PhD Scholarship—Smart Stormwater Grids, Urban Hydrology & Environmental Economics
University of Melbourne | Fully Funded PhD Scholarship
Location: Burnley Campus, Melbourne
Scholarship: $39,500 p.a. tax-free stipend + operating funds
Duration: 4 years full-time
Join a multidisciplinary research team developing Australia’s first real-time controlled smart rainwater tank grid to improve urban waterway health and reduce stormwater impacts in cities.
This fully funded PhD opportunity is part of an Australian Research Council Industry Laureate Fellowship, in partnership with Melbourne Water. The project combines urban hydrology, environmental engineering, ecological outcomes, economics, and smart infrastructure systems.
The research will focus on a real-world case study in Monbulk Creek, Victoria — one of the few remaining platypus habitats in the Dandenong Creek system.
About the Project
Urban stormwater runoff is a major driver of waterway degradation. Traditional rainwater harvesting systems often provide limited benefit because tanks can already be full before major rainfall events.
This project aims to develop and evaluate a coordinated “smart rainwater grid” where household rainwater tanks are connected using real-time control and monitoring technology. By optimising storage and release of water before storms, the system can reduce peak runoff and improve environmental outcomes.
The successful candidate will investigate questions such as:
- How effective are smart stormwater systems at improving hydrological and ecological outcomes?
- How can economic value be assigned to environmental improvements?
- What factors influence the cost-effectiveness of smart water infrastructure?
- How do household participation and behavioural responses influence system performance?
The candidate will have flexibility to shape the direction of the project based on their interests and strengths.
What You’ll Work On
Depending on your background, the project may involve:
- Urban hydrology and flood modelling
- Statistical and spatial analysis
- Environmental and economic modelling
- Smart infrastructure and real-time control systems
- Analysis of ecological and stormwater outcomes
- Industry engagement with Melbourne Water and project stakeholders
About the Team
You will join the Waterway Ecosystem Research Group (WERG) at the University of Melbourne — a collaborative and internationally recognised research group working on urban waterways, stormwater management, and environmental restoration.
Supervisory team:
- Prof Tim Fletcher
- Dr Matthew Burns
- Dr Mia Tam
- Dr Wei (Daniel) Xu
About You
We are looking for a motivated and curious candidate with strong quantitative and analytical skills.
Essential
- Honours (H1 or 2A) or Masters qualification in:
- Engineering
- Hydrology
- Environmental Science
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Or a related field
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Interest in multidisciplinary research with real-world environmental impact
Desirable
- Experience with hydrological or flood modelling
- Programming and data analysis skills (e.g. R, Python, GIS)
- Background in economics or cost-benefit analysis
- Interest in urban water management and green infrastructure
What’s Offered
- Fully funded PhD scholarship
- $39,500 p.a. tax-free stipend
- Additional project operating funds
- Opportunities for industry collaboration and applied research
- Access to leading researchers in urban hydrology and environmental management
- Flexible project direction tailored to your interests
Eligibility
Open to Australian and New Zealand applicants. Outstanding international applicants may also be considered.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- CV including referees
- Academic transcripts
- Cover letter outlining your interests and motivation
- Brief statement addressing the selection criteria
Applications will be assessed as they are received until the position is filled.
For enquiries, contact:
Dr Matthew Burns (mat••••••••••@unimelb.edu.au)
The University of Melbourne
