ARC Discovery

Two fully funded PhD scholarships are available in Geotechnical Engineering for an ARC Discovery Project on corrugation control in unsealed roads. The project addresses a major infrastructure challenge in Australia, where unsealed roads make up a large share of the network and corrugation affects safety, cost, and sustainability.

The research sits at the intersection of pavement engineering, unsaturated soil mechanics, experimental investigation, computational modelling, climate effects, and data-driven prediction. Two PhD topics are advertised: one focused on experimental investigation, including laboratory system design, full-scale wheel-soil interaction experiments, and material/climate effects; the other focused on computational modelling, including high-fidelity numerical models, soil behaviour under traffic and climate, and AI-enabled prediction.

The project is linked to an international collaboration involving Monash University, James Cook University, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Supervision is listed as Prof Jayantha Kodikara, Dr Liuxin Chen, and Prof Erol Tutumluer.

Funding includes a tax-free stipend of $36,063 per annum (2026 rate) and full tuition fee coverage. The post also mentions strong research and industry pathways, access to world-class facilities, and opportunities to publish, present, and build a global research profile.

Eligibility highlights include a First-class Honours or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil, Geotechnical, or a related engineering field, plus proficiency in written and spoken English. Experience in laboratory testing, numerical modelling, or geotechnical practice is desirable depending on the stream.

To apply, send an Expression of Interest (EOI) by email with a CV, academic transcripts/certificates, proof of English language proficiency, and a 1-page research statement. The opportunity is open until filled, and early applications are prioritised.