Jonathan Pickering

The University of Canberra is offering a fully funded 3.5-year PhD scholarship as part of the ARC Discovery Project 'Just Transmission: Advancing Coherence in Australia’s Electricity Policy.' The research focuses on how communities and policymakers navigate competing objectives in developing electricity transmission infrastructure, a key enabler for large-scale renewable energy. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team with joint appointments across the Canberra School of Government, Centre for Deliberative Democracy, and Centre for Environmental Governance, all within the Faculty of Business, Government and Law. Collaboration with co-investigators at Sydney Environment Institute and Macquarie University is also part of the project. The scholarship provides an annual stipend of $39,706, support for fieldwork, conferences, and international student visa/health insurance costs. Applicants should have a background in political science, public policy, or a related field, with strong qualitative research and communication skills. The position is open to both domestic and international students, with applications due by 30 October 2025 for a Semester 1 2026 start. To apply, candidates should email their CV, a statement of suitability and proposed topic, a recent academic writing sample, and referee contact information to Associate Professor Jonathan Pickering. This opportunity is ideal for those interested in policy-relevant research at the intersection of energy transition, environmental governance, and community engagement.