The University of Sydney is offering a prestigious ARC-funded PhD scholarship for a 3.5-year doctoral research position within the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning (ADP). This opportunity is part of the Australian Laureate Project ‘Regional decarbonisation transitions: an inclusive place-based approach’, led by Australian Laureate Fellow Professor Chris Gibson. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team and contribute to the 'Uneven Development' stream, focusing on the economic geography of decarbonisation impacts across diverse Australian regions.

The doctoral project will investigate how decarbonisation initiatives—ranging from large multi-commodity ports to inland and smaller centres targeted for wind and solar energy—affect regional economies and social inequalities. The research will involve extensive fieldwork, including interviews in selected regions, to gather data on decarbonisation projects and assess whether these efforts mitigate or amplify systemic inequalities. Candidates will develop and apply skills in economic geography, tracking regional, national, and global flows of decarbonisation investments and their impacts on industrial regions. Quantitative analysis, such as tracking employment shifts using ABS employment data, will be a key component, enabling comparative analysis of investment impacts across different region types.

The successful applicant will benefit from close mentorship by Professor Gibson and other members of the Laureate research team, as well as guidance from leading international researchers in the program’s advisory group. The position offers opportunities to contribute to research publications and present findings at academic conferences, fostering professional development and scholarly engagement.

Funding for this position includes a generous stipend of $42,754 AUD per year and coverage of tuition fees for international students, supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC). The scholarship is available for 3.5 years, providing financial security and support for the duration of the doctoral studies.

Eligibility requirements include holding a relevant undergraduate or master’s degree in urban planning, geography, architecture, environmental science, or a closely related discipline. Experience or interest in economic geography, quantitative analysis, and fieldwork is highly desirable. Due to the nature of the fieldwork, a full, valid driver’s license is required. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a research team are preferred. No specific language test or GPA requirement is mentioned.

Applications are open until February 9, 2026. Prospective candidates should prepare their application materials and submit them via the University of Sydney or FindAPhD application portal. For further details, applicants are encouraged to review the full position description and contact the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning if needed.

This is an exceptional opportunity for motivated researchers interested in the intersection of decarbonisation, regional development, and economic geography to contribute to impactful research in a leading Australian institution.