The University of Melbourne is seeking PhD candidates to work in a large 
multidisciplinary team on a government and industry funded project investigating 
safe and efficient hydrogen liquefaction. Hydrogen is a clean fuel for 
decarbonization and is commonly transported as liquid in deep cryogenic state 
(-253°C). 

This project, funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the Future 
Energy Exports CRC, focusses on the development of new numerical prediction 
tools to optimise LH2 process design, efficiently scale-up turbomachinery, and 
to better predict release incidents. 

The two PhD projects will investigate hydrogen liquefaction by respectively:

1. conducting CFD simulations to understand the complex interactions between the 
cryogenic fluid and ambient air (including prevailing wind conditions) in the 
event of accidental release into the surrounding environment, 

2. using high-fidelity CFD software in combination with machine learning tools 
to better understand and ultimately improve LH2 compressor performance. 

Successful candidates will work closely with other numerical and experimental 
colleagues. All positions require a four-year Bachelor degree or a Masters 
degree in engineering and a strong background in thermodynamics and fluid 
mechanics.

A full PhD stipend of up to $37k per year and full-fee remission are available 
upon successful application. Interested applicants are invited to submit their 
CV and their preferred project, if they have one, to Dr Joe Berry. Positions 
open until filled.