EPOC is collaborating with the University of Canterbury and the German Aerospace Center(DLR) in a Government-funded project to study the integration of green hydrogen into the New Zealand economy. As part of this we are offering a PhD scholarship to implement stochastic optimization models that can be used to study the risks and opportunities that might arise from uncertainties facing this integration. These include random weather outcomes, uncertain capital costs, regulatory uncertainty and uncertainties about technological progress. We are seeking candidates with a science or engineering degree, equivalent to the 4-year BSc (Honours) or BE (Honours) degree in New Zealand with 1st class Honours, or an MSc or postgraduate Diploma. The successful candidate will require some background in optimization (linear and mixed integer programming) and be comfortable with computer modelling using tools such as AMPL, GAMS, JuMP, or Pyomo.

The PhD scholarship will include tuition fees and a stipend of NZD$30,000 p.a. (tax-free) for 3 years. Furthermore, we offer funding to attend local conferences, and, for outstanding work, attendance at international conferences and a research stay with our German partners.

Candidates should satisfy the requirements for admission as a PhD candidate at University of Auckland. Maori and Pasifika students are particularly encouraged to apply. To apply, please send your CV, academic record, the names and contact details of two referees, and a short motivation letter (max. 1 page) to a.philpott@auckland.ac.nz with New Zealand-German Platform for Green Hydrogen Integration in the subject line. Applications close on August 31, 2023. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email and interviewed by Zoom.