Carbon negative freshwater wetlands: novel pathways of carbon sequestration
We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to participate in a multidisciplinary project assessing the hydrology, tree ecology, biogeochemistry, and microbial communities of peat swamps and forested wetlands dominated by paperbark trees (Melaleuca spp). The primary focus of this role is to conduct field and laboratory assessments of greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration, and groundwater assessments within a gradient from freshwater to tidal forests. The project will also assess the effect of sea level rise on carbon fluxes in coastal wetlands through spatial modelling. This role requires collaboration with the State Government, the Sunshine Coast Council, the Traditional Owners, the Kabi Kabi peoples.
Image: G.Cranitch, Qld Museum
Scholarship details
Our team at the Wetlands Lab at the Australian Rivers Institute is focused on researching biogeochemistry and ecology for practical application in current management issues. We also work on testing and improving methods for successful restoration. Our team is highly collaborative with government, industry, Traditional Owners, and scientists in Australia and worldwide.
The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful in this role, you will be able to have field experience working in wetlands, especially in one of the following areas: ecology, biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, modelling, or hydrology. You must demonstrate experience collecting data, analysing, and writing a thesis, reports, and, ideally, publications. You will have evidence of a passion for conducting science collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, working independently and respectfully, and having a strong desire to undertake research that includes field, laboratory, and desktop analyses. You must be fluent in English and have experience writing in this language.
- Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
- 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 Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.
Please note:
- Candidates who can start in early 2026 are preferred
- The candidate must have checked their capacity to travel and live in Australia and comply with visa requirements.
International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:
- A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
- A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
- A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19
The 2026 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $35,656 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
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).
For project related enquiries please contact:
Professor Maria Fernanda Adame
Email: f.adame@griffith.edu.au
For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to f.adame@griffith.edu.au containing:
- Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
- Research proposal
- Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section, including a copy of your academic transcript
- A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template
- Names of two referees
The closing date for expressions of interest is: 5pm Friday 19 December 2025
The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line
Get in touch
If you have a question, need some help with your scholarship application, or would like to make a donation, feel free to contact us.