We are seeking up to three PhD candidates in the Water, Environment and Agriculture Program, Department of Infrastructure Engineering (https://infrastructure.eng.unimelb.edu.au/) at The University of Melbourne, to undertake freshwater research aligned with the Flow-MER program (https://flow-mer.org.au/).
Flow-MER is the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH)’s on-ground science program that assesses how the environment responds to environmental water delivered as part of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Through monitoring, evaluation and research (MER) activities, Flow-MER aims to demonstrate environmental outcomes and inform management of Commonwealth Environmental Water to improve river health and biodiversity. The current Flow-MER Program runs from July 2024 until June 2029 with MER activities across a range of themes including Cultural Outcomes (led by First Nations groups), Native vegetation, Waterbirds, Native fish, Invertebrates, River metabolism and Physical form.
Candidates may choose from a range of research themes that align with the priorities of Flow MER. We have proposed three potential projects that focus on platypus, aquatic plants, and water chemistry (see attached flyer), but other project proposals may also be considered.
Successful applicants will enjoy a range of advantages, including:
• Generous funding scheme (see attached flyer).
• Research training at the leading university in Australia.
• Working as an integral part of the Goulburn River and Northern Victorian Tributaries project team, with members from three universities, two consulting companies, two environmental management agencies, and multiple First Nations organisations.
• Studying with a cohort of PhD students embedded in the same program at similar stages of candidacy.
• Collaboration with networks of freshwater researchers, managers, policy makers, and community and First Nations groups across Victoria and the Murray Darling Basin.
Pease refer to the linked flyer for full application details.
Prospective candidates must be eligible to apply for an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship at the University of Melbourne and be highly competitive for that award. For guidance, students based outside Australia should have a Weighted Average Mark on previous degrees of ~85% or higher. Local students (including overseas students who have studied in Australia) require ~82%. We will select applicant/s who are highly competitive for the RTP scholarship and provide support through the University of Melbourne PhD program application process.
Please forward your Expression of Interest by email to Prof Angus Webb (angus.webb@unimelb.edu.au) & Dr Wim Bovill (wbovill@unimelb.edu.au). The EOI should include:
• Cover letter explaining why you believe that you would be a suitable candidate for the position