Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

In this project, you will quantify heat transport off the Ningaloo Coast- the world’s largest fringing coral reef and a UN World Heritage site - which is linked to the deep ocean by a narrow continental shelf. Here warming ocean temperatures can be countered by processes such as breaking internal waves, air-sea heat transport, transient upwelling and eddies. The relative importance of each source of cooling is unknown. 

You will participate in a 35-day voyage off the Ningaloo Coast on the RV Investigator in March-April 2026 where we will take new observations that you will use to quantify the rates of heating and cooling driven by different ocean and atmospheric processes to inform management decisions at Ningaloo.

• Aust. Bachelor Honours Degree (or comparable) - or - Master Degree - that contains a significant research component - essential for PhD admission
• skills in physical oceanography and/or environmental fluid mechanics, and programming capability
• willingness to undertake a 35-day sea voyage
• capability to work in a team and independently and to take initiative.

Send your most recent academic transcript, CV and a cover letter to Prof Nicole Jones (nicole.jones@uwa.edu.au) before 15/09/2025.

Prof. Nicole Jones : nicole.jones@uwa.edu.au

Available now.

Applicants are recommended to also apply for the Keiran McNamara World Heritage Scholarship as a supplementary scholarship.