CSIRO PhD Top-Up Scholarship – Circular Economy Business Models

• Are you passionate about a career in research?
• Want to access CSIRO’s world-class facilities and staff?
• Apply for a CSIRO PhD Top-Up Scholarship now!

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The Opportunity

• Are you passionate about a career in research?
• Want to access CSIRO’s world-class facilities and staff?
• Apply for a CSIRO PhD Top-Up Scholarship now!

CSIRO PhD Top-Up Scholarships provide enhanced opportunities in science and engineering for outstanding graduates enrolling in a PhD at Australian tertiary institutions. Collaborating with us to complete your PhD degree will give your research the edge. We offer you access to our leading scientists, engineers and mentors, the opportunity to take your research to the next level in our first-class facilities and first-hand experience in an environment where our innovative research really is changing the world for the better.

A CSIRO PhD Top-Up Scholarship is a supplementary award, which adds to the student’s support from a principal scholarship awarded by another body, e.g. RTP scholarship.  In all respects recipients of awards will be regarded as students of the University at which they are registered, and all rules relating to degree candidature and the primary award will apply. In particular, recipients will undertake research at CSIRO as a student of the university concerned and will not be employees of CSIRO.

The Sustainability Pathways Program of CSIRO Environment conducts interdisciplinary research that informs how social and economic activities can transition to deliver human well-being within planetary boundaries. The low-carbon circular economy promises to achieve economic and environmental objectives simultaneously by decoupling economic growth and human well-being from environmental pressures (such as material use, waste, and emissions) and environmental impacts (including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and resource depletion). This approach supports the conservation and enhancement of natural resources and the preservation of ecosystems.

Our Environment Research unit’s program is dedicated to addressing the current and future challenges and opportunities in the environmental sector. From oceans to coasts, land to atmosphere, and climate, we aim to deliver solutions that support the resilient and sustainable management of natural resources, which are fundamental to Australia’s development and prosperity. For more information, please see our website at Environment

Project Title:  Circular Economy Business Models

Project Details

Circular Economy Business Models are centred around the design and implementation of sustainable business practices that aim to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. These models emphasize the importance of promoting reuse, recycling, and the regeneration of resources, moving away from the traditional linear economy that follows a ‘take-make-dispose’ approach. By integrating circular economy principles into their operations, businesses can not only reduce their environmental footprint but also create more resilient and adaptive systems that are better equipped to handle resource constraints and environmental challenges. These models encourage a shift towards sustainable production and consumption patterns, fostering a closed-loop system where materials are continually cycled back into the production process, thereby reducing dependency on finite resources.

This PhD research delves into innovative strategies that businesses can adopt to generate economic value while simultaneously delivering environmental and social benefits. The study explores how circular economy principles can be effectively integrated into various industries, identifying key opportunities and challenges in the transition to a more sustainable business framework. By investigating successful case studies and emerging practices, the research aims to provide actionable insights for businesses looking to enhance their sustainability performance. The goal is to contribute to the broader understanding of how businesses can thrive in a circular economy, benefiting not only their bottom line but also society and the environment at large.

Contact:  For more information on the research project please contact Heinz Schandl heinz.schandl@csiro.au or Natahsa Porter natasha.porter@csiro.au

Location:  Canberra, Sydney or Melbourne

Scholarship:  Top-Up Scholarship of $10,000 per annum, plus a learning and development budget of $5,000 over the term of the studentship

Tenure:   3 years

Reference:  97928

Eligibility:

To be eligible to apply you must have (or expect to gain):

• first or upper second-class honours or equivalent in a relevant research area;
• admission to an Australian University as a PhD student;
• hold an appropriate visa to study in Australia (if international)*
• be no further than one year (FTE) into a PhD on commencing at CSIRO
• hold a primary scholarship; for example, a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or other primary scholarship of similar value
• not be in receipt of any other Top-Up Scholarship
• a university supervisor who is willing and able to supervise you; and
• be available to commence with CSIRO no later than 30 June 2025.

* International applicants must be residing in Australia and have the appropriate immigration approvals to allow them to take up the scholarship.

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent.

Applications will be assessed on:

1. Quality and relevance of student project:  The primary assessment criterion for a CSIRO PhD Top-Up Scholarship is the quality and relevance of the project being proposed.  The research must be aligned with the advertised priority research area.
2. Academic calibre of the student:  The quality of the student is also critical to the assessment of a scholarship and candidates must hold (or expect to gain) a relevant first or upper second class honours (or equivalent) degree from a recognised university.
3. Availability of appropriate university supervision:  The relevance of the university supervisor’s research background and their willingness to supervise the student in collaboration with the CSIRO supervisor should also be made clear.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish.

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia’s national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact.

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply:

You will be required to:

1. submit a Resume/CV and Cover Letter (as one document) in the ‘Resume/CV’ field which includes:
   • the names and contact details of two previous supervisors or academic/professional referees; and
   • a one-page proposal stating how your research interests align with the project aims.
2. upload your academic transcripts in the ‘Cover Letter’ field.

If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 984 220 and someone will be able to assist you. Outside business hours please email: careers.online@csiro.au.

Applications Close

31 October 2024, 11:00pm AEDT

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