Ecological engineering enhancing nitrogen cycling biocapacity in rehabilitated mine ecosystems

The research scope will be tailored to your background, focusing on key metagenomic knowledge and molecular mechanisms of biological nitrogen fixation and/or cycling in saline and alkaline substrates such as sodic-alkaline soil, bauxite residue and its technosols, marine sediments, etc.

You will:

• Combine molecular lab work and field research in mine rehabilitation settings
• Work within a multidisciplinary, industry-linked research team
• Contribute to solutions for sustainable nutrient management for mine rehabilitation

You will join a highly collaborative research team working at the interface of environmental microbiology, soil science, and plant physiology, with strong links to leading mining industry partners.

The project provides opportunities to:

• Conduct cutting-edge laboratory and molecular research (e.g., omics, microbial functional assays)
• Engage in fieldwork at rehabilitation sites
• Contribute to real-world solutions in sustainable mining and ecosystem rehabilitation
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers and industry stakeholders
   

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history.

A working knowledge of nitrogen cycling, soil–plant interactions, or extreme environmental microbiology would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of microbiology, soil science, and/or environmental or plant sciences and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of molecular biology or biogeochemistry is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 6 October, 2026 6 October, 2026.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Professor Longbin Huang (l.huang@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:

1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
2. Project: 'Research project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: BIOCAPACITY-HUANG
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/ecological-engineering-enhancing-nitrogen-cycling-biocapacity-rehabilitated-mine-ecosystems

Submit an EOI