Quantifying Ecological Risks from Flood-borne Contaminants in Nonurban Landscapes

The project builds on existing work conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, Victoria, integrating hydrological measurements, contaminant concentrations, microbial profiles, & land use data. It will identify contaminants of concern & assess their toxicity and ecological risks by linking observed concentrations with ecotoxicological thresholds for relevant species. The key research questions  of the project include:

1. What are the ecological risk profiles for key flora & fauna species in flood-affected nonurban landscapes?
2. How can land use, hydrological data, & contaminant profiles be used to understand and predict ecological risks during flood events in nonurban landscapes?
3. How do flood-driven microbial dynamics inform environmental risk assessments for antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?

This position will be based at the St Lucia campus of UQ and will join a research team of 2 postdoctoral research fellows, 1 PhD student and shorter-term research students/interns. The PhD candidate will be offered a caring and challenging work environment. The candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team at The University of Queensland, collaborating with the Environmental Protection Agency Victoria and Northern Arizona University. The project combines fieldwork, modelling, and ecological risk assessment with guidance from experts in environmental toxicology, sustainability, and policy.

The candidate would also benefit from the SAAFE-CRC research network and knowledge exchange. There will be a dedicated $21,000 fund for personal development of the students, which includes spending time at the EPA, Victoria, up to 12 weeks.

The advisory team includes Principal Supervisor Associate Professor Sudhir Yadav, as well as the following Associate Supervisors:

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 ecological risk assessment would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of environmental science, ecology, or toxicology, remote sensing and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of environmental modelling is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 19 January, 2026 19 January, 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 Associate Professor Sudhir Yadav (sudhir.yadav@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: CONTAMINANTS-YADAV
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/quantifying-ecological-risks-flood-borne-contaminants-nonurban-landscapes

Submit an EOI