Local recruitment: PhD Scholarship on Sanitation and Emissions

PhD scholarship (domestic) at UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures

Greenhouse gas emissions from sanitation systems

• Are you curious about the Indonesian context and passionate about sustainability and climate action?
• Want to learn or further valuable research skills foundational for a range of career pathways?
• Are you interested in a career in addressing core climate and health issues such as sanitation in our region?

Summary

A unique opportunity to contribute to world-leading research on emissions from sanitation systems. The ‘Emissions Measurement to Improve Sanitation in Indonesia’ (EMISI) project is conducting ground-breaking research to address major evidence gaps in the greenhouse gas emissions from onsite and offsite sanitation systems in Indonesia.

Current IPCC assumptions draw from high-income settings that do not reflect the realities of sanitation on-the-ground in low-resource settings. Meanwhile, there is significant untapped opportunity to link sanitation with climate financing mechanisms.

The University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures (UTS-ISF) is recruiting a domestic PhD candidate to conduct transdisciplinary research in relation to EMISI. Measuring emissions from diverse wastewater systems, modeling national emissions and engaging with national ministries responsible for sanitation, climate change and environment, this project is set to make a mark. If you are looking to conduct doctoral research that makes a real-world difference, this opportunity is for you!

To express your interest, please send a one-page outline of yourself and the skills and interests you bring to the area of sanitation emissions in low-resource settings, and attach your CV, to Jeremy Kohlitz (Jeremy.Kohlitz@uts.edu.au). We are keen to hear your transdisciplinary research interests, whether they focus on engineering and scientific aspects, modelling and scenario analysis or regulatory and governance aspects- all within a broader aim to improve sanitation services.

The successful candidate will receive a living stipend $37,000 pa for a maximum of 3.5 years full-time study.

This position is available to domestic students. You are considered a domestic student if you are an:

• Australian citizen
• New Zealand citizen
• Holder of an Australian permanent resident visa

Who we are looking for – essential skills and aptitudes

• A masters or strong undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (social sciences, engineering, health, natural sciences, development studies), or equivalent.
  • Demonstrated ability to undertake research at higher degree level, i.e. demonstrated research experience or honours/masters degree with meaningful research component.
  • Demonstrated high level critical thinking skills.
  • Experience in working with/across different disciplines and cultures.
  • Interest in and aptitude to learn about relevant areas including sanitation and wastewater systems, greenhouse gas emissions, and sanitation governance.
  • Commitment to advancing progressive realisation of the human rights to water and sanitation.

About UTS-ISF and the HDR Program

UTS-ISF is a leading transdisciplinary research institute with a mission of creating change towards sustainable futures. Established twenty-five years ago, UTS-ISF works with government, industry and community organisations to create a world that is socially, ecologically and economically just and safe. UTS-ISF brings together expertise from a diverse range of disciplines to deliver practical solutions for our partners, and to empower our students to effect positive change in the years to come.

Our leading graduate research program supports students working at the leading edge of complex societal problems and sustainability challenges. The program includes retreats, peer support groups, workshops and professional development seminars to help create a supportive community of scholars. We nurture and develop the brightest, most curious minds, giving them the skills to navigate complex real-world challenges. Our vibrant community of scholars brings fresh insight, inspiring new ways of seeing – and solving – wicked problems. For more details about undertaking a PhD at ISF and student eligibility read about our graduate research program.

Location

Sydney, Australia (with some remote work possible)

Commencement date

The scholarship will commence in Q3 2025 once the student has enrolled in a PhD program
through the University of Technology Sydney.

Closing date: 14th May 2025