2 x PhD scholarships: (i) Cutting-edge methods for source-tracking pollutants in agricultural runoff and (ii) Testing the performance of agricultural runoff treatment systems

The University of Melbourne, Monash University and Melbourne Water are collaborating in an exciting new project which aims to improve the management of runoff from agricultural areas.  The ultimate aim is to protect waterways from degradation.  We will be using the Tarago catchment – located in West Gippsland (eastern Victoria) for this study.  The catchment has had a range of agricultural “best management practices” constructed over the last 15 years and thus represents an ideal site for testing how such systems work.

Working in a team, the two PhD students will work together, but focus on their own specific research area.  The first will work on novel source-track methods (using both chemical and microbiological fingerprinting) to identify where contamination is coming from.  The second will use monitoring a range of runoff control measures, using the data collected to develop a predictive model of treatment performance.

These PhDs are an exciting opportunity to work in collaboration between two universities and an important industry leader in water and natural resources management.

NOTE: In addition to the scholarship, an allowance may be paid, to facilitate accommodation near the field sites.  It is expected that much of the laboratory work will be undertaken at Melbourne Water’s facilities at Tarago Reservoir

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should have a degree in Science, Environmental Science, Engineering or a related field.  Applicants should have a driving licence.

Application Process

Applicants will be required to apply for a scholarship through either the University of Melbourne or Monash University.  In the first instance, applicants should write expressing their interest (with a CV and academic transcript) to both Prof. Tim Fletcher (tim.fletcher@unimelb.edu.au) and Dr. David McCarthy (david.mccarthy@monash.edu.au).