Impact PhD Scholarship - Social licence to operate for the hydrogen industry

• Victorian Hydrogen Hub (VH2)/CQUniversity collaboration
• Full-time, fixed term role at Swinburne University Hawthorn VIC
• $40,000 p.a. for 3 years (with possible 6-month extension)

About the Scholarship

Join the clean energy transition! One scholarship awaits an ambitious student for a PhD opportunity in the dynamic 'Social licence to operate for the hydrogen industry' research project. As part of an exciting collaboration between the Victorian Hydrogen Hub (VH2) at Swinburne University of Technology and CQUniversity, this is your chance to be part of innovative clean energy transition research.

Project Background 

In addition to the technical dimensions, the clean energy transition also has critical psychological and social dimensions. In particular, the actors and institutions involved need to be trusted by the communities in which they operate and to foster and maintain social licence to operate (SLO).  However, despite its increasing usage, the meaning of SLO is poorly understood. Developing a clearer understanding of SLO and how it can foster trustworthy and meaningful relationships between both communities and organisations is a research and commercial priority. This PhD project will focus on SLO within the clean energy transition, specifically in the context of Australia’s emerging hydrogen industry in Gladstone, Queensland.

About VH2 and CQUniversity

Led by Swinburne, in partnership with CSIRO, VH2 brings together researchers, industry partners and business to drive the implementation of the hydrogen industry. Testing, trialling and demonstrating new and emerging hydrogen technologies, VH2 supports sustainable manufacturing and the ability to store clean energy from renewable sources, striving to create a sustainable future for all. 

CQUniversity, with its $13.5 million School of Manufacturing and upcoming Hydrogen Community Information Centre, recognises Gladstone as Queensland's hub for hydrogen development. CQUniversity is uniquely positioned to play a key role in the development of Australia's multibillion-dollar hydrogen industry. By completing this PhD, you can become part of this emerging industry.

About you 

To be successful in the role, you will have:

•    An Honours or Master’s degree in psychology (or closely related discipline). Please see the Entry Requirements for Research Degrees Swinburne.
•    Demonstrated knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, including problem scoping, academic literature reviews, data analysis.
•    Demonstrated knowledge of project management, including personal resourcefulness, individual initiative, ability to work independently, and ability to complete research deliverables with tight deadlines.
•    Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary research team, as well as ability to interact with multiple levels of industry contacts. 

A full list of selection criteria is available within the position description. 

Swinburne Horizon 2025 draws upon our understanding of future challenges. With this new strategic plan, we choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship, and proud of it. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research, so that:

• Every Swinburne learner gets a work experience
• Every Swinburne graduate gets a job
• Every Swinburne partner gets a tech solution
• Swinburne is the prototype of global best practice

The achievement of our 2025 moon shots depends on our capacity to work collectively, always, as One Swinburne.

How to apply and further information
Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing why you believe you are suitable for this position.  

For further information about this position, contact Associate Professor Sam Wilson ([email protected])

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on [email protected]  

Applications Close: Sunday 24th August 2024 at 11pm. 

Swinburne offers flexible working options, leave and parenting/carer policies to support work life balance.

Equity and Diversity 
Swinburne is a large and culturally diverse organisation and we are proud of our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion through key initiatives.  For further information on all our initiatives visit our Equity & Diversity website.

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

We are committed to making the recruitment process fair and equitable for all our candidates. If you have specific accessibility or support requirements please contact [email protected]

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  

For any support please contact [email protected] or for more information on our Indigenous strategies please follow the link to our RAP Reconciliation Action Plan

As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.  

(Agency enquiries will not be accepted for this position)

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