Ed Burton
2 months ago
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Fully Funded PhD in Environmental Geochemistry, Mineralogy, and Sustainable Fertiliser Recovery Southern Cross University in Australia
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Fully funded PhD scholarship at the 2026 RTP rate of A$34,315 per year tax-free and indexed, for 3 years and 3 months.
Country
Australia
University
Southern Cross University
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Keywords
About this position
Fully funded PhD opportunity at Southern Cross University in the Environmental Geochemistry & Mineralogy research group, based at the Lismore campus in Australia. The project is part of an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project titled “From red mud to green crops: using Bauxsol to create novel phosphate fertiliser”.
This PhD focuses on environmental science, geochemistry, mineralogy, soil chemistry, and water chemistry, with a strong sustainability angle. The research investigates how Bauxsol (a value-added product derived from bauxite residue) can capture phosphorus from wastewater and then release it as a slow-release fertiliser for crops, supporting circular economy approaches to wastewater treatment and sustainable agriculture.
Key research questions include understanding the mineral phases, sorption mechanisms, and kinetics controlling phosphorus uptake from wastewater, and examining how pH, redox conditions, and other factors influence phosphorus release and re-partitioning when Bauxsol is applied to soils. The student will work with world-class analytical facilities at SCU and CSIRO Mineral Resources, and will join SCU research clusters including Catchments, Coasts and Communities, ZeroWaste, and Harvest to Health.
The scholarship is fully funded at the 2026 RTP rate of A$34,315 p.a. (tax-free, indexed) for 3 years and 3 months. The post welcomes international applicants.
Ideal applicants will have a background in geochemistry, mineralogy, soil or water chemistry, or environmental science/engineering, plus strong analytical and writing skills.
Applications are open now and will remain open until the position is filled. To apply, send a cover letter, CV, and any required English language evidence to [email protected], and consult the full details via the application link.
Funding details
Fully funded PhD scholarship at the 2026 RTP rate of A$34,315 per year tax-free and indexed, for 3 years and 3 months.
What's required
Applicants should have a background in geochemistry, mineralogy, soil chemistry, water chemistry, or environmental science/engineering, with strong analytical and writing skills. International applicants are welcome. English language evidence may be required if applicable.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Professors
Professor
Australia
Research Interests
Mineralogy
Earth Science
Biology
Environmental Science
Chemistry
Professor
Australia
Research Interests
Mineralogy
Earth Science
Agriculture
Wastewater Treatment
Environmental Science
Professor
Australia
Research Interests
Crop Science
Agronomy
Plant Biology
Agriculture
Sustainable Agriculture
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.