Available postgraduate projects

Charles Darwin University's (CDU) Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods (RIEL) is offering a scholarship for a PhD candidate to undertake a project, based in Darwin, on improving desert fire management with culturally directed science.

Scholarship and financial support: Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship valued at $29,863 per annum (2023 value; indexed annually) plus up to $6,000 per annum top-up, for 3 years from commencement is open to Australian citizens/residents or New Zealand citizens.

The University will also support Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students by providing RTP Scholarship recipients with a University Relocation Allowance. In 2023, this allowance is up to $2,000.

About the project: Aboriginal people have used fire in Australia’s spinifex deserts for thousands of years. These practices were disrupted by European colonisation, and the resulting shift in fire regimes contributed to the profound biodiversity losses that have occurred in the deserts over the past 250 years. Many Indigenous groups now seek to restore or strengthen ‘right-way fire’ practices, to meet inter-related social, cultural and biodiversity objectives.

The PhD project will be embedded in an Australian Research Council Linkage project that uses culturally directed science to examine the effects of fire and its management on desert species, to support Indigenous rangers with their adaptive management and reporting on fire management outcomes. The project is desktop-based but the student will spend time with the four ranger groups involved in the project, who will be integral to shaping the direction of the project.

This project is part of a close collaboration between several ranger groups in the northwestern deserts (Karajarri, Ngurrara, Nyangumarta, Ngururrpa), the Indigenous Desert Alliance, Environs Kimberley, and CDU. It will use culturally directed science to improve our understanding of how fire patterns have changed in the desert since European colonisation. This knowledge will be used by the ranger teams to set fire regime targets that are locally and culturally meaningful. The project will reconstruct historical fire patterns in the northwestern deserts using archived aerial photos from the 1940s and 1950s (when Aboriginal people were still living on their desert Country, and actively managing fire with traditional burning practices). These historical fire patterns will be compared to contemporary fire patterns (described using satellite imagery), to examine:

• The spatial patterns (e.g. the mosaic grain-size) that characterised fire regimes produced by traditional fire practices, and the differences with contemporary fire regimes.
• How the rainfall gradient of the project area (200 to 600 mm mean annual rainfall) affects these fire patterns.
• How the cultural use of sites affected historical fire patterns (by comparing differences in historical fire patterns near and far from sites of high cultural and resource use, identified by Traditional Owners).

About you:

• You bring a high level of academic merit and research background that meets the RTP Stipend Scholarship requirements (see https://www.cdu.edu.au/research-and-innovation/higher-degree-research/scholarships).
• Strong ability to work independently and show a high level of initiative.
• Experience with spatial analysis and capacity to plan and implement logistically complex analyses.
• An interest in and experience working closely and respectfully with Indigenous people.
• A willingness to conduct remote area fieldwork if required.

Benefits to you:

• You will be an integral part of a cross-sector research team with exposure to University, NGO and Indigenous controlled organisations, providing ample opportunity for professional development as well as career progression following completion of the PhD.
• Work on a unique research project where Indigenous knowledge and culture can influence future ecological management practices in some of Australia’s most vital ecosystems for biodiversity and threatened species.
• Opportunity to travel extensively in the remote and spectacular regions of Northern Territory and Western Australia.
• Access to Student Support Services and Wellbeing Support Program.
• Work with a University committed to changing people’s lives for the better through training, education, and research.

Essential selection criteria:

• Per the RTP scholarship conditions the candidate must be either an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen.
• First-class Honours degree or a Masters degree containing a substantial research component in a relevant field.
• Cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.

Application process:

• Interested applicants should contact Sarah Legge by email at sarah.legge@cdu.edu.au
• Please attach a CV and a one-two page cover letter outlining your interest in the project, your research interests, your experience, addressing the above selection criteria and including any other relevant information
• Please note that applications will be assessed as they are received, and the preferred applicant will be invited to apply for a PhD enrolment online by 31st October 2023. We encourage early application.

Commencement date: The project is expected to commence in early 2024.

Supervisory Team: The supervisory team will be drawn from CDU Researchers, Prof Sarah Legge, Prof Brett Murphy and Prof Sam Banks, plus at least two external supervisors from the project partner groups.

Diversity and Inclusion

At CDU, we actively celebrate our diversity. We innovate, embrace new ideas, and act with courage and kindness. We’re about what we can give to the world rather than what we take, and we believe in the transformative power of education. We work hard to make sure every member of our university communityfeels that they truly belong. Understanding that it is through our focus on our people and leveraging our differences that will make CDU the most connected university in Australia, we are striving to ensure that our culture and our community are inclusive of all our staff, students and visitors. We are committed to maintaining a culture where everyone feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals. You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.

