Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

An exciting opportunity to undertake PhD research integrating ocean/coastal engineering, physical oceanography and seaweed biomechanics within the Oceans Graduate School at the University of Western Australia (UWA). This project aims to support the sustainable growth of offshore seaweed aquaculture industry by advancing understanding of wave and current attenuation by offshore cultivated seaweed through a comprehensive program integrating laboratory experiments, numerical modelling and field trials. It will deliver robust predictive models, practical tools, and guidelines to promote the growing offshore seaweed aquaculture industry. Outputs will provide critical foundations for optimal design of multi-function projects, enhance operations, and enable broader accounting of co-benefits of offshore seaweed aquaculture (e.g., potential as coastal protection).

The project is funded by the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (BECRC), an industry-focused research and training centre championing clean ocean energy and aquaculture. The PhD students will benefit from working closely with a multidisciplinary project team from 4 universities and 3 industry partners, with travel opportunities to work across the organisations. The Oceans Graduate School at UWA is recognised for its world-leading expertise in ocean science and engineering. The PhD students will be part of a large multidisciplinary cohort of research students studying diverse ocean topics at UWA.

Candidates should demonstrate a high level of academic achievement through Honours or Masters degree coursework marks and research experience in Coastal or Offshore Engineering, Environmental Fluid Mechanics, Physical Oceanography or related fields. This position is open to both Australian and non-Australian citizens.

To apply, please send a Cover Letter (describing your research interests and experience and how this aligns with the project), a CV, academic transcripts and the contact details of two professional referees to Professor Ryan Lowe - Ryan.Lowe@uwa.edu.au and Dr Arnold Van Rooijen - Arnold.Vanrooijen@uwa.edu.au. Applications close 3 November 2023.

Professor Ryan Lowe - Ryan.Lowe@uwa.edu.au

Dr Arnold Van Rooijen - Arnold.Vanrooijen@uwa.edu.au