At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct data-driven research on ecological risks from flood-borne contaminants.
- Company: The University of Queensland in partnership with SAAFE CRC and EPA Victoria.
- Benefits: Living stipend of $45,000 per annum and professional development funding.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and collaborate with experts in environmental sciences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in antimicrobial research while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Honours or Masters level research experience in data science or ecology.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 $ per year.
Ready to make your mark in antimicrobial research (AMR)? Looking for an opportunity that nurtures research excellence, real-world impact and professional development? This SAAFE CRC PhD opportunity is for you!
In partnership with Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agribusiness, Food and the Environment Cooperative Research Centre (SAAFE CRC), The University of Queensland and the Environmental Protection Agency Victoria, this PhD focuses on quantifying ecological risks from flood-borne contaminants in nonurban landscapes.
Who are we seeking?
This opportunity is best suited to applicants with a strong interest in data-driven research and quantitative modelling. The successful candidate will be motivated to work with large, complex, quality-assured datasets, including chemical, microbial, hydrological, and land-use data generated during the 2022 Victorian floods by EPA Victoria. Applicants who enjoy statistical analysis, data integration, and modelling approaches will thrive in this project. This role is therefore ideal for candidates seeking a primarily data- and modelling-focused PhD, rather than one centred on fieldwork or laboratory experimentation.
Candidates must have completed Honours or Masters level research and be able to enrol as a domestic student at The University of Queensland to be eligible for this position.
Project summary
- Program - PhD
- Location - St Lucia
- Research area - Agricultural, veterinary and food sciences, Environmental sciences
The project builds on existing work conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, Victoria, integrating hydrological measurements, contaminant concentrations, microbial profiles, & land use data. It will identify contaminants of concern & assess their toxicity and ecological risks by linking observed concentrations with ecotoxicological thresholds for relevant species.
The key research questions of the project include:
- What are the ecological risk profiles for key flora & fauna species in flood-affected nonurban landscapes?
- How can land use, hydrological data, & contaminant profiles be used to understand and predict ecological risks during flood events in nonurban landscapes?
- How do flood-driven microbial dynamics inform environmental risk assessments for antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?
This project is supported by the Research project scholarship. This scholarship includes a living stipend of $45,000 per annum.
Research environment
This position will be based at the St Lucia campus of UQ and will join a research team of 2 postdoctoral research fellows, 1 PhD student and shorter-term research students/interns. The PhD candidate will be offered a caring and challenging work environment. The candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team at The University of Queensland, collaborating with the Environmental Protection Agency Victoria and Northern Arizona University. The project combines fieldwork, modelling, and ecological risk assessment with guidance from experts in environmental toxicology, sustainability, and policy.
The candidate would also benefit from the SAAFE-CRC research network and knowledge exchange. There will be a dedicated $21,000 fund for professional development of the students, which includes spending time at the EPA, Victoria, up to 12 weeks.
The advisory team includes:
- Principal Supervisor Associate Professor Sudhir Yadav
- Dr Minna Saaristo, Principal Scientist, Ecological Risk and Emerging Contaminants, Environmental Protection Agency, Victoria
- Dr Phoebe Lewis, Senior Scientist - Emerging Contaminants, Environmental Protection Agency, Victoria
- Professor Catherine Propper, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, USA
How to apply
To be considered for this scholarship, please include the following documents in your application:
- CV
- Academic transcript/s
- Evidence for meeting UQ's English language proficiency requirements eg TOEFL, IELTS
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PhD Scholarship: Data-Driven Ecology & AMR Risk Modeling in Brisbane employer: SAAFE Limited
The University of Queensland offers an exceptional PhD scholarship opportunity in Data-Driven Ecology and AMR Risk Modeling, situated at the vibrant St Lucia campus. With a strong emphasis on research excellence and professional development, candidates will benefit from a supportive work culture, collaborative multidisciplinary teams, and a dedicated fund for personal growth. This role not only provides a competitive living stipend but also fosters meaningful contributions to real-world ecological challenges, making it an attractive choice for aspiring researchers.
