Exciting PhD Opportunities at the University of Melbourne – Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources Group: 3 Fully-funded Positions Available!
The University of Melbourne invites applications for three innovative PhD projects in Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources within the Department of Infrastructure Engineering. These projects offer a fantastic opportunity for motivated and qualified candidates to conduct groundbreaking research in the hydrologic sciences at one of the world’s top universities, ranked #13 globally according to the QS World Rankings.
As part of the Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources Group, you will work alongside a dynamic, industry-aligned team addressing critical issues related to water availability, drought, and climate change. Your research will contribute to the international body of knowledge and inform water managers globally.
PhD Projects Overview
Project 1: New Methods for Selecting Rainfall-Runoff Models Using Multivariate Data
This project aims to improve the reliability of rainfall-runoff models used to project river water flow, particularly under climate change scenarios. The central hypothesis is that multi-variate calibration provides new opportunities to distinguish between models, compared to traditional single-variate calibration (using only streamflow data). This research will focus on utilizing remote sensing data like evapotranspiration and gravity-based water storage estimates (e.g., GRACE) to make more informed decisions regarding model selection, thus aiding robust water planning.
Project 2: The Value of Non-Streamflow Data for Robust Rainfall-Runoff Modelling Under Climate Variability and Change
In the face of recent severe droughts, there is increasing uncertainty about the reliability of traditional rainfall-runoff models that were calibrated only during wetter times. This PhD aims to solve the problem of model calibration to anticipate extreme swings in water availability resulting from multi-year droughts. By incorporating multiple variables in model calibration and focusing on improved remotely sensed information such as vegetation water use and GRACE water storage estimates, this project will make rainfall-runoff models more realistic and resilient under changing climate conditions.
Project 3: Applying Machine Learning for New Insights into Hydrological Non-Stationarity
Hydrological non-stationarity, where the relationship between rainfall and runoff changes over time, is a poorly understood phenomenon that hinders effective water resource planning. This PhD will leverage machine learning to study this issue and generate insights into the underlying physical processes driving hydrological change. The project will focus on two case studies: the Millennium Drought in Australia and the Sahelian Paradox in Africa, using the latest remotely sensed data to explore non-stationarity and develop predictive models to inform water resource planning in the future.
PhD Program Details
- Stipend: Approx. $38,000 (AUD) per annum, tax-free, plus an additional $5,000 per annum top-up scholarship.
- Duration: The PhD program typically runs for 3 to 4 years full-time.
- Intellectual Freedom: You will be given significant intellectual freedom and the opportunity to present your findings at international conferences.
- Funding: Applicants must obtain University of Melbourne scholarship funding through competitive selection processes.
Eligibility Criteria
- Qualifications: A 4-year degree or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, with a weighted average over the final two years of >79% (domestic applicants) or >85% (international applicants).
- Skills: Strong written and oral communication skills, competency in scientific programming, statistical techniques, and/or mathematics.
- Experience: Industry experience is preferred.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send the following documents to Dr. Keirnan Fowler at [email protected] by 21st March 2025:
- Cover Letter: Include your project preferences and reasons for your interest in the position.
- Response to Selection Criteria: Demonstrate how you meet the eligibility requirements.
- CV: Up-to-date curriculum vitae.
- Certified Transcripts: Include transcripts from all University degrees.
Please note that you should not apply directly through the University of Melbourne’s website.
Selection Process
- Candidates will be selected based on the above criteria and must successfully obtain scholarship funding through the University’s competitive scholarship process.
Final Deadline
Submit your application no later than 21st March 2025. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research in the field of hydrology at one of the world’s top universities!
For more information on scholarship opportunities and selection processes, please visit the University of Melbourne’s official website or contact Dr. Keirnan Fowler directly.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to global research on water resource management and climate change. Apply now and join the University of Melbourne’s Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources Group to make a lasting impact on the future of water management.
