PhD in Compound Climate Extremes and Australian Agricultural Production University of Melbourne in

PhD opportunity at the University of Melbourne on the impact of compound climate extremes on Australian agricultural production.

This project examines how climate change is increasing risks to Australia’s agricultural sector through more frequent and intense droughts, floods, bushfires, and especially compound climate extremes such as simultaneous heatwaves and droughts across multiple agricultural regions or repeated exposure over consecutive years. The research will investigate past impacts and future risks of these events for agricultural production and identify ways to improve the resilience of food systems.

The project is supervised by A/Prof Josephine Brown (School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences), A/Prof Brendan Cullen (School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystems), and Elisabeth Vogel (McKenzie Research Fellow, School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences).

Relevant study areas include climate science, atmospheric science, geography, environmental science, agricultural science, hydrology, and related quantitative fields. Applicants should have strong analytical and quantitative skills, with experience using Python, R, or MATLAB preferred.

The position is fully funded for 3.5 years full-time and includes generous support for research travel and professional development. It is open to both Australian and international candidates.

To apply, send an expression of interest by 30 June 2026 to [email protected] with a CV, academic transcripts, and names of up to three academic referees. This is not the official PhD application; shortlisted candidates will be guided through the University of Melbourne application process.