An opportunity is available for an outstanding PhD scholar in soil science and restoration ecology. This PhD project aims to understand the relationships between plant diversity, carbon inputs and soil carbon composition. The project particularly will be focus on unravelling at the molecular level soil organic carbon decomposition and stabilization, particularly within Australian native plants and grasses, characterising above and below-ground diversity. Employing an approach that integrates field-based research with advanced laboratory and statistical analyses. This project is part of the ARC Training Centre for Healing Country, therefore, the successful candidate will codesign and collaborate with Indigenous research users.

• Current Students
• Future Students

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Science courses

• Higher Degree by Research

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa
• International Student

• Merit Based

PhD Stipends valued at $35,000 p.a. each for a maximum of 3.5 years for a student enrolled at Curtin University.

For a successful international student, PhD tuition fees offsets will apply.

1

Any HDR student wishing to study ecological restoration and carbon, with a background in a science field (soil, agriculture, precision agriculture, ecology, environment)

1.         Applicants must hold a First or Upper Second-Class Bachelor's degree (or its international equivalent), or a Master's degree in a related science field (soil, agriculture, precision agriculture, ecology, environment) with a Merit and a minimum average grade of 60% and substantial research component.  

2.         Applicants must be personable, work well under supervision and be willing to work in a collaborative environment.

3.         Applicants must demonstrate:

• excellent understanding of soil process and restoration ecology
• a strong aptitude for working in a collaborative team environment, working with indigenous communities, conducting field trips, and proficiently conducting laboratory analyses.
• good understanding of soil carbon cycle, Australian native flora and soil laboratory and statistical analysis.
• excellent written and communication skills, and
• a strong aptitude for scientific writing and publication.

4.       Applicants must not be engaged in full-time employment, or be subject to an obligation with another party to provide that party with any intellectual property rights during the course of their research

5.       The scholarship is a full-time enrolment for a period of 3.5 years. No part time, casual or other allowed.

Future and current student, please contact us via the EOI form and please ensure to includes the following information

• curriculum vitae and publications
  
• two academic references 
  
• a personal statement that demonstrates the required skills and experience and explicitly addresses the listed in the eligibility criteria

The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the following basis: 

• academic merit
• understanding of the research field

Progression is subject to passing annual progress reviews. The scholarship is a full-time enrolment for a period of 3.5 years. No part time, casual or other allowed.

Contact Prof. Raphael VISCARRA ROSSEL on +61 467 769 364 or r.viscarra-rossel@curtin.edu

The ARC Training Centre for Healing Country (‘Healing Country’) builds a robust science-business interface that links Indigenous Australians to vibrant and resilient businesses in revegetation of damaged lands that reconnects communities to healthy soils and landscapes to create ongoing financial independence through the carbon economy, honey production, seed supply, cultural species development and restoration services. The Centre’s layered training framework will ensure future Indigenous practitioners and emerging leaders can continue to deliver cost-effective restoration business solutions at the scale and diversity required to service future demand.

 

http://curtin.edu/soil-landscape-sci 

https://archealingcountry.com.au

https://scholarships.curtin.edu.au