CDU – NTG scholarship opportunity inCommercialisation of native rice for Indigenous enterprise development: Agronomy and value-adding

Scholarship and financial support: Base RTP scholarship $29,863 pa indexed annually, top-up scholarship of $6,000 pa from Industry partner Future Foods Systems CRC, for a maximum of 3 years from commencement. Open to Australian citizens/residents or New Zealand citizens.

Based at CDU Casuarina Campus

About the Opportunity

Seeking a PhD student for a project investigating the agronomy and commercialisation of native rice. This project builds on a previous research project, on the ‘Commercialisation of native rice for Indigenous enterprise development’, which was funded by the Future Food Systems CRC. This project will investigate agronomic issues associated with planting, nutrition, water efficiency, harvesting and/or milling of Australian native Oryza species. There is flexibility in the specific areas of focus, depending on the interests of the student. Project outcomes will support First Nations enterprises interested in the commercialisation of Australian native rice through cultivation.

The opportunity will include a minimum 3-month HDR internship with a research end-user to gain industry experience and develop connections. The details of the internship will depend on the final project plan.

Scholarship Details: The successful applicant will receive a Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship which will include a $29,863 (tax exempt and indexed annually) and a RTP Fee Offset for the tuition fees. The RTP scholarship conditions for CDU can be located at: https://policies.cdu.edu.au/view-current.php?id=7 An additional top up Scholarship of $6,000 per annum will be provided by the Future Food Systems CRC, to create a total annual scholarship of $35,863 per annum (tax exempt).

For further information on the CDU Scholarships please visit Higher Degree by Research Scholarships at CDU.

Eligibility

The successful applicant must:

• be an Australian Citizen, an Australian Permanent Resident; or a New Zealand Citizen
• meet the PhD course entry requirements at CDU: https://www.cdu.edu.au/research-and-innovation/future-research-students/apply-higher-degree-research

About You

To be considered for this opportunity you should have:

• First Class honours (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
• Experience and/or qualifications in plant science (agronomy, physiology, genetics or ecology)
• Interest in agriculture and enterprise development in the context of First Nations economic development

How to Apply

To submit an expression of interest please send the following to Penny Wurm at penny.wurm@cdu.edu.au or Sean Bellairs (sean.bellairs@cdu.edu.au)

• Brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience.
• Brief Curriculum Vitae
• Academic transcript

For further information

• visit our project website at Australian native rice commercialisation for a full list of project partners
• contact a member of the CDU team Dr Sean Bellairs (sean.bellairs@cdu.edu.au) or Dr Penny Wurm penny.wurm@cdu.edu.au
• Contact a member of the NT Department of Industry Tourism and Trade (NT DITT) team Dr Sohail Mazhar (muhammadsohail.mazhar@nt.gov.au) or Dr Edward Mwando (edward.mwando@nt.gov.au)

Diversity and Inclusion

At CDU we actively celebrate our diversity. We innovate, embrace new ideas, and act with courage and kindness. We’re about what we can give to the world rather than what we take, and we believe in the transformative power of education. We work hard to make sure every member of our university community feels that they truly belong. Understanding that it is through our focus on our people and leveraging our differences that will make CDU the most connected university in Australia, we are striving to ensure that our culture and our community is inclusive of all our staff, students and visitors. We are committed to maintaining a culture where everyone feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals. Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, neurotypical and neurodiverse people, LGBTIQ+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.
 
You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.

Charles Darwin University (CDU) has been awarded a National Industry PhD grant for a PhD candidate to undertake an exciting project applying cutting edge genomics and bioinformatics tools and epidemiological modelling to advance surveillance and early detection of exotic animal diseases in northern Australia.

Scholarship and financial support: A National Industry PhD Scholarship valued at $46,000 per annum, for a maximum of 3 years from commencement, is open to Australian citizens/residents or New Zealand citizens.

About the project:Culicoides biting midges, are important disease vectors for a range of viruses, bacteria and nematodes with the potential to introduce exotic animal diseases into Australia. The proposed project will apply genomic methods to understand population structure and gene flow in Culicoides midges across northern Australia and South-east Asia. The project will also analyse blood meal from populations using metabarcoding to obtain information on diet and host range. The project will provide crucial data for modelling movement of Culicoides midges in northern Australia and identify sampling approaches for future surveillance efforts.

The National Industry PhD Program is an Australian Government initiative that connects PhD students with industry partners, to undertake a research project that addresses a sector-specific problem. The Industry partner for this project is the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (DITT).

