PhD in Coastal Mapping and Sand Dune Dynamics using Satellites (Water Engineering, Remote Sensing, Environmental Science)

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Water Research Laboratory and the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) are offering PhD opportunities as part of a new Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project. The research focuses on coastal mapping and sand dune dynamics using satellite remote sensing, with applications in environmental science, civil engineering, and earth science. The project is in collaboration with several Australian and international partners, including government agencies and leading universities such as Université de Bordeaux/CNES and Delft University of Technology. PhD candidates will have the opportunity to work on advanced topics such as vegetation and dune dynamics from satellites, high-resolution coastal mapping, and the use of UAVs for monitoring coastal changes. The research will be supervised by a team of experts: Prof Kristen Splinter and Dr Yongjing Mao at UNSW, and A/Prof Javier Leon and Prof Stuart Phinn at UniSC. Students will also collaborate with the DCCEEW science team, including Tom Doyle and Dr Danial Khojasteh. Applicants should hold an Honours 1 equivalent from a BSc or a MSc with a substantial independent thesis completed within the last 5 years, in fields such as Civil Engineering, Remote Sensing, or Environmental Sciences. Prior research experience and publications are advantageous but not mandatory. Both domestic and international students are encouraged to apply, with multiple research projects available at both institutions. Funding details are not explicitly stated; applicants should consult the university websites for information on scholarships and financial requirements. International applicants must demonstrate financial capacity or secure funding through scholarships or sponsorships. All applicants must meet the English language requirements of the host university. To apply, candidates should visit the relevant university application pages, contact the listed supervisors with their CV and academic transcripts, and prepare all required supporting documents. Applications are submitted online via the university portals, with the option to indicate interest in scholarships during the process. Research areas: coastal mapping, sand dune dynamics, satellite remote sensing, water engineering, environmental science, UAVs Supervisors: Prof Kristen Splinter, Dr Yongjing Mao (UNSW); A/Prof Javier Leon, Prof Stuart Phinn (UniSC) Institutions: University of New South Wales, University of the Sunshine Coast Eligibility: Honours 1 or MSc with thesis, relevant degree, English proficiency, financial capacity for international students Application: Online via university portals, contact supervisors, prepare documents