Higher Degrees Scholarships

Esports represents one of the fastest-growing recreational and competitive activities in the world. Hundreds of millions of people around the world play esports every year. Esports are positioned to impact traditional sporting events (i.e., The Olympics), education (i.e., primary school, high school, and university esports programs), and entertainment (streaming and broadcasting). Despite the rapid growth of the esports industry, we know very little about the impact of esports participation. At Southern Cross, we are focusing on promoting positive and healthy engagement with esports.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to explore the psychology of esports participation in the context of mental health and/or performance psychology. This project could examine the potential adverse effects of esports participation and how to identify or prevent them. Projects could also investigate the psychology of esports performance and how to improve player performance.

Applicants should have previous experience studying psychology, mental health, or high performance and a deep understanding of esports.

Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$32,192 annum (2024 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months and will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component.

Contact: Dr Dylan Poulus 

For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dylan Poulus (dylan.poulus@scu.edu.au).

Esports represents one of the fastest-growing recreational and competitive activities in the world. Hundreds of millions of people around the world play esports every year. Esports are positioned to impact traditional sporting events (i.e., The Olympics), education (i.e., primary school, high school, and university esports programs), and entertainment (streaming and broadcasting). Despite the rapid growth of the esports industry, we know very little about the impact of esports participation. At Southern Cross, we are focusing on promoting positive and healthy engagement with esports.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to study how to create healthy gaming environments that provide youth with positive developmental experiences. This project will engage youth, parents, and industry experts to determine the factors contributing to sustained and healthy participation and dropout/disengagement from esports.

Applicants should have previous experience studying psychology or sports and exercise science, with an interest in youth development.

Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$32,192 annum (2024 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months and will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component.

Contact: Dr Kyle Bennett 

For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Kyle Bennett (Kyle.bennett@scu.edu.au).

Background: Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas that contributed 35% of the greenhouse gas-driven global warming in 2010-2019. Resolving the sources and sinks of methane is critical for achieving our global ambitions to rapidly reduce methane emissions in the near-term future and to develop effective climate mitigation strategies.

About half of global methane emissions come from aquatic ecosystems, mainly wetlands. Coastal “blue carbon” wetlands account for ~10% of global wetlands and are abundant along Australia’s coast. Mangrove ecosystems show high productivity and carbon burial efficiency that have been highlighted as a nature-based solution to climate change. Importantly, mangroves also represent methane hotspots that could reduce their net climate benefit, but global methane fluxes are still poorly understood, and underlying processes are largely unknown.

Project: This Australian Research Council-funded project aims to unravel the complex methane cycle in mangrove ecosystems in Australia. More specifically, we will address current research gaps by investigating methane production (source) and methane oxidation (sink) pathways in coastal mangrove forests in Australia.

We are currently seeking a highly-motivated PhD candidate to focus on field measurements of methane fluxes and controlling processes in mangrove forests, including sediments, waters, and trees. This project will use a combination of different techniques, such as stable isotopes, cavity ring-down spectroscopy, incubation experiments and diverse chamber methods. The project will involve periods of intensive field measurements, laboratory work, and data processing.

The successful candidate will be based in the Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry at Southern Cross University (Australia). The Centre has a world-class research group with a multidisciplinary, collaborative and diverse team of post-graduate, post-doctoral and senior biogeochemists. The candidate will also work within the collaborative Catchments, Coasts and Communities research cluster and have access to world-class facilities and infrastructure. 

Requirements:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in biogeochemistry, environmental science, limnology or marine science
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Strong experience with field measurements, laboratory work, and data processing
• Good teamwork abilities 

Additional experience:

• Experience with stable isotope techniques
• Experience with modelling and programming (e.g. R, Matlab)
• Experience with biogeochemistry techniques such as soil, aquatic and tree-stem greenhouse gas measurements

Eligibility:

The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 rate indexed annually) for 3 years and 3 months. Tuition fees will be exempt and the successful candidate will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis.

Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

How to apply:

Prospective candidates who are interested in this opportunity should send a CV (including 3 referees) and a short (< 1 page) statement highlighting their research background and interests and addressing each of the selection criteria above to Dr. Judith Rosentreter (judith.rosentreter@scu.edu.au). Co-supervisors may include Prof. Bradley Eyre and Dr. Luke Jeffrey. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. The application deadline is 14^th April 2024, and the preferred starting date is mid-late 2024 (negotiable).

Beekeeping is critical to food and nutrition security with contributions from pollination services in Australia estimated to be worth over 14.2b. The recent incursion of varroa mites in Australia, as well as neighbouring Pacific countries, represents a significant challenge to the viability of the sector. Varroa mite is a leading cause of colony losses globally and losses to 35 pollination-dependent industries is estimated at over $70 million annually. Chemical resistance to existing miticides is prevalent in every country which varroa exists. The best long-term and sustainable solution for varroa control is breeding varroa-resistant honey bees (Jack and Ellis, 2021). The successful applicant will contribute to the development of a queen bee breeding program focusing on varroa tolerance by engaging with queen bee breeders and livestock geneticists and using tools, such as hygiene-eliciting brood semiochemicals for assaying honey bee colony resistance to varroa, hygienic testing, artificial insemination and genetic markers to identify varroa resistant stock within Australian honey bee populations. The candidate will also investigate genetic markers associated with tolerance to tropilaelaps mites in PNG and mating interference between the Apis cerana and Apis mellifera.

Objectives:

1. To research genetic markers associated with Varroa tolerance in Australia honey bee stock.
2. To research genetic markers associated with Tropilaelaps tolerance in honey bee stock in PNG.
3. To investigate the extent, impact and solutions for mating interference between the Apis cerana and Apis mellifera.

Eligibility:

• Meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component or equivalent higher research degree in entomology, agriculture, environmental sciences, development studies or closely related fields.
• Demonstrable experience or interest in pest management, honey bee health, or tropical agriculture.
• Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in regional NSW and Pacific Island countries.
• Demonstrated strong analytical, scientific writing, and communication skills.
• Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

How to Apply:

1. Prepare a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, relevant experience, and career goals.
2. Current CV with academic qualifications, publications, and relevant work experiences.
3. Contact details of at least two academic/professional referees.
4. Certified copies of academic transcripts.
5. Proof of English language proficiency (for international applicants).

Supervisor: Dr Cooper Schouten

Institution: Bees for Sustainable Livelihoods, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University.

Location: Southern Cross University, Northern Rivers Lismore Campus with fieldwork opportunities in Pacific Island countries.

Duration: The stipend is for three years and three months. The candidature can be up to 4 years.

Stipend: RTP rate of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 rate indexed annually)

Applications close: Applications will remain open until the position is filled (open to international applicants).

For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dr Cooper Schouten (cooper.schouten@scu.edu.au).

Applications should include a CV, academic transcript/s and a one-page interest statement.

The beekeeping industry is critical to food and nutrition security with contributions from pollination services worth over 14.2b. The recent incursion of varroa mites in Australia, as well as neighbouring Pacific countries, represents a significant challenge to the viability of the sector, compounding existing challenges of low market prices, limited succession planning and an aging industry and declining access to resources (honey and pollen flora) due to droughts, bushfires, and land clearing. Varroa mite is a leading cause of colony losses globally and losses to pollination-dependent plant industries over 30 years are estimated at over $70 million annually and may exceed $135 million. Australia’s unique climate, environment and agriculture require contextualised Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches to control varroa mites effectively. Australia has unique pest and diseases, honey bee flora and genetics that impact honey bees which are not seen in other countries – this reduces the applicability of research and best practice in the Australian context. Current research and best practice on varroa mites are limited to temperate climates where honey bees have natural brood (pupating bees) breaks which reduces mite population growth. In other countries honey bee viruses, such as Deformed Wing Virus, also influence economic thresholds and IPM practices. Chemical resistance to existing miticides is prevalent in every country which varroa exists and is a major concern. The successful applicant will contribute to the development of sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies tailored to regional contexts, aiming to control and mitigate the impact of Varroa mites.

