14 Sep 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company: University of Canterbury
- Department: Chemical and Process Engineering
- Research Field: Engineering » Chemical engineering; Engineering » Process engineering; Engineering » Mechanical engineering
Offer Description
This PhD project will develop a modular digital twin of winery operations to support lower-carbon and more resource-efficient use of energy and water.
The research will combine first-principles process models with operational plant data to represent key winery systems such as fermentation, refrigeration, hot-water systems, cleaning operations and water use. The project will investigate how model fidelity, data integration and validation influence the reliability of operational decisions.
Potential research areas include process and utility modelling, dynamic simulation, energy and water optimisation, thermal storage, renewable integration, scheduling, and the transferability of models across different winery sites and vintages.
The project is industry-engaged and will be undertaken in collaboration with Indevin, providing access to real operational challenges and industrial context.
We are particularly interested in candidates with a strong background in chemical/process engineering, mechanical or thermal engineering, energy systems, food/process engineering, environmental engineering, or a closely related discipline. Experience with numerical modelling, optimisation, industrial data analysis, Python, Modelica/OpenModelica or similar tools would be advantageous, but is not essential.
The scholarship provides an annual stipend of NZD 32,650, tuition fees for three years, and up to NZD 5,000 in research expenses. The scholarship is competitive and subject to the University of Canterbury’s doctoral admission requirements.
Application deadline: 27 October 2026.
Where to apply
Website: https://scholarshipscanterbury.communityforce.com/Funds/FundDetails.aspx
Requirements
- Research Field: Engineering » Chemical engineering — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field: Engineering » Process engineering — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field: Engineering » Mechanical engineering — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Applicants should have a strong engineering background in chemical/process engineering, mechanical or thermal engineering, energy systems, environmental engineering, food/process engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Desirable experience includes numerical modelling and simulation, thermodynamics and heat transfer, process or utility systems, optimisation or control, industrial data analysis, and programming such as Python. Experience with Modelica/OpenModelica or similar modelling environments would be advantageous.
Specific Requirements
Applicants must meet the University of Canterbury requirements for admission to doctoral study and must be eligible to enrol in a PhD programme.
A strong academic record and evidence of research capability are required. Applicants should be able to work independently, communicate effectively in English, and be willing to engage closely with an industry partner and real operational data.
- Languages: ENGLISH — Level: Good
- Research Field: Engineering » Chemical engineering; Engineering » Process engineering; Engineering » Mechanical engineering
- Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4
Additional Information
Benefits
$32,650 per 120 points of thesis enrolment and tuition fees for thesis enrolment only, at the New Zealand domestic rate; plus an additional $5,000 for research expenses across the duration of degree.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must be eligible for admission to a PhD at the University of Canterbury and meet the University’s academic and English-language requirements.
Applicants should normally hold, or be completing, a relevant honours or master’s degree in chemical/process engineering, mechanical or thermal engineering, energy systems, environmental engineering, food/process engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Selection will consider academic achievement, research capability, relevance of previous study and experience to the project, and the overall fit with the research objectives.
International and domestic applicants are welcome to apply.
Selection process
Applications will be assessed based on academic achievement, research capability, relevant technical background, and overall fit with the project.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an online interview to discuss their previous research or engineering experience, their approach to the proposed project, and their suitability for doctoral study.
Final selection will be subject to approval through the University of Canterbury’s doctoral admission and scholarship processes.
Additional comments
This is an industry-engaged PhD project undertaken in collaboration with Indevin, one of New Zealand’s largest wine producers.
The research will involve close interaction with industrial partners and real operational data. The successful candidate will be expected to work independently, communicate effectively with both academic and industry stakeholders, and contribute to publications and conference presentations arising from the research.
Applicants are encouraged to review the full project description on the University of Canterbury website before applying.
Website for additional job details: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/uc-graduate-school/future-research-students/research-projects/digital-twins-for-low-carbon-winery-energy-and-water-systems
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: University of Canterbury
- Country: New Zealand
- State/Province: Canterbury
- City: Christchurch
- Postal Code: 8041
- Street: 20 Kirkwood Ave
Contact
- City: Christchurch
- Website: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/
- Street: Private Bag 4800
- Postal Code: 8140