PhD in Physical–Ecological Controls on the Stability of Hybrid Living Shorelines The University of Melbourne in Australia

PhD opportunity in physical–ecological controls on the stability of hybrid living shorelines at The University of Melbourne, in collaboration with The University of Western Australia. This project sits at the interface of coastal ecology, marine science, coastal engineering, and earth science, and focuses on how seabed scour and other physical processes influence the ecological development and long-term stability of nature-based coastal protection systems.

The research will examine hybrid living shorelines that combine engineered structures with natural habitats such as oyster reefs and mangroves. The PhD candidate will investigate how scour affects oyster recruitment, survival, reef development, mangrove establishment, hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and sediment stability. The project aims to identify thresholds where scour shifts from beneficial to detrimental and to develop design guidance for scour-compatible nature-based coastal protection.

This is a field-intensive project involving ecological monitoring, high-resolution topographic and bathymetric surveys, deployment of wave and water level sensors, and sediment/turbidity measurements. The successful candidate will integrate these datasets to link hydrodynamic forcing, scour processes, and ecological outcomes.

Applicants should have a background in marine science, coastal/environmental engineering, or a related field. Experience in fieldwork is preferred, along with strong interest in interdisciplinary research spanning physics and ecology, plus strong communication and teamwork skills.

The position is funded through an ARC Discovery Project and includes a PhD scholarship at the current University of Melbourne stipend rate. Applications close on 28 April 2026. To apply, prepare a CV, academic transcripts, and a brief statement of interest outlining your experience and motivation. For further information, contact Dr Rebecca Morris at [email protected].