ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation PhD Scholarship: Beyond the Surface: A comprehensive exploration of water quality factors and their influence on materials and biofilm formation

This project will be in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Group and will focus on water quality factors and their influence on materials and biofilm formation in the marine environment.

ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation – Delivering innovative biofilm solutions

We are the leading Australian research and training centre tackling biofilm-related challenges.

The ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, led by Flinders University is a 5 year, $7.8m research and training program, bringing together 5 universities, 10 industry partners and key industry and regulatory bodies to deliver innovative research and biofilm solutions to tackle one of the biggest issues for the maritime and water industries. The Centre is offering scholarship opportunities across 3 Australian universities (Flinders University, Swinburne University and the University of Tasmania) over the 5 year period.

Biofilms grow on all surfaces and environments, from catheters to drinking water pipes and ships. They are complex organisations of cells that grow on both living and inert surfaces and are both viscous and elastic in nature. They can be made up of a single species or comprise several species of different types of microorganisms, including those that pose a threat to human health and/or our environment. Since biofilm attachment and growth cannot be prevented, billions of dollars are spent every year in attempting manage their development and impacts.

By working with industries to develop innovative solutions that meet their needs and alleviate their biofilm-related problems, the ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation aims to (i) transform biofouling management strategies for maritime platforms; (ii) train the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists and engineers; and (iii) to develop biofilm management strategies across the defence and water industries to address evolving regulatory stringency.

The ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation PhD scholarship program will support the development of a new generation of specialists and leaders in biofilm monitoring and control. Our students will have access to world-class training, professional development and mentoring and be provided with a unique opportunity to undertake collaborative research projects and training with our industry partners.

Working within a large research entity (including PhDs, post-doctoral researchers, university chief investigators and industry partner investigators), scholarship recipients will work closely with an industry partner organisation to undertake industry research. Scholarship recipients will have access to mentoring, training, professional and personal development through our unique Foundation Training Program and will undertake a 12-month industry placement.

Project Background

Australian coastal waters are characterised by low nutrient availability, as well as high variability in water temperatures. This has contributed to the formation of a unique and ecologically important ecosystem which is biologically rich.

A critical component of understanding and managing any water system is through water quality. Physical, chemical, and biological properties of water can help determine the health of an ecosystem. Conversely, these same drivers can determine the longevity and performance of materials and infrastructure located in these same aquatic environments. This is particularly true for urbanised and anthropogenically impacted waterways.  Finally, some of the preventative measure designed to protect materials and infrastructure from the biological impacts of marine exposure can themselves have detrimental impacts on the surround environment and ecology.

The deployment of key Defence platform materials within a marine environment can be detrimentally impacted by biological processes, impacting their performance and lifespan. These materials may in turn disrupt a finely balanced system. This project aims to understand the water quality parameters in Australian defence ports, the influence of these parameters on material integrity and biofouling accumulation and composition, as well as the reciprocal influence of the materials on the local environmental water quality. The project consists of three main research topics:

• Investigation of the physical, chemical, and biological water quality parameters at Australian defence ports, as well as the impact of materials.
• Understanding the broader influence of water quality impacts on materials and biofouling, with a focus on key platform materials.
• Modelling/forecasting the impact of factors such as water quality, material, and biofouling at Australian defence ports.

The candidate will complete PhD candidature including a minimum 12-month placement and industry training at Defence Science and Technology Group during which time you will be embedded with the industry partner team. The industry placement will enable you to develop your network, gain insight into the everyday research practices of an industry-leading/service driven organisation.

This PhD Scholarship offers:

• $38,982 per annum for up to 3.5 years (full time).
• Access to academic and industry expertise through joint supervision.
• A supportive environment to learn leading-edge research methods and become an expert in your area.
• The opportunity to manage a complex research project and respond innovatively to challenges.
• A collaborative research community where you can enhance your skills and build your network to progress your research career.

Support through the ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation Foundation Program including specialist training and development, and the opportunity to undertake a 12-month industry placement.

To be eligible for a PhD Scholarship you will need:

• Eligible to gain an Australian Defence Clearance and meet International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR); Ability to provide a National Police Clearance obtained within the last 3 months; And potentially attain, and maintain, an Australian Security clearance level NV1 as determined under the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF). To check eligibility please visit the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency Website.
• Meet Flinders University PhD admission requirements – an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A, a Master Degree, or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), or evidence of equivalent research experience, such as refereed publications or significant experience as a lead researcher; and
• Scholarship recipients are expected to take up their studies as soon as practicable within a timeframe specified by the Office of Graduate Research in consultation with the industry partner, up to maximum of 3 months from the time of acceptance of the scholarship.  In exceptional circumstances and with approval of the industry partner and the University, this time may be extended to 6 months; and
• Any other eligibility criteria relevant to the industry partner/research project (e.g., have or be able to apply for a National Police Criminal History Check, capable of obtaining and maintaining a baseline security clearance from AGSVA).

It is desirable for applicants to also have:

• Honours/Masters degree with a focus on environmental science and/or hydrology.
• Interest in working with an industry partner.
• Drivers licence.
• Interest in organising and conducting field work, including interstate.