The PhD candidate will be based at the new Research Institute of Northern Agriculture (RINA) at the CDU Casuarina campus but will spend up to 50% of their candidature with DITT researchers working in an animal biosecurity diagnostic and research laboratory. The opportunity includes a minimum three-month HDR internship with the Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory, Northern Territory Government to develop skills and connections.

RINA is a new CDU initiative to help northern Australia realise its potential as a food production heartland in the Asia Pacific region. Northern Australia is recognised as a high-risk zone for the introduction of exotic pests and pathogens, due to its vastness, remoteness and high vulnerability. The Tropical Biosecurity Group provides research to support a science-based approach to prepare, respond and manage pests, diseases and weeds with a focus on the development and implementation of genomic tools for improving biosecurity and biodiversity outcomes.

About you:

• High level of academic merit and research background that meets the RTP Stipend Scholarship requirements, preferably in Molecular Biology, Genomics or a similar field.
• Interest and/or knowledge of the exotic biosecurity threats to Australian livestock, especially in northern Australia and interest in pursuing a career in biosecurity diagnostics and research.
• Be willing to live and work in Darwin

Benefits to you:

• Generous stipend and support for project costs.
• Develop highly desirable skills and knowledge for a career pathway in biosecurity.
• Integral part of a multidisciplinary research team providing ample opportunity for professional development as well as career progression following completion of the PhD.
• Access to Student Support Services and Wellbeing Support Program.
• Work with a University committed to changing people's lives for the better through training, education and research.

Essential selection criteria:

• An Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen
• First-class Honours or a Masters degree containing a substantial research component in a relevant field such as genomics, molecular biology or bioinformatics.
• It is preferable that applicants have some publications, e.g., research reports, journal publications

How to apply:

• Interested applicants should contact Dr Maxine Piggott by email at maxine.piggott@cdu.edu.au to submit an expression of interest, attaching a CV including details of 2 academic referees and a brief statement describing your background, research experience and interest in this research project.
• Please note that applications will be assessed as they are received, and once a suitable number of applicants have been merit assessed, the preferred candidate will be invited to apply for a PhD enrolment online. We therefore encourage early application.

Deadline for applications: 15/9/23

Commencement date: ASAP

Principal supervisor: Dr Maxine Piggott, Professor of Tropical Biosecurity, Research Institute of Northern Agriculture, Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Faculty of Science and Technology. Contact maxine.piggott@cdu.edu.au or (08) 8946 6763

Diversity and Inclusion

At CDU, we actively celebrate our diversity. We innovate, embrace new ideas, and act with courage and kindness. We’re about what we can give to the world rather than what we take, and we believe in the transformative power of education. We work hard to make sure every member of our university community feels that they truly belong. Understanding that it is through our focus on our people and leveraging our differences that will make CDU the most connected university in Australia, we are striving to ensure that our culture and our community are inclusive of all our staff, students and visitors. We are committed to maintaining a culture where everyone feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals. Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, neurotypical and neurodiverse people, LGBTIQ+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.

You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.

Charles Darwin University's (CDU) Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods (RIEL) is offering a generous scholarship for a PhD candidate to undertake a project on predicting carbon export across Australia. This project is linked to an Australian Research Council grant enabling the development of the first nationwide assessment of carbon export via streams and rivers in Australia.

Scholarship and financial support: A CDU Domestic Excellence Scholars (CDUDES) Scholarship valued at $40,000 per annum (with potential for a $2,000+ per annum top-up for the right candidate), for a maximum of 3 years from commencement, is open to Australian citizens/residents or New Zealand citizens. Additionally, there may be scope for the scholarship recipient to be supported with national or international internship-like opportunities.

International applicants are also welcome to submit an expression of interest. If suitable, the student will be invited to apply for the International Research Training Program Scholarship scheme, and a tuition fee waiver scholarship. If successful, funding from $29,863 per annum (tax exempt* and indexed annually – with potential for a $2,000+ per annum top-up for the right candidate) may be available for up to 3 years from commencement.

CDU also supports Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students by providing RTP and CDUDES Scholarship recipients with a University Relocation Allowance of up to $2,000.

Additionally, the successful student will have access to generous support for project costs.
* Note: students are responsible for ensuring that they comply with their tax liabilities.

About the project: The PhD student will address the following question: How much of the carbon that was previously thought to be stored in terrestrial ecosystems actually leaks into streams and rivers? Through integration of high-resolution river chemistry and gas measurements, remote sensing and statistical modelling, the student will generate new knowledge about the links between terrestrial carbon sequestration and aquatic carbon export. Expected outcomes include a refined estimate of the net carbon sequestration potential across Australian biomes and seasons.

