PhD Scholarship Opportunities Cost-Effective Green Methanol with Water Electrolysis: Process Integration and Life-Cycle Assessment
Job No.: 669524
Location: Clayton campus
Employment Type: Full-time
Duration: 3.5 year fixed-term appointment
Remuneration: $35,013 AUD per annum 2024 full-time rate (tax-free stipend)
The successful applicant will receive a Research Living Allowance, at a current value of $35,013 AUD 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
The Opportunity:
This PhD project offers a unique chance to engage in cutting-edge research at the forefront of sustainable energy production. As a PhD candidate, you will work closely with HAMR Energy, an industry leader in renewable fuel technologies, gaining invaluable insights into the practical challenges and innovations driving the field. You will be part of an interdisciplinary team dedicated to advancing green methanol production from forestry biomass waste and hydrogen, contributing directly to the development of cleaner, more efficient production processes.
Your research will involve hands-on experience developing state-of-the-art process simulations, life cycle assessments, and emissions reports, using advanced tools like the Monash Environmental Impact and Energy Assessment tool. The project’s outcomes will have significant implications for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability in sectors that are difficult to decarbonise, such as shipping. This is a rare opportunity to collaborate with both academic and industry experts, directly impacting the global transition towards renewable energy while developing your expertise in a rapidly evolving and highly relevant field.
Desired Student Skillset
We are seeking a highly motivated and talented student with a strong background in chemical engineering, sustainable energy, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have experience in process simulation and life cycle assessment with a keen interest in renewable energy technologies and environmental sustainability. Proficiency in software tools such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS or DWSIM for process simulation, SimaPro or GaBi for life cycle assessment, and Excel or Python for data analysis is very desirable. Strong analytical skills, the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team, and excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are also required, as the candidate will be expected to present research findings to both academic and industry audiences.
The selection committee will prioritise applicants who hold an Australian (or equivalent international) Honours or Master’s degree (both in a relevant field), with a significant research component and first-class honours/H1 awarded.
Applicants currently in their final year of an Australian Bachelor's Honours degree will be considered for this scholarship, provided the degree is completed by the end of Semester 2, 2024.
How to apply
Please submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form to Dr Tom Hughes using this link: https://www.monash.edu/engineering/future-students/graduate-research/how-to-apply
Your EOIs should include:
- A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
- A curriculum vitae, including a list of published works and contact details of two academic referees
- A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
- Evidence of English-language proficiency (international applicants only)
- Current residency status
- Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed over Skype if necessary. The interviews will be conducted in English.
Please note: These documents will be used for an initial assessment, and you will need to re-submit copies of these documents, along with other additional documents, should you be given the opportunity to proceed with a formal application.
If you are successful with your EOI application you will need to submit a separate Monash University scholarship in one of the following rounds:
- Round 4, Domestic closing Thursday 31 October 2024, 11:55pm AEDT
For application questions please contact: Lilyanne Price
Email: Lilyanne.Price@monash.edu
Closing date: Thursday 31 October, 2024, 11:55pm AEDT or earlier if a suitable candidate is found.
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