PhD Scholarship CSIRO - Exploring autonomous methods for distribution network identification

Shaping the Future of Smart Electricity Networks

Full-time, fixed-term (3 years) position at our Hawthorn campus

Generous package totaling approximately $48,000 per annum tax exempt (2026 rate).

About the Role

Swinburne University of Technology, in partnership with CSIRO and industry partner Essential Energy, is offering an exceptional PhD scholarship within the School of Engineering for a motivated researcher ready to contribute to the future of Australia’s energy systems.

This unique opportunity places you at the forefront of research in power systems, artificial intelligence, and the clean energy transition, working alongside leading academic researchers and industry experts to solve real-world challenges facing electricity networks.

As distributed energy resources such as rooftop solar, batteries, and electric vehicles continue to reshape the grid, electricity distribution networks are becoming increasingly dynamic and difficult to model. This project will focus on developing AI-driven and autonomous techniques to identify, map and model electricity distribution networks, improving system visibility, reliability, and decision-making for network operators.

Through this research, you will contribute to the development of innovative methodologies and prototype software tools that can directly support Australia's transition to a more sustainable and carbon-neutral energy future.

About the Project

Project title: Exploring autonomous methods for distribution network identification.

This research project aims to:

• Develop automated AI-based methods for identifying and modelling electricity distribution networks
• Improve understanding of networks impacted by distributed energy resources (DERs)
• Create prototype software tools for practical use by network operators
• Deliver novel research outcomes that combine academic innovation with industry application
• Support more reliable and efficient planning for future electricity systems

The successful candidate will work within a highly collaborative environment, engaging regularly with:

• Swinburne academic supervisors
• CSIRO researchers
• Engineers and technical specialists from Essential Energy

This collaboration will provide exposure to both cutting-edge research and live industry challenges, ensuring your work has direct practical impact beyond the university.

The Opportunity

This scholarship offers far more than a traditional PhD, providing a strong platform for both academic and industry career pathways.

The successful candidate will receive:

• Admission into a Swinburne University PhD program
• Joint supervision from Swinburne, CSIRO and Essential Energy
• A four-year tax-free scholarship of approximately $48,000 per annum (2026 rate)
• A Project Expense and Development package of $13,000 per annum for four years
• A 60-day Industry Engagement placement with Essential Energy
• Access to a structured professional development program to build applied research capabilities
• Opportunities to publish in leading journals and present at conferences
• Direct involvement in research with genuine impact on Australia’s energy sector

This is a rare chance to complete a PhD while building strong connections across research, government and industry.

About You

You are a technically capable and curious researcher who is excited by the idea of solving meaningful engineering problems through innovation. You enjoy working where theory meets practice and want your research to contribute to real change.

You will bring:

• A strong foundation in power systems analysis and mathematics
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
• Motivation to undertake high-quality research with practical outcomes

Desirable experience includes:

• Interest in AI-based modelling or machine learning applications
• Experience with Python or other programming languages such as C#
• Familiarity with power system tools such as PSSE, PSCAD, PowerFactory, OpenDSS or PSS®Sincal
• Exposure to the electricity, utilities or broader energy sector

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be Australian citizens or hold Australian permanent residency.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline (First Class Honours preferred), or
• a Master’s degree with a substantial research/thesis component

About CSIRO

CSIRO is Australia’s national science agency and one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary research organisations. CSIRO works with government, industry and universities to solve the nation’s greatest challenges through science and technology. Through this partnership, the successful candidate will gain access to world-class expertise, research infrastructure and a national innovation network that extends beyond the university sector.

About Essential Energy

Essential Energy owns, operates and maintains one of Australia’s largest electricity distribution networks, servicing regional, rural and remote communities across New South Wales. As the industry partner on this project, Essential Energy brings valuable real-world insight into the challenges of modern electricity networks and provides an opportunity for the candidate to engage directly with the practical application of research outcomes in the field.

About Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

Our Ad Astra strategy is the cornerstone of Swinburne’s bold ambition to lead globally in technology-driven education and research. This strategy positions us to create transformative solutions, empower learners, and partner with industry to thrive in an ever-changing world.

To Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria and your suitability for this position.

To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@swin.edu.au

Applications Close: Monday 6 July 2026, at 11.00pm

Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.

Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.

We support applicants with disabilities. Adjustments can be requested at any time during the recruitment process. For Reasonable Adjustment requests, including accessible formats for the PD, application form or any other document, please contact talentacquisition@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550.

Please note the above number and DCR email address are for disability or reasonable adjustments queries only. General enquiries about the role can be sent to the Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@swin.edu.au (general enquiries will not be answered by phone).