The PhD student will undertake river flow and carbon measurements at ecosystem observatories of the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) and combine these measurements with geospatial data and machine learning modelling to extrapolate findings to the continental scale. Please see the Top End Hydrology Lab page for more information about the project and the other work of the Top End Hydrology research group.

The preferred location of the project is Darwin. However, as this is a national project, the location may be negotiated for the right candidate.

About you:

• You bring a high level of academic merit and research background that meets the CDUDES Stipend Scholarship requirements (or the International RTP Scholarship requirements for international students).
• An interest in carbon sequestration, hydrology, biogeochemistry, numerical modelling, remote sensing, and/or the use of large datasets.
• A willingness to conduct remote fieldwork,
• Quantitative skills and programming experience (e.g. R, MATLAB, Python), or a willingness to learn.

Benefits to you:

• You will be an integral part of an international, multidisciplinary, cross-sector research team that includes multiple Universities, and our Industry partner CSIRO, providing ample opportunity for professional development as well as career progression following completion of the PhD.
• Work on a pioneering research project that utilises cutting-edge science to inform policy and management of carbon sequestration in Australia.
• Undertake fieldwork and travel extensively in the remote and spectacular regions of the Northern Territory, Queensland and Tasmania.
• This program will provide a wide range of training in sensor and database management, contemporary methods in statistical modelling, hydrology and carbon science as well as skills in stakeholder engagement.
• Access to Student Support Services and Wellbeing Support Program.
• Work in a vibrant, multidisciplinary research environment that brings together approximately 60 scientists, as many PhD students, and is committed to changing people’s lives for the better through training, education and research.

Essential selection criteria:

• For the CDUDES scholarship the candidate must be either an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen.
• International students that are invited to apply must be able to meet the International RTP scholarship requirements.
• First class Honours, MSc or equivalent in a relevant science discipline such as hydrology, environmental science, or biogeochemistry.
• Ability to undertake remote field work.
• High level of competency in quantitative analysis.
• Programming experience (e.g. R, MATLAB, Python) preferred.

Application process:

• To submit an expression of interest please send an email to Dr Clément Duvert, clem.duvert@cdu.edu.au, attaching your CV and a brief statement describing your background, research experience and interest in this research project.
• Please note that applications will be assessed as they are received, and once a suitable number of applicants have been merit assessed, the preferred candidate will be invited to apply for a PhD enrolment online. We therefore encourage early application.

Deadline for applications: 15/9/23

Commencement date: ASAP

Principal supervisor: Dr Clément Duvert, Senior Research Fellow in Hydrology and Biogeochemistry, Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Faculty of Science and Technology.

Diversity and Inclusion

At CDU, we actively celebrate our diversity. We innovate, embrace new ideas, and act with courage and kindness. We’re about what we can give to the world rather than what we take, and we believe in the transformative power of education. We work hard to make sure every member of our university community feels that they truly belong. Understanding that it is through our focus on our people and leveraging our differences that will make CDU the most connected university in Australia, we are striving to ensure that our culture and our community are inclusive of all our staff, students and visitors. We are committed to maintaining a culture where everyone feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals. Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, neurotypical and neurodiverse people, LGBTIQ+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.

You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.

Charles Darwin University's (CDU) Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods (RIEL) is offering a scholarship for a PhD candidate to undertake a project that explores opportunities for ecosystem service economies on the Indigenous estate in the Northern Territory, Australia.

Scholarship and financial support: Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship valued at $29,863 per annum (tax exempt and indexed annually), and an RTP Fee Offset for the tuition fees will also be available for a maximum of 3 years from commencement is open to Australian citizens/residents or New Zealand citizens. For further information about the RTP scholarship conditions for CDU see the RTP Policy and Procedure. For further information about CDU-NTG Scholarships please visit the Higher Degree by Research Scholarships at CDU web page.

The University will also support Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students by providing RTP Scholarship recipients with a University Relocation Allowance. In 2023, this allowance is up to $2,000.

About the project The proposed project will aim to assess the value of ecosystem services (ES) from native forests for the Indigenous peoples in East Arnhem Land, NT. The project will evaluate the benefits of forestry-related economic opportunities including job creation, the opportunity to work and learn on- country, enhanced well-being, etc. Estimating the value of Indigenous provenance timber and non-timber products and other ES will help to establish an emerging Indigenous forestry market sector, in line with the National Indigenous Forestry Strategy (2005). Additional project partners include Gumatj Corporation and the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (DITT).

