ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre

The ARC Training Centre for Archaeology in the Resources Sector is advertising PhD projects starting in 2026 and 2027 as well as postdoctoral research positions in Australia. The centre works at the intersection of archaeology, cultural heritage, Indigenous knowledge, and responsible mining, with projects spanning Flinders University, The University of Queensland, and Southern Cross University.

Available PhD topics include automated detection of archaeological features using drone imaging, geochemical provenancing of material culture in arid landscapes, Indigenous rights, cultural heritage as a decision maker, co-designing Indigenous-led training models, mapping Indigenous cultural landscapes using advanced archaeological geophysics, LiDAR-based landscape detection, archaeology and cultural heritage management in risk assessment, and Indigenous data sovereignty. Postdoctoral projects include advancing geochemistry and geochronology in cultural heritage, drilling/blasting impacts, social responsibility, and mine closure and repatriation.

Funding: PhD scholarships provide a stipend of $41,555 per year (indexed annually) for 3.5 years, with tuition fees paid and assistance with project expenses. Postdoctoral positions include assistance with project expenses; duration is project-dependent. International applicants should note that mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover is not provided by the scholarship.

Eligibility and application: PhD applications must be for a specific project and include a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and two academic references (including one from the most recent supervisor). Postdoctoral applicants must apply for a specific project via the employing institution’s vacancy system and include a cover letter addressing selection criteria, CV, transcripts, publications if available, and two academic references. The closing date for applications is 16 August 2026.

This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in archaeology, cultural heritage management, Indigenous governance, remote sensing, geochemistry, geochronology, geophysics, and mining-related heritage challenges.