Objectives:

1. To evaluate current Varroa mite prevalence, impacts and management practices in Australia and Pacific Island countries
2. To develop and test the efficacy of novel organic and biotechnical varroa control strategies
3. To develop region-specific IPM strategies for Varroa mite control.

Eligibility:

• Meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component or equivalent higher research degree in entomology, agriculture, environmental sciences, development studies or closely related fields.
• Demonstrable experience or interest in pest management, honey bee health, or tropical agriculture.
• Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in regional NSW and Pacific Island countries.
• Demonstrated strong analytical, scientific writing, and communication skills.
• Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

How to Apply:

1. Prepare a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, relevant experience, and career goals.
2. Current CV with academic qualifications, publications, and relevant work experiences.
3. Contact details of at least two academic/professional referees.
4. Certified copies of academic transcripts.
5. Proof of English language proficiency (for international applicants).

Supervisor: Dr Cooper Schouten

Institution: Bees for Sustainable Livelihoods, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University.

Location: Southern Cross University, Northern Rivers Lismore Campus with fieldwork opportunities in Pacific Island countries.

Duration: The stipend is for three years and three months. The candidature can be up to 4 years.

Stipend: PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 rate indexed annually).

Applications close: Applications will remain open until the position is filled (open to international applicants).

For more information, or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dr Cooper Schouten, (cooper.schouten@scu.edu.au).

Applications should include a CV, academic transcript/s and a one-page interest statement.

Marine Heatwaves are increasing in intensity and frequency with large impacts on marine species and ecosystems globally. Kelp forests and coral reefs are foundation species underpinning vast ecological and economic value yet are among the most heavily impacted by heatwaves. The underlying genetics of these key taxa can determine their ability to respond to thermal stress, yet there are few empirical demonstrations of this link. Understanding this variation in response can unlock opportunities for proactive management and conservation strategies.

This project will examine the response of kelp and coral to marine heatwaves at a temperate-tropical transition zone to uncover traits that confer resilience. The project will involve field sampling, genomics and lab experiments and will be based at the National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour, Australia, in collaboration with NSW Fisheries. 

Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months and will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component. PhD applicants should have at least one first-authored publication. Prior skills in genomics are desirable.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and motivation for applying for this PhD to Melinda Coleman (Melinda.coleman@dpi.nsw.gov.au) or David Abrego (David.abrego@scu.edu.au) by April 1^st 2024.

The Project

Southern Cross University is offering a fully funded PhD Scholarship to investigate how visual media can be used to increase awareness about organ donation and registration among young adults from culturally diverse communities. Currently, awareness and registration in culturally diverse communities are well below the national average, so this is an opportunity to make a difference. 

This is a theoretically-driven applied research project. A background in social psychology, psychology in general, health, anthropology, sociology or medical sciences will be beneficial – media expertise is not required.     

You will be supervised by a fantastic team of researchers, including Associate Professor Gail Moloney (SCU), Professor Marie Hutchinson (SCU) and Professor Iain Walker (University of Melbourne), with opportunities to engage with community leaders from culturally diverse communities.

The scholarship is for three years and three months, funded at the Australian Research Training Program (RTP) rate of $32,192 tax-free (2024 indexed annually), as well as a tuition fee waiver.  You will be able to undertake outside paid work for 16 sixteen hours a week in addition to the scholarship stipend.

The PhD project will be closely aligned with a funded Australian Research Council Linkage Grant project. You will become a valued member of the research team comprising Southern Cross University, NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service (South-Eastern Sydney Local Health District), Organ and Tissue Steering Committee (South-Western Sydney Local Health District, the Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (Australia) spiritual organisation, and the University of Melbourne.

The project will offer the opportunity to engage with industry experts and inform practice and policy.

Location

Supervision will be on campus (Coffs Harbour) with fieldwork in Sydney, NSW.

