University of Canterbury
4 days ago
PhD Scholarship – Process Systems Modelling and Digital Twins for Low-Carbon Winery Energy and Water Systems University of Canterbury in New Zealand
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Oct 27, 2026
Country
New Zealand
University
University of Canterbury

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.
Meet Kite AI
More information can be found here
Keywords
Suggested scholarships
About this position
PhD Scholarship at the University of Canterbury
This PhD project focuses on process systems modelling and digital twins for low-carbon winery energy and water systems. The successful candidate will develop a modular digital twin of winery operations to support more resource-efficient use of energy and water across key systems such as fermentation, refrigeration, hot-water systems, cleaning operations, and water use.
The research combines first-principles process models with operational plant data to explore how model fidelity, data integration, and validation affect the reliability of operational decisions. Potential research directions include process and utility modelling, dynamic simulation, energy and water optimisation, thermal storage, renewable integration, scheduling, and the transferability of models across different winery sites and vintages.
The project is industry-engaged and will be undertaken in collaboration with Indevin, one of New Zealand’s largest wine producers, giving the student access to real operational challenges and industrial context. This offers a strong applied research environment for students interested in digitalisation, process optimisation, and sustainable industrial systems.
The scholarship is particularly suited to candidates with a background in chemical/process engineering, mechanical or thermal engineering, energy systems, food/process engineering, environmental engineering, or a closely related discipline. Experience with numerical modelling, optimisation, industrial data analysis, Python, Modelica/OpenModelica, or similar tools would be advantageous, though not essential.
Funding includes an annual stipend of NZD 32,650, tuition fees for three years, and up to NZD 5,000 in research expenses. The award is competitive and subject to the University of Canterbury’s doctoral admission requirements. Applicants must be eligible for admission to a PhD programme at the University of Canterbury and meet the university’s academic and English-language requirements.
Applications are due on 27 October 2026. Domestic and international applicants are welcome. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an online interview, and final selection will depend on both doctoral admission and scholarship approval.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must be eligible for admission to a PhD at the University of Canterbury and meet the university’s academic and English-language requirements. A relevant honours or master’s degree is normally expected in chemical/process engineering, mechanical or thermal engineering, energy systems, environmental engineering, food/process engineering, or a closely related discipline. A strong academic record and evidence of research capability are required. Desirable experience includes numerical modelling and simulation, thermodynamics and heat transfer, process or utility systems, optimisation or control, industrial data analysis, and programming such as Python; Modelica/OpenModelica or similar modelling environments would be advantageous. Applicants should be able to work independently, communicate effectively in English, and engage closely with an industry partner and real operational data.
How to apply
Apply through the University of Canterbury scholarship application portal using the provided scholarship link. Review the full project description on the university website before submitting. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an online interview. Final selection depends on doctoral admission and scholarship approval.
Ask ApplyKite AI

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.