Publisher
source

Macquarie University

CSIRO Industry PhD Program

PhD in Responsible AI for Smart Energy Adoption and Optimisation in Australian Households and Small Businesses Macquarie University in Australia

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Full funding available
Country flag

Country

Australia

University

Macquarie University

Social connections

How do I apply for this?

Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.

Meet Kite AI

Apply for this position

Keywords

Computer Science
Data Science
Environmental Science
Electrical Engineering
Information Technology
Consumer Behavior
Python Programming
Management
Optimisation
Economics
Statistics
Clean Energy
Responsible Ai
Renewable Energy Systems
ML

Suggested scholarships

About this position

CSIRO Industry PhD opportunity in Responsible AI for Smart Energy Adoption and Optimisation in Australian Households and Small Businesses.

This PhD project focuses on how AI-enabled digital tools can improve the adoption and everyday use of distributed clean-energy systems, including rooftop solar, battery storage, and virtual power plant participation. The research will examine behavioural, financial, and informational barriers that prevent households and small businesses from adopting these technologies or using them efficiently after adoption.

The project will use customer energy-use data, tariff information, weather forecasts, and distributed energy system performance data to develop and evaluate machine-learning models for electricity demand forecasting and solar generation forecasting. It will also explore optimisation methods for battery charging and load shifting, and create personalised recommendations for end users.

A major theme is responsible AI and user-centred digital design: the project will investigate how trust, understanding, and decision quality can be improved through better interfaces and more responsible AI systems.

Supervisory team: Di Bu (Macquarie University), Dilum Bandara (CSIRO), and Dawei Huang (Wattclub Pty Ltd).

Location: Primary location is Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia, with industry engagement at Wattclub Pty Ltd in Sydney Olympic Park and additional work at CSIRO Marsfield.

Ideal background: computer science, data science, information systems, software engineering, engineering, economics, behavioural finance, or another quantitative field. Strong Python/programming skills, quantitative research ability, communication skills, and interest in AI, digital infrastructure, and the clean-energy transition are important. Experience in machine learning, data analytics, optimisation, statistics, software development, digital platform research, energy systems, sustainability, consumer behaviour, or responsible AI is desirable.

Funding: listed as a CSIRO Industry PhD Program scholarship opportunity; no stipend amount is provided in the post.

Application: apply via the Macquarie University scholarship page linked in the post. The opportunity is open until the position is filled.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

More information can be found here

View more positions in CSIRO Industry PhD Program

Ask ApplyKite AI

Start chatting
Can you summarize this position?
What qualifications are required for this position?
How should I prepare my application?