The PhD candidate will be based at one of CDU's Darwin campuses. The project will be led by the Ecosystem Services Group within the Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods. We will collaborate with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (DITT) Forestry branch where an Indigenous forestry project in East Arnhem Land is currently underway focused on opportunities for sustainable native forestry. The opportunity will also include a minimum three-month HDR internship with a research end-user to gain experience and develop connections.

About you:

• You bring a high level of academic merit and research background that meets the RTP Stipend Scholarship requirements, preferably in Environmental Sciences or a similar field
• A sound understanding of and interest in working with Indigenous people in Australia
• A willingness to conduct remote fieldwork and to actively participate in an internship with a research end-user

Benefits to you:

• You will be an integral part of a trans-disciplinary research team with exposure to University, Government and Industry, providing ample opportunity for professional development as well as career progression following completion of the PhD
• Help make a difference to the wellbeing of First Nations communities by contributing to the establishment and support of pathways for the Indigenous peoples of East Arnhem Land to work, learn and earn on country
• Undertake fieldwork and travel in the remote and spectacular regions of the Northern Territory
• Access to Student Support Services and Wellbeing Support Program
• Work with a University committed to changing people’s lives for the better through training, education and research.

Essential selection criteria:

• Per the RTP scholarship conditions, the candidate must be either an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen
• First-class Honours degree or a Master’s degree containing a substantial research component in a relevant field
• Must be able to meet the PhD course entry requirements at CDU
• It is preferable that applicants have some publications, e.g., research reports, journal publications, etc.

Application process:

Interested applicants should contact Assoc Prof Kamaljit Sangha email at kamaljit.sangha@cdu.edu.au to submit an expression of interest attaching:

• a CV
• one-two page cover letter outlining your research interests and experience
• relevant statements and academic transcripts
• publications

Please note that applications will be assessed as they are received, and the preferred applicant will be invited to apply for a PhD enrolment online.

As there is no closing date on this application process, we encourage early application.

Commencement date: ASAP

Principal supervisor: Dr Kamaljit Sangha, Associate Professor – Ecological Economics, Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Faculty of Science and Technology. Contact kamaljit.sangha@cdu.edu.au or +61 8 8946 6792.

Diversity and Inclusion

At CDU, we actively celebrate our diversity. We innovate, embrace new ideas, and act with courage and kindness. We’re about what we can give to the world rather than what we take, and we believe in the transformative power of education. We work hard to make sure every member of our university community feels that they truly belong. Understanding that it is through our focus on our people and leveraging our differences that will make CDU the most connected university in Australia, we are striving to ensure that our culture and our community are inclusive of all our staff, students and visitors. We are committed to maintaining a culture where everyone feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported inachieving their professional goals. Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, neurotypical and neurodiverse people, LGBTIQ+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and peopleat all stages of their careers are welcomed.

You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.

Charles Darwin University's (CDU) Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods (RIEL) is seeking applications for a PhD project, based in Darwin, to investigate the potential impacts of surface water extraction on wetlands conditions in the Northern Territory.

Scholarship and financial support: We are seeking Australian citizens/residents or New Zealand citizens to submit an expression of interest to apply for an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship valued at $29,863 per annum (2023 value; indexed annually) + $3,000per annum (non-RTP) top-up, for a maximum of 3 years. Alternative funding may be available.

International applicants are also welcomed to submit an expression of interest. Tuition fees will be applicable however a preferred international applicant may apply for a tuition fee waiver in the CDU HDR 2024 international scholarship round which closes 31 September.

Funding may be available up to $32,863 for a suitable international student.

The University will also support Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students by providing RTP Scholarship recipients with a University Relocation Allowance. In 2023, this allowance is up to $2,000.

About the project: This research opportunity will involve collaboration with freshwater ecologists and hydrologists, to conduct research on tropical river, wetland, and floodplain ecosystems in the Northern Territory. The primary aim of this project is to assess the potential impacts of future water extraction on the condition of wetlands in northern Australia. Using methods used in the Digital Earth Australia Sandbox from Geoscience Australia, the project seeks to: (1) Develop a comprehensive wetland mapping framework for northern Australia, (2) classify inland wetlands according to the Australian National Aquatic Ecosystem (ANAE) Classification Framework, (3) investigate the persistence and longitudinal connectivity of pools within wetlands, which serve as crucial refugia, and (4) to assess the impacts of altered river flow regimes on wetland connectivity and floodplain inundation dynamics.

