Research Scholar: Earth and Environmental Sciences

As part of a recently funded research project, we are seeking a talented PhD student with expertise in soil science, geochemistry, geotechnical engineering, and/or chemical engineering to join our team. The project aims to develop novel approaches to closure of tailings storage facilities, using tailings blended with other industrial byproducts to cap tailings deposits. This novel cap will support plant growth whilst also minimising water infiltration into the underlying tailings. The successful candidate will conduct laboratory, glasshouse, and field studies to analyse performance and determine the optimal blend and thickness of cap materials.

This position is based at the University of Queensland, with a field site in Western Australia. Fieldwork is a highlight of this project and the successful candidate will be supported to travel to Perth for collaboration with industry partners, and to conduct seasonal sampling.

Applicants should possess a Bachelor or Masters degree in the fields of soil science, geochemistry, geotechnical engineering, and/or chemical engineering. Applicants should be team players with a strong professional work ethic, and capacity and interest in acquiring cross-disciplinary expertise. Applicants should have excellent oral and written English language communication skills.

Applicants must be eligible to enroll in a PhD with UQ. For a complete list of the UQ's minimum entry requirements please refer to:https://graduate-school.uq.edu.au/uq-research-degrees.

Prospective students will be provided with assistance to apply for a competitive UQ scholarship, or a domestic equivalent scholarship, for stipend and tuition support https://graduate-school.uq.edu.au/scholarships. Award of a scholarship will be conditional upon the applicant applying for and obtaining an unconditional offer for entry to the PhD program at UQ and being assessed in the next available UQ scholarship round. The duration of the candidacy is 3 years with 2 possible extensions each for up to 6 months (PPL 4.80.01 UQ Research Scholarships).

To discuss these roles please contact Dr Talitha Santini (t.santini@uq.edu.au).

To submit an application for these roles, use the Apply button below. All applicants must supply the following documents: Cover letter, Resume (containing publications and grants (if any) history, plus contact details for three referees) and an Academic Transcript.

For information on completing the application process click here.

Reference: 500772