PhD Scholarships in Aquatic Ecology

The Freshwater and Estuarine Research Group at the University of Technology Sydney has a number of Industry funded PhD scholarships available for domestic applicants starting 2027.

Determining how environmental flows influence river food webs:  Environmental flows are essential for sustaining river food webs. Flows support habitat connectivity, transport nutrients and carbon, and enable energy to move through ecosystems from primary production to higher trophic levels. In this project you will conduct regular field work sampling water quality and invertebrates in rivers, perform lab work and modelling to develop flow ecology relationships and make recommendations on environmental flows to improve ecosystem health. Primary supervisor: James Hitchcock

Understanding coldwater pollution and its impacts on ecosystems: Coldwater pollution occurs in rivers with large dams that release cold bottom waters to the downstream environment. It has the potential to impact ecosystems and food webs via slowing growth, disrupting reproduction, reducing survival and altering species interactions. In this project you will conduct field work in dams and rivers to understand temperature dynamics and its impacts on downstream food webs from plankton to fish. Primary supervisor: James Hitchcock.

Using macrophytes to control algal blooms: Cyanobacterial (blue‑green algal) blooms are a widespread problem in freshwater systems that degrade water quality, threaten ecosystem health, and limit the safe use of water for drinking and recreation. A promising nature‑based solution is the use of macrophyte biozones, where carefully selected aquatic plants and controlled flow conditions reduce nutrients, suppress algal growth, and improve overall ecosystem condition. In this project you will conduct field and lab work to determine what plant species are best at controlling algal blooms and the best approaches for using them in reservoirs and lakes. Primary supervisor: Simon Mitrovic.

Understanding the causes of algal blooms and microbial contamination in rivers: Cyanobacterial blooms and microbial contamination are a major threat to water quality and ecosystem health. This project will investigate the key drivers of blooms and sources of microbial contamination in rivers. Using a mixture of lab and field work you will investigate the role of catchment processes, flow conditions, and nutrient dynamics as key drivers of these problems. The outcomes will provide recommendations on how to improve river health. Primary supervisor: Simon Mitrovic

The specifics of each project will be developed based on the candidate’s interest and experience, and project needs.

Key benefits:

• Generous financial support: Generous tax-free stipend. All project expenses including accommodation, meals and project expenses are covered.
• Work in a supportive and experienced team: Our research group offers supportive environment to learn and share skills together. We work closely as a team both on each project, and more broadly. Supervisors has extensive experience supervisoring students to completion.
• Industry collaboration: We work closely with industry and community on all our projects. You will not just be learning science but gain experience with government and industry partners that will be essential for future employment opportunities. All our projects have industry co-supervisors.
• Conference and travel funding: All students will have the opportunity to attend at least one international conference. UTS has multiple funding rounds to support travel.
• Access to cutting-edge facilities and skill development: UTS houses an array of state of the art analytical and technical facilities, with opportunities to follow your interests in developing skills to support your project.
• Field work across the country: We work in diverse environments across the country. Working with other students you will have the chance to travel across the state and experience parts of the country you would never normally see.

Selection Criteria

• PhD/Masters: A Bsc (Honours) or equivalent in environmental science, ecology or closely related field. Candidates without honours but experience in ecology will be considered for Masters.
• Experience conducting field work, working in teams, statistical analysis and working with large data sets, and familiarity with concepts in aquatic ecology
• Driver’s license is essential

NB: Only domestic students (either permanent Australian residents or New Zealand citizens) can apply. Opportunities for International candidates will be advertised separately when available. 

Funding: Stipend $39,000-$50,000 per year for 3.5 years.

Those interested in honours research on these topics can also enquire. $6,000 honours stipends are available.