For more information about the project and the other work of the Top End Hydrology research group, please visit: Top End hydrology lab page

About you:

• You bring a high level of academic merit and research background that meets the RTP Stipend Scholarship requirements;
• Experience in remote sensing;
• Experience with computer scripting (e.g., Python, R or JavaScript);
• Experience in, or a willingness to work with freshwater ecology;
• A willingness to conduct remote fieldwork; and
• Experience in, or a willingness to work with hydrological models.

Benefits to you:

• You will be an integral part of a national cross-sector research team with exposure to University and Government partners, providing ample opportunity for professional development as well as career progression following completion of the PhD
• Work on a pioneering research project that utilises new technology to better understand the unique challenges to groundwater ecosystems and the species dependent upon these ecosystems
• Undertake fieldwork and travel extensively in the remote and spectacular regions of the Northern Territory
• Access to Student Support Services and Wellbeing Support Program
• Work with a University committed to changing people’s lives for the better through training, education and research

International applicants are welcome. We ask that you contact Dr Kaline de Mello Kaline.demello@cdu.edu.au and Dr Dylan Irvine dylan.irvine@cdu.edu.au as soon as possible for more details about the application process, documentation requirements, and due dates for international applicants.

Essential selection criteria:

• Per the RTP scholarship conditions the candidate must be either an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen
• First-class Honours degree or a Master’s degree containing a substantial research component in a relevant field
• Ability to undertake extensive remote field work
• Strong analytical skills (and experience with computer scripting required)

Application process:

• Interested applicants should contact Dr Kaline de Mello Kaline.demello@cdu.edu.au and Dr Dylan Irvine dylan.irvine@cdu.edu.au, as soon as possible
• Please attach a CV and a one-two page cover letter outlining your interest in the project, your research interests, your experience, addressing the above selection criteria and including any other relevant information
• Please note that applications will be assessed as they are received, and the preferred applicant will be invited to apply for a PhD enrolment online.

As there is no closing date on this application process, we encourage early application.

Commencement date: ASAP

Principal supervisors: Dr Kaline de Mello, Dr Dylan Irvine, Dr Erica Garcia, Prof Jenny Davis, Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Faculty of Science and Technology

Diversity and Inclusion

At CDU, we actively celebrate our diversity. We innovate, embrace new ideas, and act with courage and kindness. We’re about what we can give to the world rather than what we take, and we believe in the transformative power of education. We work hard to make sure every member of our university community feels that they truly belong. Understanding that it is through our focus on our people and leveraging our differences that will make CDU the most connected university in Australia, we are striving to ensure that our culture and our community are inclusive of all our staff, students and visitors. We are committed to maintaining a culture where everyone feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals. Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, neurotypical and neurodiverse people, LGBTIQ+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.

You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.

Charles Darwin University's (CDU) Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods (RIEL) is offering a scholarship for a PhD candidate to undertake a project, based in Darwin, on groundwater research in the Western Davenport region of the Northern Territory, Australia.

Scholarship and financial support: Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship valued at $29,863 per annum (2023 value; indexed annually) + $3,000 per annum top-up, for a maximum of 3 years from commencement is open to Australian citizens/residents or New Zealand citizens.

International applicants are also welcome to submit an expression of interest. Funding may be available up to $32,863 for a suitable international student.

The University will also support Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students by providing RTP Scholarship recipients with a University Relocation Allowance. In 2023, this allowance is up to $2,000.

About the project: This research opportunity will involve collaboration with the Northern Territory Government, Flinders University and the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training. The core aim of the project will be to expand understanding of the groundwater resources of the Western Davenport area, its importance to sustaining ecosystems, and potential impacts from climate variability, and human-induced changes. The project will contribute to informed sustainable water resource management.

For more information about the project and the other work of the Top End Hydrology research group, please visit: Top End hydrology lab page

About you:

• You bring a high level of academic merit and research background that meets the RTP Stipend Scholarship requirements.
• An interest in the use of groundwater tracers, geochemistry, the estimation of groundwater recharge, numerical groundwater modelling, groundwater dependent ecosystems, remote sensing, and/or the use of large, spatial groundwater datasets.
• A willingness to conduct remote fieldwork, and
• Experience with, or a willingness to learn computer scripting (e.g., Python)

Benefits to you:

• You will be an integral part of a national cross-sector research team with exposure to University and Government partners, providing ample opportunity for professional development as well as career progression following completion of the PhD
• Work on a pioneering research project that utilises new technology to better understand the unique challenges to groundwater ecosystems and the species dependent upon these ecosystems
• Undertake fieldwork and travel extensively in the remote and spectacular regions of the Northern Territory
• Access to Student Support Services and Wellbeing Support Program

Work with a University committed to changing people’s lives for the better through training, education and research International applicants are welcome. We ask that you contact Dr Dylan Irvine as soon as possible at dylan.irvine@cdu.edu.au for more details about the application process, documentation requirements, and due dates for international applicants.

