students only. Candidates will need to fulfil the Monash University minimum requirements for admission to a PhD detailed here: www.monash.edu/admissions/entry-requirements/minimum.  

MSDI @ Monash

The successful candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary cohort of researchers and students based at Monash Sustainable Development Institute, a world leading institute bringing about change through pioneering research, education and innovation. Our research is evidence-based, interdisciplinary, applied, practical, collaborative and relevant, and delivers impact for policymakers, institutions and the community.

Monash University is a member of Australia’s Group of Eight coalition and is internationally recognized for excellence in research and teaching as one of the world's top 50 universities.

• Amplify your impact at a world top 50 University
• Join our inclusive, collaborative community
• Be surrounded by extraordinary ideas - and the people who discover them

How to apply

Please apply using the following link: LINK TO APPLY

To express your interest in this scholarship and PhD research opportunity, we request candidates provide:

• A cover letter describing your research interests and why you would like to undertake a PhD (maximum one page)
• A CV including qualifications, academic achievements, list of publications, work history and references
• A copy of your academic transcript(s)

Enquiries: Dr Cameron Allen, cameron.allen@monash.edu