Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
The Southern Ocean influences climate, sea level, biogeochemical cycles and marine productivity on global scales. Observations suggest that rapid change is already underway in this region, but the measurements are sparse, impairing our understanding of these processes. This project will contribute to a multi-disciplinary observational program measuring a comprehensive suite of physical and biogeochemical variables along a full depth repeat hydrographic section from Tasmania (Australia) to Antarctica.
The project is expected to be completed in three phases: In year 1, the candidate will work with existing trace metal observational data from two previous meridional transects (SR3 in 2018 and MISO1 in 2024) of the Southern Ocean conducted as part of the GEOTRACES program. In year 2, the candidate will join a research team on a 62-day voyage ('Multidisciplinary Investigations of the Southern Ocean (MISO-2): Linking physics, biogeochemistry, plankton, aerosols, clouds, and climate') onboard RV Investigator in early 2027, to study the marine biogeochemistry of trace elements and their isotopes (TEIs) along the SR3 section (~140oE), a signature field program of the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP). Following the fieldwork, the candidate will participate in laboratory analyses and experiments using state-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation to determine the distributions, physico-chemical forms and sufficiency of micronutrient trace elements in the Southern Ocean. This will focus initially on Fe and Mn, which are known to limit phytoplankton growth in the Southern Ocean, but understudied elements such as Co and Cu may also be investigated. In year 3, the candidate will investigate the response of Southern Ocean phytoplankton to changing trace metal conditions, from field and/or laboratory experiments.
This project will feed vital information on the prevalence and flux of trace elements into biogeochemical models of the region, helping our understanding of potential future changes in ocean productivity and marine ecosystem health.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus.
- Applications are open to Domestic/ International/ Onshore applicants
- Applications are open to students from Chemistry (preferably Analytical), any Earth or Environmental Science discipline, Oceanography/Marine Science discipline backgrounds
- English language score must be above minimum entry requirements for this project
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Applicants will be ranked according to the quality of their application as a basis for entry into the research higher degree program. This includes prior peer reviewed publications, academic awards, project-specific skills, training or relevant industry experience, referee's reports and supervisory support
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- A strong interest in the biogeochemistry of trace elements in the ocean or the atmosphere would be desirable
- Coding and/or modelling skills would also be useful
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Prof Andrew Bowie to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 February 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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