PhD scholarships for Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Grant Oceanographic modelling

Flinders University is globally recognised for water and environmental research, ranked 17th in the 2021 Shanghai Ranking for Water Resources. It is the headquarters of the highly regarded National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (NCGRT), which provides a supportive, high-quality environment that enables research exchange and linkages with some of the world’s leading water research organisations.

A full-time funded PhD scholarship opportunity is available in Flinders’ College of Sciences and Engineering. The PhD candidate will be part of a research team working on an ARC Linkage Project entitled: Threats to the water quality and ecosystem of Coffin Bay, South Australia. The exciting project is a partnership between Flinders University, Charles Darwin University, Griffith University, South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), and South Australian industry partners.

The PhD candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to various research activities related to the investigation of Coffin Bay, including oceanographic modelling (in ROMS), the quantification of submarine groundwater discharge, and the analysis nutrient transport processes within both marine and terrestrial systems. The candidates will contribute mainly to the development of models, although there are opportunities to engage in a multitude of techniques, including field-based, desktop and hydrochemical methods. Engagement with experts from partner organisations is a key aspect of the position, including with specialists in hydrochemistry, geophysics, hydrogeology, etc., to devise and improve upon conceptual and numerical models of the Coffin Bay estuary.

Applicants must have completed, or expected to complete, a Bachelor or a Research Masters degree in Coastal Engineering, Oceanography, Environmental Science or in a related field. We are seeking someone with previous training in modelling, preferably ROMS, with demonstrated skills in hydraulics, coding, numerical modelling, and data analysis. Applicants must have strong writing and communication abilities, and be able to work effectively within a multidisciplinary and international research team. The PhD scholarship is based at Flinders University (Principal Supervisor Prof. Adrian Werner), with strong engagement and co-supervision from coastal scientists and oceanographic modellers at Flinders University and SARDI. The PhD project will be developed in consultation with the successful candidates, taking into account their interests and experience.

The scholarships include:

• a stipend valued at $33,000 per annum (standard ARC rate for 2024) tax free.
• the scholarship will be awarded for 3 years. Applications for scholarship extensions of 6-months will be considered.
• a Research Training Program Fee Offset Scholarship to cover tuition fees for Australian Citizens, NZ Citizens and Permanent Residents.
• this scholarship is open to domestic and international applicants.

To be eligible for the award of this scholarship a student must:

• meet PhD admission requirements including have an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), including a research component of at least 6 months’ full-time study achieving Distinction (75%) OR including evidence of equivalent research experience, such as a substantial first-author refereed publication or track record as an investigator on a competitive grant;
• be available to commence as a full-time PhD student at Flinders University in 2024 or early 2025;
• both domestic and international applicants can apply. International students will need to receive an international tuition fee waiver to be eligible for this scholarship (waivers will be applied for on the successful awardees behalf).