You will be in a highly supportive environment with strong career development and networking opportunities, as well as excellent supervision and mentoring. 

Eligibility

The successful applicant must meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University full-time, including a relevant Honours degree, First or 2^nd class (2 A) or a Masters degree with a relevant research component.

This opportunity is open to International as well as Australian Domestic students. Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

How to apply:  

Please send one PDF file to gail.moloney@scu.edu.au containing:

• a cover letter explaining your interest in this scholarship (1 page max),
• your CV (2 pages max),
• relevant degree transcripts/certificates,
• contact details for two referees and
• and any other relevant research documents (e.g., publications/theses)

Invitation to attend an interview: If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an interview. Further details about the interview will be provided in the invitation.

Applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis until the role is filled. We hope to commence this project as soon as possible.

Applicants are welcome to contact Associate Professor Gail Moloney at gail.moloney@scu.edu.au for an informal discussion or any enquiries about this opportunity.

This project aims to integrate emerging data science into real-time rivers flow forecasting, improving flood warning accuracy and enhancing community flood preparedness. A specific focus is placed on data-driven, risk-based flood forecasting. This project anticipates interdisciplinary collaboration and communication with end-users for project development and outcome distribution. 

Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months and will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component.

For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dr Feifei Tong  feifei.tong@scu.edu.au  

Background: Southern Cross University is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship as part of an Australian Research Council Discovery Project grant to work in the field of geochronology and archaeogeochemistry, to better understand early human expansion in Southeast Asia and Australasia. The PhD will contain both robust methodological and palaeoanthropological components, including analytical research on LA-MC-ICPMS and Electron Spin Resonance. Shortlisted candidates will discuss the specificity of the project, depending on skills and interests.

This scholarship represents an opportunity to complete a PhD and conduct a program of research on geochronology (US-ESR dating) isotopes and trace element analytical research of fauna and human remains.

The PhD student will work alongside scientists from various countries such as Australia, Germany, France, Denmark, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and/or Philippines depending on site selected, and who will contribute and provide guidance on dating and characterisation techniques, trace element and isotopic analyses, dental anatomy, and/or human evolution.

Eligibility: 

The position is open to all domestic applicants and international applicants currently based in Australia. International applicants currently based overseas are welcome to apply, however, Australian Government border restrictions may impact on their application. The successful applicant will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a BSc (Hons, 2^nd class or above) or an MSc degree with a research component in either Earth science (geo)chemistry, environmental science or related fields.

Ideally, candidates will have some experience in geochronology and/or geochemistry and either knowledge or a strong interest to work on human evolution problematic. Candidate with experience with ESR, LA-ICPMS or MC-ICPMS from a different field of research such as medical geochemistry or related field are also strongly encourage to apply. Candidates with experience with matlab, R or similar packages is a plus.

Location: The successful applicant will be based at Southern Cross University in Australia, Lismore campus (Northern NSW, close to Byron Bay) in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and will be part of the Geoarchaeology and Archaeometry Research Group and will join a team of two postdocs and 4 PhD students.

How to apply: 

Please send your CV (2 pages max), a cover letter explaining your interest in and suitability for this scholarship (1 page max), degree transcripts/certificates, IELTS test if you didn’t study in English (optional details of two referees), and any other relevant research documents (e.g., publications/theses) via email to: renaud.joannes-boyau@scu.edu.au Please quote the PhD title in the subject line of the email.

1. Outcome of expression of interest: You will be notified of the outcome of your expression of interest by email after the closing date.
2. Invitation to attend an interview: If your expression of interest is shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an interview. Further details about the interview will be provided in the invitation. Interviews will take place online via Zoom.

The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend for a 3-year duration at the current Australian Research Training Program rate (the 2024 rate is AU$32,192 per annum, indexed annually).

Closing Date: Until position is filled

Interviews:  TBA

Southern Cross University is seeking enthusiastic students for their doctoral research on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Management. The positions will be based in Southern Cross University’s Gold Coast Campus, in Queensland, Australia. Up to three full-time PhD places are available to start in 2021-2022.

