Mitigating disinfection by-products - are we creating more toxic chemicals?
We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to work on this ARC and industry funded project. The primary focus of this role is to conduct the effect-based assessment of water samples produced by the research team to investigate appropriate approaches to mitigate the formation of toxic disinfection byproducts.
Scholarship details
ARITOX is a group of researchers from Griffith University‘s Australian Rivers Institute whose research focuses on the presence, fate and impacts of toxic contaminants in the aquatic environment, including trace organic contaminants, metals and other elements and their effects on living organisms. This requires a trans-disciplinary approach, and our research team includes environmental toxicologist, biologists, ecologists, modellers, chemists, data scientists and systems biologists. We also collaborate with colleagues from around the globe, sharing insights into how to ensure a sustainable and healthy future for all living organisms on the planet.
Our research group, established in 2009, is primarily located in the modern PC2 laboratories in the Smart Water Research building (G51) at the Griffith University Gold Coast
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 within this role, you will be able to demonstrate experience with cell-based bioassays and effect-based methods for water quality assessment. You will have evidence of a passion for environmental toxicology, with a strong desire to undertake research in cellular and molecular toxicology.
- 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 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:
- Applicants must have demonstrated experience in the application of cell-based bioassays for toxicity assessment.
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 Scholarship has an annual stipend of $40,109 (fixed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study.
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 Frederic Leusch
Phone: (07) 5552 7832
Email: f.leusch@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.leusch@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 12 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.