Project Overview
Earth’s naturally occurring hydrogen is a promising alternative to man-made low-carbon hydrogen production, potentially accelerating our society’s transition to a hydrogen economy in both domestic and export markets. While exploration efforts for natural hydrogen reserves are underway globally, understanding the geological settings and conditions that facilitate the generation and accumulation of this gas in the subsurface remains challenging. Hydrogen and helium have been detected by Gold Hydrogen in Lower Cambrian limestones overlying an iron-rich and uranium-rich basement in the central Yorke Peninsula, South Australia.
Aim
This project aims to constrain the sources, generation mechanisms, and migration pathways of these gases.
Objectives
Groundwater sampling in the field, including redox, dissolved gases, noble gases, and isotopes, will be coupled with water–rock interaction experiments. Laboratory tests will investigate the effects of temperature, salinity, and mineralogy on gas generation.
Significance
Results will improve understanding of hydrogen generation sources and mechanisms, helium production and migration/ accumulation in the system, contributing to Australia’s emerging natural hydrogen exploration efforts.
Internship Opportunity
The successful candidate will be provided with a 60-day Industry Engagement component with Gold Hydrogen Limited, to support the research project.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate must:
1. Be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen.
2. Meet participating university PhD admission requirements.
3. Meet university English language requirements.
4. Not have previously completed a PhD.
5. Be able to commence the Program in the year of the offer.
6. Enrol as a full-time PhD student. Part-time arrangements may be considered if approved by the supervisory team and following university policy.
7. Be prepared to be located at the project location(s) that the host university has approved and, if required, comply with the host university’s external enrolment procedures. (CSIRO Kensington, 26 Dick Perry Avenue, Kensington, WA 6151)
8. Be prepared to undergo onboarding to CSIRO, which will include passing mandatory government background checks (allow for between 4 to 8 weeks) and completing any other CSIRO requirements.
The ideal candidate will have: An Honour’s or Master’s degree in a relevant related discipline including Geochemistry, Geology or Geosciences (or any equivalent qualifications)
Basic knowledge of analytical techniques of rock characterisation
Prior experience in experimental geochemistry (water-rock reactions) is preferred Some knowledge of geochemical modelling is encouraged but not mandatory.
Scholarship
The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) is a four-year research training program, focusing on applied research that benefits industry by solving real-world challenges. It aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia.
This scholarship provides a four-year scholarship package totalling approximately $47,000 per annum (2025 rate) and a four-year Project Expense and Development package of $13,000 per annum. In addition, this program offers a structured professional development and training program to develop your applied research skills
Enquiries
To apply, contact Dr Stephanie Vialle via the Expression of Interest
For enquiries, Dr Stephanie Vialle Stephanie.vialle@curtin.edu.au