At the forefront of environmental innovation, Griffith University’s School of Environment and Science is shaping the future across diverse industries. With a reputation for research excellence, the School drives real-world impact while delivering transformative learning experiences. Home to Australia’s first Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand–accredited program, and the nation’s only combined qualification in traditional planning and environmental science, it offers pioneering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees spanning environmental systems, biomolecular and biomedical science, and forensic science.

The Australian Rivers Institute is at the forefront of research on marine and freshwater systems, and their catchments. The Institute undertakes interdisciplinary research to improve our understanding, prediction and management of aquatic systems.

The supervisor for this project, Professor Michele Burford, specialises in water quality research from catchment to coast, with a focus on ecosystem health and nutrient management.

We are looking for someone interested in a PhD project which would involve a collaboration between Griffith University and the Fraser Coast Regional Council (FCRC), a Queensland-based local government organisation. This organisation has increasing challenges with terrestrial dissolved organic matter (tDOM) in one of their rivers. This is impacting water treatment. As the regulatory standards for drinking water become more difficult to achieve, the increase in tDOM is a worrying trend, and may result in the need for substantial and expensive upgrades at the treatment plant.

The Fraser Coast is an area of environmental significance, being adjacent to the world heritage-listed K’gari Island (Fraser Island), and close to the Great Barrier Reef and a range of other beautiful habitats, such as coastal rainforests.

The PhD would focus on understanding the sources and fate of tDOM in the Burrum River catchment, with comparison with adjacent catchments. The project would involve analysis of historical data, and field and laboratory studies. The student would work closely with the industry partner to ensure the real-world relevance of the project.

This position is primarily based at Logan campus, at the Australian Rivers Institute. As Griffith is a multi-campus University you may be required to work across other campus locations. Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and onshore international applicants and international applicants. If you are an international applicant who is currently offshore please consider the viability of travelling costs before submitting an expression of interest. Please see the FAQs web page for requirements for offshore international applicants.

Applicants should have undergraduate studies and/or research experience in aquatic chemistry and/or ecological processes.

Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with the Equivalent qualifications for HDR program admission. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

About the scholarship
The stipend associated with the PhD project is AUS$50,000 p.a. for up to 3.5 years.

What Griffith offers
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

The research will be undertaken in Prof. Michele Burford’s laboratory (based at Logan campus near Brisbane, Australia, Michele Burford | About | Griffith University) within the School of Environment and Science, and Australian Rivers Institute (Australian Rivers Institute). There is also an operating budget to support field and laboratory costs.

EOI Process
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to Professor Michele Burford, containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Brief research proposal, maximum 2 pages
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the ‘About you’ section
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• Names and contact details of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Sunday 26 July 2026 at 5pm AEST.

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line.

For project related enquiries please contact:
Professor Michele Burford
Email: [email protected]

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Email: [email protected]