If you’re seeking to advance your career in geology or geophysics and interested in creating new ways to generate meaningful geophysical and petrophysical data, the University of South Australia—Australia’s University of Enterprise—is offering the exceptional opportunity to apply for a PhD based in the Future Industries Institute, in partnership with CSIRO ( Mineral Resources) and the Mineral Exploration Cooperative Research Centre (MinEX CRC).
Petrophysical parameters are the critical link between geology and the geophysical data and derived geophysical models that are fundamental to mineral exploration. However, the collection of petrophysical data and its integration with geophysical modelling is not routine in the mineral exploration industry. The techniques to collect data are expensive, data standards are patchy and the methods to analyse the data and perform the required integration are immature.
The objectives of this research project are to improve and standardise the measurement of petrophysical data, optimise data processing and data analysis, and develop methods for incorporating petrophysical constraints into geophysical models. The ultimate aim is to facilitate collection of greater volumes of petrophysical data and maximise their value to mineral exploration.
This project will be part of UniSA’s exploration geoscience research linked to the MinEx CRC. This prestigious research group offers you exceptional opportunities and extraordinary access to facilities, knowledge and expertise, preparing you for your future career.
What you’ll do
In this research degree project, you will collect, process and analyse petrophysical data from drilling samples gathered by the MinEx CRC National Drilling Initiative. Data collection will include both in-field/core library techniques (Multi-sensor Core Logger) and laboratory techniques.
Data treatment will include multi-variate statistics, geostatistics and various means of spatial characterisation in order to derive geological insights from petrophysical data and develop novel exploration vectors. You will then explore and develop techniques to incorporate petrophysical data in geophysical models.
You will have the opportunity to work closely with a range of end-users including major mining companies, junior explorers, METS companies and geological survey organisations.
Skills gained through this project will put you at the leading edge of geological and geophysical modelling for mineral exploration, with specific skills in the critical area of petrophysics. This will open opportunities in academia, government and the mineral exploration industry.
Where you’ll be based
You will be based in the Future Industries Institute, which was established with a new research culture in mind—one deeply engaged with industry, with the end goal of building economic growth through relevant innovation and industry partnership.
The Institute reflects the Universitys strategic ambition to be Australias University of Enterprise which engages fully with the professions and industry globally, whose research is informed, leading edge and relevant. FII continues to forge national and international research partnerships in new industries and technologies that address real world issues. Our goal is to support a creative and engaged culture and to help develop a sustainable ecosytem in which innovation, complex, growth-focused industries thrive.
FII's research supports state and national research priorities and comprises top research teams able to collaborate across disciplines and to work with industry partners to deliver innovative solutions.
With a vibrant research environment, a strong industry orientation, and active international and national links, both academic and industry based, the Institute is among the very best in Australia and attracts and retains leading researchers.
Supervisory Team
Professor David Giles - Principal Supervisor
Dr Kate Selway – Co-Supervisor
Associate Professor Caroline Tiddy – Co-Supervisor
Dr Sandra Occhipinti, CSIRO Mineral Resources – End-User Advisor
Eligibility and Selection
This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. Additionally applicants must meet the projects selection criteria:
Essential:
- Understanding of petrophysical data acquisition and application to exploration geoscience demonstrated by prior work experience or education.
- Demonstrated ability to work within a large and diverse project team.
All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate. The successful applicant is expected to study full-time, and to be based at our Mawson Lakes campus in the north of Adelaide.
Essential Dates
Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close at 11.30pm [ACST], Friday, 28 January 2022.
Principal Supervisor: Professor David Giles
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