Phd Scholarship in Anthropology of Hydrogen Futures

**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.

**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.

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.

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.

**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)

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

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