Acknowledgement of Country 
CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation. 

The Opportunity

• Gain experience working with industry to solve real-world problems while you earn your PhD 
• Develop transferable professional skills 
• Get access to specialised expertise, equipment and training 

The CSIRO Industry PhD Scholarship (iPhD) Program is an industry-focused, applied research scholarship and training program that brings together an industry partner, the university and CSIRO. 

You will undertake a co-designed research project that will develop your ability to translate research into commercial outcomes.  

You will get real-world experience and access to specialised expertise, equipment and training.

Our graduates develop transferable professional skills and are well positioned to work at the cutting edge of industry focussed research.  

Scholarship details 

The Program includes:

• admission to the university PhD program  
• a four-year scholarship package of approx. $45,000 per annum  
• a four-year Project Expense and Development package of up to $13,000 per annum  
• an in-business component with an industry partner of at least 3 months 
• professional development training to enhance your applied research skills  
• supervision by CSIRO, the industry partner, and the university  

Project Title:  Investigating and addressing regulatory barriers impacting recycling and circular economy (CE) development in Australia 

Project Description:   As a means to address unsustainable resource consumption and waste generation, the transition to a CE has become a priority in Australia. Transitioning to a CE will require the growth and support of a sustainable waste management and recycling industry in Australia.  While CE policies encourage and set targets for waste reduction, other legislation such as planning laws, waste management laws and local government legislation create barriers to expanding circular waste management operations.  The waste industry has identified the existence of real and significant regulatory barriers as a significant hurdle to growing Australia’s recycling industry.    

This project will involve:  a literature review; followed by qualitative research (interviews and workshops) with industry, government and research bodies aimed at identifying blockages/barriers; followed by an analysis of legislation in light of these identified barriers, with the final research aim being to identify some policy reform options and investigate potential mechanisms, processes and organisations through which legislative change can ideally be influenced and achieved.  

Project supervisors:   

CSIRO
    Business Unit: Land & Water 
    Research program: Sustainable Pathways    

University
    University supervisor: Rowena Maguire 
    Queensland University of Technology (QUT)  
    Email address: r.maguire@qut.edu.au 
    Faculty: Faculty of Business and Law 
    School: School of Law 

Industry
    Company name: Wanless Recycling Pty Ltd 
    Website: Recycling is at the core of Wanless waste management 

Location:     

• Primary location of the student:  Queensland University of Technology (QUT) 
• In-business component with Industry partner: Wanless office & operation sites   

Overview of who we are looking for 

The ideal student will have:

• A Master’s degree in a related field 
• Research experience in the discipline of law, and knowledge/understanding of Australian waste policy and legislation, planning law, environmental protection, product stewardship and circular economy 
• Collaborative, confident presenter with excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Ability to facilitate workshops and engage professionally and effectively with industry, government and community representatives 

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply you must:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen 
• meet host university PhD admission requirements 
• meet university English language requirements 
• not have previously completed a PhD 
• be able to commence the program in the year of the offer 
• enrol as a full-time PhD student 

Applications will be assessed on:

1. Experience relevant to the field of research, including any research experience
2. Suitability for the project
3. Academic excellence
4. Motivation for undertaking an Industry PhD project

About CSIRO
At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact.  

Further information about the CSIRO Industry PhD Program can be found at:  www.csiro.au/iphd  

How to Apply:

Applicants should apply for this scholarship at the same time you apply for admission to QUT's Doctor of Philosophy.

For details on how to apply, please see the QUT website at QUT - Investigating and addressing regulatory barriers impacting recycling and circular economy (CE) development in Australia (PhD scholarship) 

Applications close:  13 January 2023, 5:00pm AEDT