Monash University (View other jobs from this organisation)
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Job No.: 604502
Location: Clayton campus
Employment Type: Full-time
Duration: Three-year Fixed-term appointment
Remuneration: $29,000 tax-free with the opportunity for up to $10,000 tax-free top-up funding, and the possibility to earn up to $10,000 (taxed income) with tutoring work
The Research Project
Background
The health of Port Phillip and Western Port Bays depends upon the management of pollutant loads carried by stormwater runoff within the catchments draining into the Bays. Estimating these pollutant loads and understanding the dynamics of pollutant generation, transport and transformation processes are critical to inform management actions and meet statutory reduction targets. Given the significant and growing investment in stormwater treatment across the Greater Melbourne area, and the fragile health of the Bay ecosystems, an accurate characterisation of pollutant load dynamics is vital but challenging to achieve.
Data collection is resource intensive, pollutant transport can be highly skewed to large and infrequent storm events, spatial variation is significant across the estimated 11,000 km2 area of the catchments, and pollutant transformations can occur moving downstream. These complex dynamics require a carefully targeted monitoring program that delivers sufficient and accurate data, within finite available resources.
The project will involve conducting water quality monitoring and detailed process studies at multiple sites across the Port Phillip and Western Port catchments. It will also involve working closely with Melbourne Water and the regular reporting of findings.
The student will join the Urban Water research group within Monash University’s Civil Engineering Department, working with and alongside other research students and staff working in areas that include Water Sensitive Urban Design, Green Infrastructure, stormwater harvesting, water quality, and public health, as well as exposure to the diverse research undertaken within the broader Department. Facilities include the award-winning Living Laboratory and the Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Lab.
The project will be commencing in mid-2020.
Research questions
Methods
A literature review will be undertaken to canvass the available literature and determine critical knowledge gaps for the focus of the PhD study. The project will involve significant fieldwork in collecting water quality data during both baseflow conditions and wet weather events, and autosamplers will be used for sample collection. Fieldwork will include calibration and maintenance of sampling equipment, sample collection and delivery for laboratory analysis, and the collection of additional data for detailed process-based studies. Laboratory-based work will also be conducted for the analysis of certain pollutant samples (such as pathogens). Statistical and data analysis will also be a key component of the project.
Expected outcomes
By completion of the project, you will gain a strong understanding of
The student will also gain skills in research reports and journal paper writing, and opportunities to present their work to peers, Melbourne Water and at conferences.
Candidate Requirements
Up to 2 PhD positions are available.
Applications are sought from students with a H1 (first class or equivalent) honours Bachelor degree or Masters degree in a range of relevant discipline areas including Environmental, Civil or Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Environmental Science. Applicants will also need to meet the University’s minimum English language proficiency requirements for admission to the PhD program (https://www.monash.edu/graduate-research/faqs-and-resources/content/chapter-two/2-2).
Applicants should have a strong interest in environmental science, water quality, waterway health and pollutant processes, and enthusiasm for field-based work.
To Apply
Please include your curriculum vitae (CV) and official academic transcripts and degree certificate or testamur from the awarding institution. A cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the project is recommended. http://careers.pageuppeople.com/513/cw/en/job/604502/phd-opportunity-realtime-monitoring-pollutant-loads-and-dynamics-in-port-phillip-and-western-port-catchments
Proof of citizenship and proof of meeting the English language proficiency requirements will be required at a later stage in the application process.
Enquiries
Please contact Dr Emily Payne (emily.payne@monash.edu) or Assoc Prof David McCarthy (david.mccarthy@monash.edu) for further information
Closing Date
Monday 20 April 2020, 11:55 pm AEST