Ed Burton

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.