Southern Cross University

https://www.scu.edu.au/

Background:

Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas that contributed 35% of the greenhouse gas-driven global warming in 2010-2019. Resolving the sources and sinks of methane is critical for achieving our global ambitions to rapidly reduce methane emissions in the near-term future and to develop effective climate mitigation strategies. About half of global methane emissions come from aquatic ecosystems, primarily wetlands. Coastal wetlands account for ~10% of global wetlands and are abundant along Australia’s coast, yet methane sources and sinks in coastal ecosystems are still poorly understood and underlying processes remain largely unknown.

Project Summary:

This project aims to unravel the complex methane cycle in coastal ecosystems in Australia. We will address current research gaps by investigating methane production (source) and methane oxidation (sink) pathways in coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, salt marshes, seagrasses, or macro-algae in Australia. The project is flexible, and applicants are encouraged to propose their own research topics related to coastal methane cycling.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate interested in coastal methane cycling with a focus on field measurements, and laboratory work such as stable isotopes, incubation experiments, and microbial analysis.

The successful candidate will be based in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Southern Cross University, Australia. The candidate will also work within the collaborative Catchments, Coasts and Communities research cluster and have access to world-class facilities and infrastructure.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component or equivalent higher research degree in biogeochemistry, environmental science, or microbiology.
• Demonstrated strong analytical, scientific writing, and communication skills (in English).
• Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

Additional experience:

• Experience with field measurements, such as soil, water and tree-stem greenhouse gas fluxes
• Experience with lab work such as microbial analysis and stable isotope techniques
• Experience with modelling and programming (e.g. R, GIS, Python)

Supervisory team: Principal Supervisor Associate Prof. Judith Rosentreter, Co-supervisor Dr. Luke Jeffrey

Scholarship: This position is fully funded at the RTP rate ($35,500 per annum – 2026 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months. The scholarship is tax-free and paid in fortnightly instalments.

Location: Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Northern Rivers Lismore Campus.

How to Apply:

1. Prepare a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, your own research topic, relevant experience, and career goals (<1 page)
2. Current CV with academic qualifications, publications, relevant work experiences, and contact details of at least two academic/professional referees
3. Proof of English language proficiency (for international applicants)

Expected Start Date: As soon as possible. Open until filled (international applicants welcome). For more information, or to apply for this PhD scholarship opportunity, please email Assoc. Prof. Judith Rosentreter, (judith.rosentreter@scu.edu.au). Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.