Science
We are looking for a motivated and talented PhD student to conduct research on hailstorm and hailstone properties around Australia. The research will aim to quantify spatial and temporal differences in hail damage potential for solar panels, to provide data on hail hazard that can be used in impact testing and to inform durability standards for solar panels by region. The PhD forms part of the UNSW-led Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) grant titled “Site-tailored modules to reduce cost in utility-scale deployment”.
The successful candidate will work together with researchers from the UNSW Institute for Climate Risk and Response, the UNSW Climate Change Research Centre, and the UNSW School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering.
The position is a full-time position, in person only at the UNSW Kensington Campus in Sydney, Australia.
Applications close 30 November 2026.
Scholarship
$39,206 per annum (2026 rate, indexed) for 3.5 years. International candidates will be considered for a Tuition Fee Scholarship.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to domestic and international applicants.
We seek a student who has:
- demonstrated research experience: a completed first-class honours or Master’s, preferably with published scientific work,
- a background and interest in climate and weather risk, physical climate sciences, renewable energy, or engineering,
- skills in statistical analysis, programming in python, dealing with large data, and scientific writing.
How to apply
Please email Timothy Raupach (t.raupach@unsw.edu.au) your CV and academic transcripts by the deadline.
If successful, you will need to submit a formal application, available here https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/hdr/application for admission to UNSW.
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