The Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions (ICEDS) is seeking a dynamic, passionate, and interdisciplinary individual to undertake a PhD at the Australian National University (ANU). We are looking to fund a PhD scholar ($34,000 per annum) to work alongside ANU experts on verifiable and equitable carbon removal programs with tangible contributions to ANU Below Zero targets.

Departmental enrolment for the project will be through the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy’s Resources, Environment and Development group, to be supervised by Dr Sarah Milne.

The PhD project will be part of an ICEDS-funded program that will examine the impacts and implications of carbon removals in Australian landscapes, e.g. through carbon farming projects, environmental plantings, landscape restoration, cultural burning, and/or other land-use change initiatives that seek to drawdown or avoid greenhouse gas emissions. We are particularly interested in the “co-benefits” of carbon removals, whether social, economic, cultural or environmental. These could include impacts for local or First Nations communities, landholders, rural economies, biodiversity, water, and ecosystems. Your disciplinary background could be in environmental science, human geography, political ecology, environmental economics, or other relevant disciplines.

Eligibility:

• Domestic or international candidates can apply.
• Enrolment in a full-time program of study is preferred. Part-time (pro-rata) arrangements could be negotiated for the right candidate.
• Be enrolled, or seeking to enrol, in a higher degree program at the Australian National University. PhD applications will be processed through the Crawford School at ANU.

Selection criteria:

• Capacity to work collaboratively.
• Some experience in community development, agriculture, forestry, natural resource management, conservation, carbon farming, or related sector.
• Passionate about addressing climate change, environmental issues, and social justice.
• Outstanding academic record, including an Honours or Masters degree in a relevant field, with a research component.

Please send a maximum two-page statement of interest along with your CV and contact details for two references to Dr Sarah Milne, sarah.milne@anu.edu.au

Your statement of interest will explain the following:

• why you are interested in this opportunity;
• the kind of research that you would like to pursue;
• your preferred field of study and approach;
• some likely research questions and field sites.

First Nations scholars and individuals from rural and regional areas are encouraged to apply.

Students will apply through the normal ANU PhD admissions process. For questions and inquiries, please email Sarah: sarah.milne@anu.edu.au