Background: This research is designed to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in managing healthcare.  With the increasing potential of AI technologies, healthcare management has been offered substantial opportunities to improve its efficiency, effectiveness, and efficacy. For example, the current circumstances related to COVID-19 demonstrated the wide-spread applicability of AI capabilities in a range of circumstances, including AI‐assisted analysis and modelling helping to reconstruct the progression of an outbreak, predict transmission pathways, trace contacts, and determine impacts of various public health control measures. On the other hand, the use of AI raises increasing concerns from general public, industry and regulatory bodies. Issues of trust and transparency in data-driven and automated decision support are still to be consistently measured and validated for fairness and effectiveness. Similarly, anecdotal commentary suggests that low user acceptance and high degree of resistance for AI-led solutions in the healthcare sector from its primary stakeholders such as clinicians and nurses. The projects are designed to utilise both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to understand, evaluate current issues, mechanisms and procedures and future engagement models relating to AI in managing healthcare better.

Topics of interest include (but, not limited to);

• Confidence and trust in AI-led decision making
• AI and managing multi-stakeholder viewpoints in healthcare
• AI readiness in healthcare workforce and organisations
• Responsible AI use in healthcare management
• Increasing AI-led engagement of public healthcare
• Impact of AI in healthcare sector

Activities: The selected PhD candidates will receive a unique opportunity to engage with a range of industry partners in healthcare management and AI. The successful candidate will be part of a vibrant inter-disciplinary research group that includes researchers from management, information systems and health.  

The work will include:

• A critical review of existing relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature
• Conducting case studies on the utility of AI in healthcare management
• Developing management frameworks and theories for impactful use of AI in healthcare management
• Travel for fieldwork

What is required: The ideal candidate is highly motivated for scientific business research in the broad topic of digital business transformation. The successful applicant will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a second-class Honours degree (or above) or a relevant research masters degree in business, information systems, healthcare management or computer science. Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English as well as excellent communication and team skills are expected. The position is open to both domestic and international applicants currently based in Australia. International applicants currently based overseas are welcomed to apply, however, current Australian Government border restrictions may impact their application.

What is being offered: Successful candidates will be offered a tuition fee waiver and additional funding of up to $10,000 to support research activities.

International candidates are eligible to apply, however, if successful the successful candidate will need to fund their own travel to Australia to commence studies, application fees for any required visa and overseas health cover insurance expenses.

How to apply: Applicants are asked to submit an expression of interest, which must include a short video of the proposed topic of less than 3 mins, a detailed CV, copies of previous research outputs (email to Professor Darshana Sedera at darshana.sedera@scu.edu.au). This project aims to officially start in the last quarter of 2021, but there is some flexibility with the exact starting date (upon mutual agreement). Applications will remain open until filled in 2021.

Applicants are welcome to contact Professor Darshana Sedera (darshana.sedera@scu.edu.au) for an informal discussion and any further information about this opportunity.

Invitation to attend an interview: If your expression of interest is shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an interview. Further details about the interview will be provided in the invitation.

The building construction industry represents one of the most important sectors within Australia and internationally. It is also an industry with high waste, large workforces, a high carbon footprint and the challenges of delivering quality products on time and within budget. Many societal issues, including housing demand, pressure to develop new practical approaches to provide quality solutions. It is also evident that many cities and towns contain buildings (at various scales) that could be repurposed to better use their horizontal and vertical footprints. This includes, buildings damaged during natural disasters and population shifts.

It is noted that codes and standards apply to new builds and not so much to existing buildings. Additionally, most codes and standards do not apply the aspect of durability to new buildings. Therefore, it is important to understand how buildings can be designed to be repurposed, the codes and standards required for repurposing, and how technologies (e.g. building information modelling (BIM)) can be used to assist with this process.

This PhD project will investigate how to better influence and manage building repurposing and to consider how BIM can benefit this process. The student will work with members from the International Building Quality Centre (www.ibqc.org.au).

Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months and will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component.

Contact: Professor Charles Lemckert 

For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Professor Charles Lemckert (charles.lemckert@scu.edu.au)

The agricultural sector in the Northern Rivers region demonstrated its strength in 2021 by generating a substantial $621 million in agricultural production. This figure underscores the region's status as a thriving hub for diverse agricultural products, making significant economic contributions. Beyond its economic significance, agriculture plays a pivotal role in strengthening local communities and contributing to the broader Australian economy. Following the devastating flood disaster in 2021, there is a need to ramp up agricultural production to aid in the region's recovery.

Agricultural machinery stands as a critical component of agricultural production. The development of sustainable, innovative, and region-specific agricultural machinery holds the potential to further enhance the overall value of agricultural production. Recognizing this potential, this scholarship aims to support research and development endeavours focused on agricultural machinery. By addressing the specific agricultural production challenges the Northern Rivers region faces, this scholarship aims to provide practical solutions that will support the local agricultural sector and facilitate its resurgence in the aftermath of the 2021 flood disaster. 

Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months and will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component.

Supervisor: Dr Mustafa Ucgul

For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dr Mustafa Ucgul (mustafa.ucgul@scu.edu.au)  

Applications should include a CV, academic transcript/s and a one-page purpose statement.

Climate change has significantly affected the hydrological cycle, resulting in floods with increased frequency and severity almost all over the world. Floods lead to causalities and economic losses and cause structural damage to buildings, roads and infrastructure. Based on data from the Insurance Council of Australia, the 2022 extreme weather and flooding in Northern NSW and South-East Queensland has led to over 3.346 billion worth of claims to date.

Traditionally, houses are permanently raised in flood-prone areas to mitigate the risks of flooding. However, house-raising is essentially just a short-term solution due to the continued increase of the flood hazard level due to climate change. To live with water rather than fight against water, amphibious houses represent an innovative solution to address the growing challenges of more frequent and intense floods in our local communities while simultaneously addressing housing needs. An amphibious house will rise during a flood event and move down when the flood goes away. This solution can be used to retrofit homes to be amphibious and build new amphibious structures in flood-prone areas.

This PhD research topic will delve deeply into the complex domain of amphibious houses, with a primary objective of tackling the multifaceted challenges associated with their design and construction. The research aims to foster sustainability through the use of recycled materials, bolster the resilience of houses, and achieve long-term cost savings in mitigating the escalating risks of flooding brought about by climate change.

Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$232,192 per annum (2024 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months and will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component.

Supervisor: Dr Guoyang Fu

For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dr Guoyong Fu (guoyang.fu@scu.edu.au)

Applications should include a CV, academic transcript/s and a one-page purpose statement.

This 3.4-year fully funded PhD project supports an Australian Research Council DECRA project investigating the role of tree-dwelling microbial communities in mitigating greenhouse gasses.

Project aim: This project aims to unveil the microbial diversity and metabolic capabilities of bark-dwelling microbial communities in Australian forests. Trees perform an important climatic function in sequestering atmospheric carbon, however the role of tree bark-associated microbiome in regulating other climate-active trace gasses such as methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide is unknown. Combining cutting-edge molecular and biogeochemical approaches, this project aims to characterise and quantify trace gas oxidation rates of forest bark microbiome. The anticipated outcomes include fundamental knowledge surrounding bark-associated microbial trace gas oxidation within global biogeochemical cycles, and insights into their response to climatic variables.

Location: The project will be based at the Northern Rivers campus of Southern Cross University, situated on the North Coast of NSW. The candidate will work within the vibrant and collaborative Catchments, Coasts and Communities research cluster and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure. The candidate will ideally have prior experience or an interest in microbial ecology, genomic sequencing and downstream analysis, but will also utilise and learn forestry and biogeochemistry techniques such as soil, aquatic and tree-stem greenhouse gas measurements.

Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months and will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component.

For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dr Luke Jeffrey luke.jeffrey@scu.edu.au