Industry PhD (iPhD) Scholarship – CQUniversity, CSIRO and Future Energy Exports CRC Limited

Status

Open Now

Opens

Closes

Scholarship Value

AU$48,000 Stipend indexed yearly

Length of Scholarship

4 years / 4 EFSTL

Number Available

1

Funding Type

Research

The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) is a four-year research training program, focusing on applied research that benefits industry by solving real-world challenges. It aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia. 

The Program includes:

  1. Admission to a university PhD program.
  2. Supervision by the participating university, CSIRO, and an industry partner.
  3. A four year scholarship package totalling approximately $48,000 per annum tax exempt (2026 rate).
  4. A four year Project Expense and Development package starting from $13,000 per annum.
  5. A 60 day Industry Engagement component with the industry partner.
  6. A structured professional development and training program to develop your applied research skills.

The successful candidate is subject to the policies, procedures and guidelines of CQUniversity in addition to the CSIRO Industry PhD Program terms and conditions. The candidate will receive a standard PhD on completion.

This Project will develop advanced magnetic refrigeration cycles through numerical modelling, followed by design and simulation of a 5-tonne-per-day hydrogen liquefaction plant. A key component will be lab-scale prototype testing to validate model and simulation predictions. The research aims to establish a commercial pathway for energy-efficient hydrogen liquefaction, supporting adoption in transport and domestic applications, while providing the candidate with advanced training and access to liquid hydrogen research facilities.

The applicant must: 

  1. Be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen.
  2. Meet CQUniversity PhD admission requirements.
  3. Meet CQUniversity English language requirements.
  4. Not have previously completed a PhD.
  5. Be able to commence the Program in the year of the offer.
  6. Enrol as a full-time PhD candidate. Part-time arrangements may be considered if approved by the supervisory team and in accordance with university policy.
  7. Be prepared to be located at the project location(s) that CQUniversity has approved and, if required, comply with CQUniversity’s external enrolment procedures.
  8. Be prepared to undergo onboarding to CSIRO, which will include passing mandatory government background checks (allow for between 4 to 8 weeks) and complete any other CSIRO requirements. 

Ideal applicant skillset: 

  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics or a related discipline.
  • Basic knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, cryogenics, refrigeration cycles, and hydrogen energy systems.
  • Experience with simulation and modelling tools such as ANSYS, COMSOL, ASPEN, or Python.
  • Core research skills, including literature review, technical report writing, process design, data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
  • Familiarity with magnetic refrigeration principles and/or hydrogen liquefaction processes.
  • Experience with laboratory work and experimental validation.
  • Ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams and engage with industry stakeholders.
  1. Applicants are required to submit an expression of interest (EOI) directly to principal supervisor Dr Saif Al Ghafri via email: s.alghafri@cqu.edu.au.
  2. The EOI is assessed by the supervisory team and shortlisted applicants are interviewed.
  3. The supervisory team will nominate a preferred applicant.
  4. Applicants will be notified via email.

For further information:

Donor names: CSIRO and Future Energy Exports CRC Limited