This project aims to unlock an untapped record of our planet’s past, by analysing exceptionally well preserved fossils in concretions. The well-studied inorganic fossil record has provided a framework for understanding major events in the evolution of life and our planet. However, the proposed project aims to significantly advance current perceptions, by accessing the parallel but rarer organic record in the form of biomarkers and biomolecules that can be entombed in exceptionally preserved fossil material. To achieve this goal, a range of well-preserved fossils will be investigated to evaluate molecules related to organism(s), modes of organic and fossil preservation and paleoenvironmental reconstruction.

State-of the analytical infrastructure is available in WA-OIGC (Instrumentation – Western Australian Organic & Isotope Chemistry | Curtin University, Perth, Australia) including TOFSIMSFocused Ion Beam Facility, John de Laeter Centre | Curtin University, Perth, Western Australiain JDLC.

Field trips and excursions will take place during scholarship.

3 year PhD project available at Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia With Prof. Kliti Grice ARC Laureate Fellow and collaboration with Prof. Lorenz Schwark (Kiel University)

• 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

This scholarship provides a living stipend of $28,854 p.a.(2022 RTP rates) pro rata indexed, based on full-time studies, for up to a maximum of 3 years.

1

PhD courses in Science

• Suitable applicant must have a first class Hons degree, Master’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Geochemistry, Geology, Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science. (- comment: this is eligibility criteria)
• Full-time enrolment
• Successful recipients must also not be in receipt of any other scholarship.

Please send full CV and two referee names to Prof. Kliti Grice (k.grice@curtin.edu.au)

Recipients must complete their milestone 1 within 6 month of enrolment and remain enrolled on a full time basis for the duration of the scholarship

Prof. Kliti Grice (k.grice@curtin.edu.au)