We are excited to invite applications for three PhD positions as part of the Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship project, “Cities as Transformative Agents for a Climate-safe Future”, led by Distinguished Professor Xuemei Bai at the Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University National University.

This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team tackling one of the most pressing global challenges: how cities can lead the way to a climate-safe future. You can check our website and our team’s details here.

Research Areas

We are looking for three candidates, each focussing on at least one of the following areas:

• City archetypes and evolutionary pathways toward climate-safe futures;
• Urban networked resilience and proactive city networking;
• New ways of governing to accelerate urban transitions and role of actors in shaping transitions;
• AI and data-driven urban transition modelling;
• Social tipping points.

Candidate Requirements

Ideal candidates will have a background in one of the following areas: urban systems, sustainability transitions, environmental governance, public policy, data science, or related fields. A master’s degree by research or a bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours is mandatory.

The ideal candidate should possess at least one of the following skill sets:

• Qualitative skills, such as:
  • Interviews, Case study analysis, Policy/content analysis
• Quantitative and/or computational skills, such as:
  • Statistical analysis;
  • System dynamics;
  • Network analysis, Machine Learning, LLM;
  • Spatial analysis;
  • Agent-based modelling.

Eligibility

We are looking for highly talented and passionate candidates who can work both independently and contribute to and thrive in a collaborative interdisciplinary team. Admission to this program is on a competitive basis.

To be considered for this opportunity, an applicant must submit the following documents. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Cover letter;
• CV;
• Degree evidence and transcript;
• A research proposal of up to 4 pages;
• Language proof.

ANU admission requirements

English language admission requirements

Funding

Successful applicants need to be able to pass the ANU scholarship selection criteria, upon which the candidate will be awarded a scholarship at $38,154 AUD per annum (2025) for up to 4 years.

Submission of applications

Applications should be sent to Dr. Eri Kashima (eri.kashima@anu.edu.au) by July 31st 2025. Long listed candidates will be invited to further discuss topics and alignment. Following this step, short listed candidates will be interviewed. The successful candidates will then be invited to undertake the ANU application process.

Key dates

We are accepting applications until positions are filled. For the most up-to-date situation, contact eri.kashima@anu.edu.au.

Application Process Information

https://fennerschool.anu.edu.au/study/phd-mphil

https://study.anu.edu.au/apply/postgraduate-research