Southern Cross GeoScience at Southern Cross University (SCU), Australia offers a PhD Position for three years in the field of Environmental Geochemistry.
Southern Cross GeoScience is a Research Centre which hosts a dynamic group of researchers focused on Environmental Geoscience disciplines (www.scu.edu.au/geoscience). The Research Centre provides an energetic, stimulating and diverse intellectual environment, including several Australian Research Council funded Fellows researching both applied and fundamental environmental geochemistry-oriented issues. In a recent Australia-wide assessment (the Excellence in Research for Australia ranking), SCU scored the highest ranking of “5” in the field of geochemistry, confirming the University’s world-class excellence in Geochemistry. The University is located in sub-tropical eastern Australia, close to pristine beaches and world heritage listed subtropical rainforests.
The PhD dissertation project focuses on the formation and fate of metastable iron sulfide minerals in wetland soil environments. The work comprises experiments in both the laboratory and in the field, and the specific topic/approach can be shaped to match the candidate’s primary interests and expertise. This project is fully funded by the Australian Research Council and includes a 3-year scholarship (AU$28,000 pa) and research costs (AU$10,000). The project also includes funding to support travel to national and international conferences, and to facilitate professional development activities.
We are seeking candidates with a background in environmental science and a specific interest in soil/water geochemistry. The candidate should have an interest in teamwork within an interdisciplinary group of researchers that focuses on the identification of biogeochemical processes controlling soil-water interactions. Experience in the use of spectroscopic, microscopic or modelling of reactive transport is of advantage. Prerequisite for the position is an excellent honours/masters degree in an appropriate area of study.
Review of applications will begin on 1st March, 2012; but the position will remain open until filled. Applications should include a CV, names of at least 2 referees and a 1 page statement of the candidate´s motivation for the application. Applications and enquiries should be directed to Dr. Edward Burton, Associate Professor of Environmental Soil Biogeochemistry and Director of Research Higher Degrees, Southern Cross GeoScience (email: ed.burton@scu.edu.au).
