PhD in Subsurface Microbiology and Geochemistry/Materials Science of Underground Hydrogen Storage

Department of Chemical and Process Engineering,

School of Biological Sciences,

School of Physical and Chemical Sciences

University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand

Project Description

This doctoral research project is part of a broader initiative investigating the microbiology of depleted oil and gas reservoirs in New Zealand and their potential for future use as underground hydrogen storage (UHS) sites. As global demand increases for low-carbon energy carriers like hydrogen, the safe and effective storage of H₂ in deep subsurface environments has become a key research priority.

The successful candidate will explore the phylogeny, biogeography, and metabolic potential of microbial communities residing in deep geological formations across New Zealand. Using advanced bioinformatics and metagenomic analysis, the project aims to characterise the diversity and function of these deep biosphere communities.

The research will also investigate microbial interactions with reservoir minerals, and assess how microbial activity in the presence of hydrogen could affect the materials of these reservoirs during UHS. Such studies will start with model studies of individual NZ-relevant minerals and will expand to the actual core samples from these depleted fields. Thus, prior knowledge or desire to learn materials characterisation techniques would be important.

This PhD project will contribute to the foundational understanding of microbial life in extreme subsurface environments and its implications for underground hydrogen storage.

The project will naturally evolve in the most productive direction based on success of the ongoing studies, yet it is envisaged that the candidate should have proven strengths in one of the key fields and at the very least keen interest in the other field (microbiology or geochemistry/materials science or vice versa)

The Candidate

We are seeking a motivated and capable student with a strong background in bioinformatics (including metagenome analysis) and geochemistry/materials science with strong interest in microbiology, ideally to Honours (first class) or Masters level.

Prior experience in microbiome studies, microbial ecology, subsurface microbiology and/or geochemistry or materials science with elements of research relevant to abovementioned microbiome studies will be viewed favourably. Familiarity with microbial genome annotation, metabolic pathway reconstruction, and/or characterisation techniques relevant to geochemistry and materials sciences would be advantageous.

The student will enrol in a PhD programme within either Engineering or Science Faculties, depending on academic background and career aspirations.

Funding Notes

We are offering a stipend of NZD $35,000 per year (tax free) plus tuition fees for three years. Funding is also available to support research-related consumables and fieldwork costs.

Please note: the successful candidate must meet the University of Canterbury’s entry requirements for PhD study. International applicants must also satisfy English language proficiency and visa requirements. More information is available at:

http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/enrol/doctoral/

How to Apply

Please email Assoc. Prof. Carlo Carere (carlo.carere@canterbury.ac.nz) and Assoc. Prof. Vladimir Golovko (vladimir.golovko@canterbury.ac.nz) with:

• Your CV (including contact details for two academic referees)
• A statement of your research interests
• Your academic transcripts

Applications will be considered on the ongoing basis, or earlier if a suitable candidate is found.