ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation PhD Scholarship: Water quality and biofouling in the marine ecosystem

This project will be in collaboration with industry and will focus on water quality factors and their influence on the fouling of materials in the marine environment.

ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation – Delivering innovative biofilm solutions

We are the leading Australian research and training centre tackling biofilm-related challenges.

The ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, led by Flinders University is a 5 year, $7.8m research and training program, bringing together 5 universities, 10 industry partners and key industry and regulatory bodies to deliver innovative research and biofilm solutions to tackle one of the biggest issues for the maritime and water industries. The Centre is offering scholarship opportunities across 3 Australian universities (Flinders University, Swinburne University and the University of Tasmania) over the 5-year period.

By working with industries to develop innovative solutions that meet their needs and alleviate their biofilm-related problems, the ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation aims to: transform biofouling management strategies for maritime platforms; train the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists and engineers; and to develop biofilm management strategies across the defence and water industries to address evolving regulatory stringency.

The ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation PhD scholarship program will support the development of a new generation of specialists and leaders in biofilm monitoring and control. Our students will have access to world-class training, professional development and mentoring and will have a unique opportunity to undertake collaborative research projects and training with our industry partners.

Working within a large research entity (including PhDs, post-doctoral researchers, university chief investigators and industry partner investigators), scholarship recipients will work closely with an industry partner organisation to undertake industry research. Scholarship recipients will have access to mentoring, training, professional and personal development through our unique Foundation Training Program and will undertake a 12-month industry placement.

Project Background

Australian coastal waters are characterised by low nutrient availability, as well as high variability in water temperatures. This has contributed to the formation of a unique and ecologically important ecosystem which is biologically rich. A critical component of understanding and managing any water system is through water quality. Physical, chemical, and biological properties of water can help determine the health of an ecosystem. Conversely, these same drivers can determine the longevity and performance of materials and infrastructure located in these same aquatic environments. 

The deployment of any material within a marine environment can be detrimentally impacted by biological processes, impacting their performance and lifespan.

This project aims to understand the water quality parameters in locations of interest to the industry partner, the influence of these parameters on material integrity and biofouling accumulation and composition, as well as the reciprocal influence of the materials on the local environmental water quality.

Proposed approach:

The PhD candidate will work closely with the industry partner to identify and test strategies for control and treatment. They will work with a custom designed model system to assess the efficacy of these strategies for industrial application.

The candidate will complete PhD candidature including a minimum 12-month placement and industry training during which time the student will be embedded with the industry partner team. The industry placement will enable the student to develop their networks and gain insight into the everyday research practices of an industry-leading, service driven organisation.

This PhD Scholarship offers:

1. $46,161 per annum tax free, for up to 3.5 years (full-time).
2. Access to academic and industry expertise through joint supervision.
3. A supportive environment to learn leading-edge research methods and become an expert in your area.
4. The opportunity to manage a complex research project and respond innovatively to challenges.
5. A collaborative research community where you can enhance your skills and build your network to progress your research career.
6. Support through the ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation Foundation Program including specialist training and development, and the opportunity to undertake a 12-month industry placement.

To be eligible for a PhD Scholarship you will need:

• Provide evidence of Australia, New Zealand, USA or UK citizenship.
• Ability to provide a National Police Clearance obtained within the last 3 months; And potentially attain, and maintain, an Australian Security clearance level NV1 as determined under the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).
• Meet Flinders University PhD admission requirements – an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A, a Master Degree, or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), or evidence of equivalent research experience, such as refereed publications or significant experience as a lead researcher; and
• Scholarship recipients are expected to take up their studies as soon as practicable within a timeframe specified by the Office of Graduate Research in consultation with the industry partner, up to maximum of 3 months from the time of acceptance of the scholarship. In exceptional circumstances and with approval of the industry partner and the University, this time may be extended to 6 months; and
• Any other eligibility criteria relevant to the industry partner/research project.

It is desirable for applicants to also have:

• Honours/Masters degree in either marine biology, environmental science or oceanography related fields.
• Experience in water quality analysis or water sampling or other environmental sampling / analysis experience
• Interest in working with an industry partner in the defence sector.
• Drivers licence