PhD Elevate Scholarship: A Multifaceted Approach for Determining Sediment Provenance to Evaluate Rehabilitation Success

PhD Opportunity - A Multifaceted Approach for Determining Sediment Provenance to Evaluate Rehabilitation Success

Engineered shoreline rehabilitation works stabilise banks avoiding further shoreline erosion at the site and downstream and enabling natural revegetation to occur further binding sediment and preventing it from entering the marine environment. As part of a multi-million dollar Reef Trust project on Integrated Habitat Restoration for the Discovery Coast, the Discovery Coast consortium (including the Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) at CQUniversity) are undertaking projects to rehabilitate areas of large scale erosion and supporting water quality outcomes for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Plans to rehabilitate this region offer a unique research opportunity to use a multiple lines of evidence approach to evaluate the success of this and other similar engineering projects. The PhD project will integrate and evaluate multiple methods for identifying sediment source to distinguish the sources of sediments entering the Coral Sea and develop protocols for incorporating multifaceted sediment provenance approaches to coastal rehabilitation works more broadly. The student will gain valuable skills and training in fundamental higher degree research including systematic literature searches, field and laboratory experimental design and quantitative methods, data collection and statistical analysis, project management, and scientific writing.

The student will be hosted at CQUniversity’s Gladstone Marina campus in Queensland, with opportunity to travel to other campuses in Bundaberg to meet with partner organisations. However, given the current COVID-19 situation, the location for the first 6 months of desk-based literature review is very flexible. Selection of applicants will be based on merit.

Central Queensland University – About Us

With the largest footprint of any university in Australia and a comprehensive range of TAFE and university courses available online or on campus, CQUniversity is committed to our belief that higher education should be for everyone. We've achieved excellent results year-on-year for our research quality and graduate employability, and are Australia's first and only Changemaker Campus recognised by global social innovation group Ashoka U. Follow this link for a video on CQUniversity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjJWsjLseRU

The Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) has recently opened on the Gladstone Marina and is the only coastal marine research facility based in Central Queensland. CMERC has a specific focus on the Southern Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and researches how the industry and marine ecosystems can thrive beside each other in harmony. CMERC is also proud to host Queensland’s first and only seagrass nursery. Follow this link to learn more about CMERC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcriYOsIgfo

Gladstone – Southern Great Barrier Reef ‘Where Great Begins’

The Gladstone Region may very well be one of Australia’s best kept secrets. If you are searching for pristine beaches, marvelous coral islands, and plenty of national parks, then look no further. Boasting the iconic Town of 1770 along the Discovery Coast in the south, the gorgeous Heron Island just a short boat ride away, and a view like no other from the Round Hill lookout, the region has much to offer.

Known as a bustling hive of various industries, the thriving hub of the region is Gladstone. The city prides itself on constant monitoring and improvements on coastal vegetation, air quality, and conservation programs to keep the region welcoming residents, visitors, and travelers, all-year round.

Follow this link for a video on our wonderful region, thanks to Queensland Aerial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQGpILNivPA

 Selection Criteria

Applications are invited from candidates who have or can demonstrate:

Potential in critical thinking, quantitative research, and statistical analysis.

Strong marine field experience, particularly in water quality and sediment sampling.

Excellent communication skills and ability to engage with community organisations

Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to work systematically, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines.

Well-developed computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Endnote, and SPSS or similar statistical software.

In addition, previous experience in isotype analysis, sediment dynamics, or numerical modelling is desirable, but not essential.

For more information:  https://www.cqu.edu.au/research/research-scholarships

Please note: to apply for this opportunity, you will need to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident of Australia, or an international applicant eligible for a student visa for temporary residence and already be living in Australia at time of application due to travel restrictions that are currently in place in Australia due to COVID-19.