Major hidden source of land-based nutrients affecting Australian estuaries

Australia’s coastal habitats—including the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Great Barrier Reef—face an emerging threat from organic and particulate nutrients that remain poorly understood. These hidden pollutants may fuel bacterial and algal blooms, compromising water quality and endangering marine life. While efforts to reduce land-based nutrient runoff are ongoing, a new frontier of research aims to clarify the origin, transformation, and ecological impact of these less-studied nutrient forms.

• Investigate the sources and roles of particulate nutrients in estuaries.
• Understand the potential influence of organic compounds on nutrient transformations.
• Assess how these processes affect overall water quality and ecosystem health.

Your research will combine in-depth laboratory analysis with hands-on fieldwork, generating insight that can directly inform marine conservation strategies and ecosystem resilience across Australia’s estuaries.

This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered
• single overseas student health cover (OSHC).

Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme 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 chemistry, coast and ocean science, environmental science, soil science or a closely related field would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of chemistry or environmental science and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of chemistry or environmental science is highly desirable.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 2, 2026. You can start in an earlier research quarter.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by the closing date for the research quarter (RQ) you want to start in:

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 Dr Leslie Huang (leslie.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: 'Fellowship project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: HUANG-240925
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/major-hidden-source-land-based-nutrients-affecting-australian-estuaries

Submit an EOI