Essential selection criteria:

• Per the RTP scholarship conditions the candidate must be either an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen
• First-class Honours degree or a Master’s degree containing a substantial research component in a relevant field
• Ability to undertake extensive remote field work
• Strong analytical skills (and experience with computer scripting preferred)

Application process:

• Interested applicants should contact Dr Dylan Irvine by email at dylan.irvine@cdu.edu.au
• Please attach a CV and a one-two page cover letter outlining your interest in the project, your research interests, your experience, addressing the above selection criteria and including any other relevant information
• Please note that applications will be assessed as they are received, and the preferred applicant will be invited to apply for a PhD enrolment online. As there is no closing date on this application process, we encourage early application.

Commencement date: ASAP

Principal supervisor: Dr Dylan Irvine, Outstanding Future Researcher – Northern Water Futures, Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Faculty of Science and Technology

Diversity and Inclusion: At CDU, we actively celebrate our diversity. We innovate, embrace new ideas, and act with courage and kindness. We’re about what we can give to the world rather than what we take, and we believe in the transformative power of education. We work hard to make sure every member of our university community feels that they truly belong. Understanding that it is through our focus on our people and leveraging our differences that will make CDU the most connected university in Australia, we are striving to ensure that our culture and our community are inclusive of all our staff, students and visitors. We are committed to maintaining a culture where everyone feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals. Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, neurotypical and neurodiverse people, LGBTIQ+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.

You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.

Principal Supervisor:Dr Peter Kyne

Course: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Full time; based at CDU Casuarina Campus, Darwin, NT

Scholarship: Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship (Domestic) valued at $29,863 per annum (2023 value; indexed annually) + $5,000 per annum top-up, for a maximum of 3 years from commencement.

The University will also support Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students by providing RTP Scholarship recipients with a University Relocation Allowance. In 2023, this allowance is up to $2,000.

Commencement Date: ASAP

The Project: This PhD Project will work across two large collaborative projects to (1) investigate bycatch mitigation measures for sharks and sawfish in gillnet fisheries and (2) assess sawfish movement patterns following release after capture. 

About You: The selection of applicants for the award of the RTP Stipend Scholarship involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. The following essential selection criteria apply:

•  An Australian citizen or permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen
• A first-class Honours degree or a Master’s degree containing a substantial research component in a relevant field
• Ability to undertake extensive remote field work
• Strong analytical skills (including experience in R)

Process:

• Interested applicants should contact Dr Peter Kyne by email at peter.kyne@cdu.edu.au
• Please provide CV and a 1-page cover letter outlining your (a) research interests and (b) how you meet the above selection criteria

Closing date: Open

Project advertisement (PDF, 189.21 KB)

Supervisor: Stephen Garnett

Project suitable for: PhD

Project summary

The project is linked to a broader project funded by the Australian Research Council looking at the governance of taxonomic lists, but the PhD project is to consider the governance of science globally. How did scientists decide that Pluto is no longer a planet? Or whether to recognise the Anthropocene? Scientists have no power to enforce their judgements through international law so must negotiate agreements through to a consensus view. Yet these same decisions can have implications for real life if they are subsequently adopted by governments. As part of the research on how scientific organisations govern themselves, the research will consider not only how decisions are reached but also how different organisations resolve disputes and ensure inclusion of a wide range of opinions. When the research is complete, the student will have an understanding of organisational governance that can be applied widely around the world.

How to Apply

To submit an expression of interest, please send the following to Stephen Garnett at stephen.garnett@cdu.edu.au

• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability (max two pages)
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of any peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and relevant work and/or research experience
• A brief statement not exceeding 500-words in length that explains why you are interested in this research project/area

How to assess your suitability:

Essential criteria

1. Australian Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident; or a New Zealand Citizen
2. First-Class Honours, Masters by Research, or equivalent from a university, or a discipline (“subject”), ranked in the top 500 globally
3. If the university/discipline (“subject”) ranked in the top 500, the applicant: received a high distinction on an undergraduate honours/postgraduate research project, or graduated in the top 5-10% of their class (or achieved a GPA of more than 85%)

Desirable criteria

At least one publication equivalent to the top 25% of journals in the field

Diversity and Inclusion

At CDU we actively celebrate our diversity. We innovate, embrace new ideas, and act with courage and kindness. We’re about what we can give to the world rather than what we take, and we believe in the transformative power of education. We work hard to make sure every member of our university community feels that they truly belong.

