The key to the long-term health of Australian rivers: nutrient assimilative capacity
We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to conduct research on nutrient biogeochemistry in river systems. This PhD project would fit within a broader project examining the challenging issue of assessing the ability of rivers to process nutrients from multiple sources within catchments. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to focus on a particular area of interest within this topic. They would develop significant professional skills by being embedded in an interdisciplinary team of world-class biogeochemists, modellers, and catchment restoration specialists. Additionally, they would gain real world experience in working with state government and water industry collaborators. The candidate will have the chance to make a substantial impact in the field by determining how much nutrient loading rivers can suffer and what needs to be done to reduce this.
Scholarship details
The research will be undertaken in Prof. Michele Burford’s laboratory (based at Logan campus) in the School of Environment and Science. The applicant will be co-supervised by Prof. Burford and Dr. Jing Lu, collaborating with world-class researchers at the University of Western Australia, Southern Cross University, and partners from the water industry, the Queensland government, and catchment management authorities.
Professor Burford leads a team of researchers studying water quality from catchments to the sea, focusing on providing solutions for environmental problems in catchments, rivers, reservoirs, estuaries, and the coast. Our team regularly works in the laboratory and field, combining a wide range of techniques and scientific approaches.
The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, the applicant must be passionate about undertaking research, have an inquisitive mind with the ability to solve problems, apply knowledge, and work in a team environment. Having skills in chemistry and/or ecology would be a helpful foundation. You will have evidence of a passion for understanding the way the natural world works, with a strong desire to undertake research in both the laboratory and out on waterways in southeast Queensland.
- Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
- Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.
International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:
- A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
- A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
- A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19
The 2024 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $33,480 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).
For project related enquiries please contact:
Professor Michele Burford
Email: m.burford@griffith.edu.au
Dr Jing Lu
Email: jing.lu@griffith.edu.au
For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to jing.lu@griffith.edu.au containing:
- Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
- Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section, including a copy of your academic transcript
- A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template
- Names of two referees
The closing date for expressions of interest is: 5pm AEST Friday 6 December 2024
The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line
Get in touch
If you have a question, need some help with your scholarship application, or would like to make a donation, feel free to contact us.