PhD scholarship in environmental sciences

The program offers an industry co-funded scholarship for 3.5 years.

RMIT will cover 50% of the scholarship cost, and the industry partner (Westernport Water) will contribute to the other half.

This scholarship is already secured and does not require the candidate to apply through RMIT's competitive internal rounds. Both domestic and international applicants are encouraged to apply.

$35,886 per annum

Open now

2026-01-04

1 (one).

We encourage applications from individuals with strong communication skills, demonstrated capacity for independent research, and a genuine interest in making a real-world impact through applied research. A strong CV for this scholarship may include:

  • A Master's or Honours degree in a similar field. 
  • First-authored publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. 
  • Good quantitative skills and knowledge of coding languages (e.g., R, Python). 
  • Experience working with freshwater systems or sustainable agriculture. 
  • Good communication skills. 
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently.

Interested applicants are invited to email a short expression of interest (EOI) to martino.malerba@rmit.edu.au.

For your EOI please include:

  • A short cover letter (max 1-page) outlining your research interests and experience 
  • A brief CV (2-pages)
  • Academic transcript(s)
  • Contact details for two academic referees

Project Objectives

The proposed PhD project will focus on the following key objectives:

  1. Performance Evaluation: Investigate the nutrient and contaminant removal efficiency of different CW types.
  2. Carbon Sequestration: Quantify the carbon sequestration potential of the CW system under various operational and environmental conditions.
  3. Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions: Assess reductions in CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O emissions across different climate conditions and operational scenarios.
  4. Predictive Modeling: Develop a predictive model to optimize CW design and operation for enhanced environmental benefits.
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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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