Understanding that it is through our focus on our people and leveraging our differences that will make CDU the most connected university in Australia, we are striving to ensure that our culture and our community is inclusive of all our staff, students and visitors. We are committed to maintaining a culture where everyone feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals.

Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, neurotypical and neurodiverse people, LGBTIQ+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.

You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.

Supervisor(s): Brett Murphy, Patricia Werner (ANU)

Project suitable for: Honours

Project summary

Northern Australian savannas are experiencing a rapid loss of biodiversity, and altered fire regimes may be to blame.

It has been suggested that highly flammable annual native grasses, especially Sorghum spp. (spear-grasses), have increased in abundance and fuelling high frequencies of intense fires. This hypothesised phenomenon is an example of a grass–fire cycle.

This project will evaluate this hypothesis, by re-visiting a number of sites in the lowland savannas of Kakadu National Park, that were previously surveyed in the late 1980s.

The dataset from the 1980s includes measurements of grass biomass and assessment of the dominant grass species, and similar measurements will be made now. This data will allow us to evaluate whether grass biomass and grass layer diversity have changed over 30 years, and in particular whether Sorghum has become more dominant.

Funding info: Funded. No top-up.

Closing date: Open

More information: brett.murphy@cdu.edu.au

Area of Research Strength: Savanna & Arid Ecology

Supervisor(s): Professor Sam Banks, Molecular Ecology group (https://sambanks.weebly.com/)

Project suitable for: PhD, Masters or Honours

Project summary

Molecular ecology uses methods in genomics and ecology to understand biodiversity and how it responds to environmental change.

My group is seeking students to work on projects that use laboratory genomics, computer simulation modelling and field-based ecology to contribute to the knowledge and conservation of northern Australian vertebrates.

We are interested in broad-scale patterns of biogeography of native mammals across this region, as well as understanding impacts of major ecological processes (such as fire regimes, climate and refugia) on the ecology and persistence of species across this region.

Funding info: tbc

Closing date: Open

More information:

Area of Research Strength:Biodiversity Conservation, Savanna & Arid Ecology

Supervisor(s): A/Professor Brett Murphy

Project suitable for: PhD, Masters or Honours

Project summary:

Our research investigates the sustainable management of tropical savanna landscapes. We are seeking passionate and skilled students to work on projects that explore how fire has shaped and maintains the biota of tropical savannas, and how contemporary fire regimes can best be managed for biodiversity conservation, especially in relation to declining small mammals and fire-sensitive vegetation communities.

Funding info: tbc

Closing date: Open

More information: brett.murphy@cdu.edu.au

Research Group: Tropical Savanna Ecology

Area of Research Strength:Biodiversity Conservation, Savanna & Arid Ecology

Supervisor(s) Anna Padovan

Project suitable for: Honours

Project summary

We have detected Vibrio parahaemolyticus in shellfish in Darwin Harbour. 

To understand the ecology of this potentially human pathogenic bacterium, the student will measure the concentration of total V. parahaemolyticus and virulent strains in seawater and sediment from different times and locations with varied physicochemical parameters, in particular, seawater temperature, salinity, rainfall events and nutrients.

Multivariate analysis will be performed to determine if there are conditions likely to lead to the proliferation of V. parahaemolyticus, particularly virulent strains.

Funding: n/a

Specific requirements: Experience working in a PC2 lab; microbiological techniques (culturing, plating); molecular techniques (DNA extractions, gel electrophoresis, PCR, qPCR); understanding of and ability to work with biohazards; well-organised

Closing date: Open

More information anna.padovan@cdu.edu.au  ph 8946 6555

Area of Research Strength: Water & Catchments

Project supervisor(s): Anna Padovan and Karen Gibb

Project suitable for: PhD

Project summary

Vibrio spp. are common in biota, water and sediment in estuarine and coastal environments including Darwin Harbour.

Several vibrio species have human pathogenic strains and globally, are the major cause of bacterial gastroenteritis following the ingestion of uncooked seafood.

This research provides an opportunity to study the abundance and distribution of Vibrio species in seawater over different seasons, and their association with environmental factors.

An additional focus could be an analysis of the annual Trichodesmium bloom holobiont and whether this has an association with Vibrio ecology prior during and after the bloom event. The results will have implications for public health and to inform further research on aquaculture and seafood harvest in tropical coastal areas.

The study will initially focus on Darwin Harbour, Northern Territory, Australia, where blooms regularly develop in the months of September and October.

Closing date: Open

Specific requirements: Experience in microbiology and DNA analysis

Funding: tbd

More information: anna.padovan@cdu.edu.au