PhD in Sundaland Palaeogeographic Reconstruction and Tectonics at Heriot-Watt University Heriot-Watt University in United Kingdom

PhD opportunity at Heriot-Watt University with Amy Gough, Assistant Professor in Geoscience and Head of the Southeast Asia Research Group (SEARG), based in Edinburgh, UK.

The project is titled “Sundaland Reimagined: The Reconstruction of a Lost Cenozoic Continent” and focuses on reconstructing the evolution of Sundaland over the last 65 million years. This is a research-intensive PhD in Earth Science / Geology with strong links to tectonics, sedimentary provenance, palaeogeography, and data science.

Research activities include working with legacy published geological datasets, collecting new samples during fieldwork in Southeast Asia, and building palaeogeographic reconstructions using GPlates. The wider SEARG group studies the tectonic development and geological history of Southeast Asia through field- and laboratory-based research, with collaborations across UK and Southeast Asian universities and institutions.

Funding: the position covers UK (Home) fees only and includes a UKRI-matched stipend. International fees are not covered.

Eligibility / fit: ideal for applicants interested in geological reconstruction, regional tectonics, source-to-sink systems, and Earth system questions. Fieldwork in Southeast Asia is part of the project.

Deadline: Friday 26 June 2026. Start date: September 2026.

How to apply: email [email protected] with your CV and a short note about your background, or contact Amy Gough via LinkedIn for more information.