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.
