Collaborate with the Building Physics research group at the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre and our Industry Partners to develop new scientific understanding and practical solutions ready for industry adoption. Undertake hands-on testing of building components and theoretical analysis of heat, air and moisture transport to advance climate adaptation, sustainability and occupant health outcomes.
The Australian building industry is entering a period of rapid transformation as it is required to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, meet higher standards of indoor environmental quality (IEQ), and produce buildings resilient to the impacts of global warming. Failure to meet any one of these challenges will have severe consequences, which would be ‘built into’ our future building stock for decades, until the poorly performing buildings are demolished or upgraded.
The Sustainable Buildings Research Centre (SBRC), in collaboration with BlueScope, has secured funding from the Australian Research Council to investigate the complex interactions that occur between air flows, heat and moisture within building assemblies. The broader project will involve experiments in real houses, full-scale tests of building assemblies in the SBRC’s flagship test facility the Building Insights Facility, and benchtop-scale testing of air flows through isolated building components. Mathematical models of the underlying Building Physics will be developed, allowing the production of evidence-based and practical design tools and guides for industry adoption.
Two PhD projects are included in the project. The PhD students will contribute to the larger project through their own research in Building Physics. Candidates will work alongside research staff at the SBRC, and will collaborate with building application specialists at BlueScope, guided by an experienced supervisory team. Outcomes from the PhD projects will inform future building codes and standards in Australia and Internationally.
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences
Study area: Engineering, Environmental & Biological Science, Physics
Student type: Domestic students, International students
Student status: Future Students
Scholarship amount
UOW Base Rate ($36,943 per annum for 2026)
Note: All scholarships are indexed annually
Duration
3.5 years
Application process
Applicants should submit the following materials:
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic transcripts
- Cover letter (one page) outlining motivation to undertake doctoral research, research interests, relevant experience and suitability for the project
- Contact details of 2 referees, including at least 1 academic referee.
Eligibility requirements
We welcome applications from high-achieving candidates with relevant undergraduate degree, and honours or a master's degree.
We welcome applications from both recent graduates and established professionals working in a relevant engineering or scientific field. Applicants due to complete their relevant undergraduate or Masters degrees before the end of 2026 are also welcome to apply.
The ideal applicant will:
- Hold Honours Class 1 with relevant research experience, or Masters by research in a relevant field
- Demonstrate a strong aptitude for scientific work, including practical skills and understanding relevant to the conduct of experiments, and capability in maths and physics
- Have an interest to contribute to sustainability and climate adaptation efforts through their career
List any other benefits that applicants will receive:
- Collaboration with an active research group advancing scientific knowledge in the field of Building Physics, and providing solutions for industry and government
- Direct industry engagement and an application-focused research topic
- Access to world-class building test facilities
Application closing date
31 July 2026
Contact information
Alan Green