PhD Degree position in geochemistry or materials chemistry associated with hydrogen underground storage in New Zealand We have an opening for two motivated students to undertake PhDs as part of a large research programme aimed at assessing the feasibility of underground hydrogen storage (UHS) in New Zealand Aotearoa. The broader project is transdisciplinary and includes geology, chemistry, microbiology, reservoir modelling, cultural and economic aspects of UHS. This advertised PhD project will consider how hydrogen interacts with the mineralogy of volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks typical of the Taranaki basin, New Zealand. The advertised PhD will focus on characterising experimental reactions of hydrogen at various pressures and temperatures in a range of sedimentary lithologies. Experiments will also assess the impact of microbes on gas-mineral reactions under reservoir conditions. Prior experience in experimental and/or aqueous geochemistry (water-rock reactions) or materials science is preferred. Additional expertise in materials characterisation analytical techniques (e.g. electron microscopy, XRD, XRF, Raman, XPS) is desirable. We are offering two (2) three-year PhD positions. One successful candidate will be based at Curtin University, Australia and the other based at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. At Curtin, the incumbent will carry out experiments in high-pressure vessels in the presence of hydrogen and varying fluids and rock matrices with the goal to create kinetics rate expressions for the anticipated redox reactions. Numerical modelling of the findings (with the geochemical code PHREEQC) will be integral part of the PhD. At Canterbury, the focus will be on chemical changes induced at mineral surfaces and in bulk composition with the aim to elucidate chemical processes in potentially reactive lithologies found in the Taranaki basin. The PhDs will be supported by the New Zealand Government via the ‘Pūhiko Nukutū (natural battery): a green hydrogen geostorage battery in Taranaki’ MBIE research programme which runs until September 2027. The position at Canterbury includes a PhD stipend of $32,000 NZD/yr, economy airfare to NZ, full cover of tuition fees and health insurance, with a comparable plan for the Curtin position. The optimal start date is as soon as possible. Please direct initial enquiries to Michael Rowe (Michael.rowe@auckland.ac.nz<mailto:Michael.rowe@auckland.ac.nz>). Students will be co-supervised by Vladimir Golovko (vladimir.golovko@canterbury.ac.nz<mailto:vladimir.golovko@canterbury.ac.nz>; University of Canterbury), Domenik Wolff-Boenisch (Domenik.Wolff-Boenisch@curtin.edu.au<mailto:Domenik.Wolff-Boenisch@curtin.edu.au>; Curtin University) and Michael Rowe (University of Auckland). Successful candidates are expected to be comfortable working both independently and in a collaborative environment with other project PhD students. How to apply: A curriculum vitae, cover letter, and contact details of at least two referees should be emailed to Michael Rowe (Michael.rowe@auckland.ac.nz<mailto:Michael.rowe@auckland.ac.nz>). Candidate screening will commence as applications arrive and continue until successful candidates are identified.