PhD in Hydrology, Biogeochemistry, and Historical Water Quality Modeling at Monash University

Monash University is offering a fully funded 3-year PhD scholarship in the Faculty of Engineering, focusing on the impact of historical human activities on current water quality. The project, commencing in 2026, is part of a newly funded ARC DECRA initiative and will be supervised by Dr Anna Lintern, Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering. The research sits at the intersection of hydrology, biogeochemistry, and historical studies, aiming to model how past agricultural practices influence present-day nutrient pollution in rivers and streams. The successful candidate will conduct fieldwork, including sampling sediment cores from Victorian oxbow lakes (billabongs), analyzing nutrient concentrations, and developing models to assess the legacy of agricultural activities on water quality. The project involves collaboration with biogeochemists and archaeologists, providing a rich interdisciplinary environment. Students will join the Green Infrastructure and Water Quality (GIWaQ) Research Group in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Monash University. Applicants should hold a MEng or BEng in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Water Resources Engineering (or equivalent) with First Class Honours. Candidates must be willing to learn new laboratory techniques, participate in fieldwork, and have experience with or willingness to learn programming tools such as R or Python. Interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary experience is highly valued, and students should be prepared to travel to regional Victoria for fieldwork. The position is fully funded, offering a tax-free stipend of $33,533 per annum (2025 rate), with potential top-up scholarships for outstanding candidates. Tuition fees are covered. The expected start date is early 2027, and the position will remain open until filled. Interested applicants should send a CV, academic transcript, and a short expression of interest to Dr Anna Lintern at [email protected] or [email protected]. For more details, refer to the attached document and the research group’s online presence.