This position is no longer available.
University: Curtin University
Country: Australia
Deadline: 2025-08-31
Fields: Energy Systems, Data Science, Environmental Engineering, Machine Learning, Sustainability
Are you passionate about leveraging data science and engineering to drive the transition toward sustainable, net zero communities? Do you aspire to contribute cutting-edge research that can transform how cities and precincts manage their energy and environmental impact? If so, the Pathways to Net Zero Precincts PhD scholarship at Curtin University may be your ideal next step.
Strong demand for sustainable urban development and the global push toward net zero emissions have created an urgent need for innovative thinkers who can harness technology to address complex energy and environmental challenges. This fully funded PhD opportunity offers you the chance to work at the intersection of data-driven modelling, machine learning, and sustainability, making a real-world impact on the future of smart precincts.
About The University Or Research Institute
Curtin University, located in Perth, Western Australia, stands as one of the country’s leading research-intensive institutions. Renowned for its commitment to innovation, industry engagement, and real-world impact, Curtin consistently ranks among the top universities globally for its engineering, technology, and sustainability programs. The university fosters an inclusive, collaborative academic environment and is recognized for its strong focus on research addressing contemporary societal challenges.
Perth, the vibrant capital of Western Australia, offers an outstanding quality of life, with a dynamic multicultural community, beautiful natural surroundings, and a thriving technology sector. As a Curtin PhD student, you will benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, a supportive research culture, and opportunities to connect with leading experts in your field.
Also See
- Norway – PhD in Global Change Ecology at University of Bergen
- New Zealand – Lecturer in Electrical and Computer Engineering at University of Canterbury
- Canada – PhD in Energy Justice and Climate Action at University of Toronto
- Denmark – PhD in Green Maritime Fuel Modelling at Technical University of Denmark
- France – Postdoctoral Research in Biological Engineering at Nantes Université
Research Topic and Significance
The primary research focus of this PhD scholarship is the development of data-driven modelling and simulation strategies to optimize energy and water usage within net zero precincts. The project is part of the Pathways to Net Zero Precincts initiative, which aims to advance the design and operation of sustainable urban environments.
In today’s context of rapid urbanization and climate change, achieving net zero emissions in urban precincts is a critical goal for cities worldwide. This research addresses key challenges by integrating digital twin technology, real-time sensor data, and advanced analytics to monitor and enhance operational efficiency across multiple building systems. By designing a dynamic sustainability index, the project will enable more accurate assessment and improvement of building performance in terms of energy, water, emissions, and indoor environmental quality.
The outcomes of this research will directly contribute to smarter, greener cities, and have the potential to inform policy, industry practices, and future urban development on a global scale.
Project Details
As a PhD Student On This Project, You Will Join The Pathways To Net Zero Precincts Team At Curtin University For a Full-time, Three-year Appointment. The Key Research Objectives Include
– Developing real-time digital twin simulation and modelling strategies to optimize energy and water use, informed by dynamic occupancy and environmental data from real-world precinct case studies.
– Applying machine learning techniques for the early detection of operational inefficiencies by analyzing fused sensor data across multiple building systems in smart precincts.
– Designing a dynamic sustainability index to quantify building performance across critical parameters such as energy, water, emissions, and indoor environmental quality.
The project is supervised by Dr. Himanshu Agrawal, whose expertise lies in advanced modelling, simulation, and sustainable systems. You will have the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary environment, collaborating with experts in energy systems, data science, and urban sustainability.
Candidate Profile
The Ideal Candidate For This PhD Opportunity Will Possess a Strong Academic Background And a Keen Interest In Sustainable Energy Systems, Data Analytics, And Smart Urban Environments. Suitable Applicants May Come From Fields Such As
– Energy Systems Engineering
– Environmental Engineering
– Computer Science or Data Science
– Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
– Sustainability Science or Urban Planning
Key Attributes And Skills Include
– Experience with data analysis, modelling, or simulation (preferably in energy or environmental systems)
– Familiarity with machine learning or digital twin technologies is highly desirable
– Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
– Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team
– Motivation to contribute to real-world sustainability challenges
A mindset geared toward innovation, impact, and continuous learning will be essential for success in this role.
Application Process
Curtin University is a world-class research institution located in Perth, Australia, and is recognized for its leadership in engineering, sustainability, and technological innovation. Joining Curtin means becoming part of a vibrant academic community committed to addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges through research and collaboration.
To apply for this PhD scholarship, candidates should prepare the following documents:
– Cover letter detailing your motivation and suitability for the project
– Curriculum Vitae (CV) including research experience, publication outputs, and referees
– Academic transcripts
Application Materials Should Be Sent As Instructed In The Official Advertisement. For Eligibility Criteria And More Information On The Project, Please Refer To The Official Project Page
https://research.curtin.edu.au/ciet/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2025/08/RACE-NZP-CER_Digital-Twin-PhD-Scholarship-EOI.pdf
Applications close: 31 August 2025
Conclusion
This is a unique opportunity to join a pioneering research team at Curtin University and make a tangible impact on the future of sustainable, net zero precincts. If you are driven by a desire to solve real-world problems through innovative research in energy, data science, and sustainability, we strongly encourage you to apply. Stay tuned for more opportunities like this by following our updates below.
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