PhD Scholarship: Uncovering impacts of global geoengineering for ocean life

Company Description

This project is hosted by Griffith's School of Environment and Science, known for providing scientific solutions to global environmental challenges. Ranked inthe top 200 globally for life sciences and#1 in Australia for contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: life below water (THE, 2025), Griffith University prepares graduates and researchers to contribute to a sustainable environment and future.

This opportunity will be primarily based at Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations

Griffith University sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Job Description

We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to join an Australian Research Council project aiming to uncover and address the accelerating impacts of climate change on global marine life.

With global temperatures continuing to rise, a "safe" future climate is increasingly unlikely without actively manipulating the climate (geoengineering) to drive down global temperatures. Yet, potential impacts of geoengineering on the global biosphere are almost entirely unknown. The proposed research will address this gap, by delivering new knowledge of the implications of geoengineering for the distribution and integrity of global marine life, as well as the efficacy of conservation efforts into the future.

The primary focus of this role is to develop new global-scale statistical species distribution models of marine species' climate ranges, which can capture the impacts of both warming and cooling on species' range shifts under a range of climate change and geoengineering scenarios. These new models will be used to identify priority regions for conservation, which are most capable of facilitating the persistence of marine biodiversity across a range of plausible global warming and geoengineering scenarios.

Success in this role requires demonstrated programming skills (preferably in R) for manipulating large datasets, as well as an appreciation and interest in marine biodiversity and its distribution. Demonstrated skills in (or a willingness to learn) spatial conservation planning are also essential.

The PhD candidate will join a supportive and multidisciplinary team, working along-side world-leading researchers in marine ecosystem modelling, global change ecology and marine spatial planning, including Dr Ryan Heneghan and Dr Caitie Kuempel (Griffith University), Professor David Schoeman (University of the Sunshine Coast) and Professor Anthony Richardson (University of Queensland).

Qualifications

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you will be able to demonstrate ability to work with large datasets, preferably in R, as well as a strong interest in marine conservation and spatial conservation planning. You will have evidence of a passion for using quantitative methods to solve environmental challenges, with a strong desire to undertake research that explores the intersection of conservation and climate change at the global scale.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure.  For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:

1. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
2. A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
3. A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19

Additional Information

About the scholarship

The 2025 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $34,752 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

In addition, the applicant will be awarded an annual $5,000 top-up scholarship for up to three years of full-time study.

A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

What Griffith offers

As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

EoI process

Please do not select the "APPLY" button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to  containing:

• A one-page statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section, including a  copy of your academic transcript
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
• Names of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Friday 24 October 2025 5pm AEST

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line

For project related enquiries please contact:

Dr Ryan Heneghan

Email: 

For administration enquiries please contact:

Griffith Graduate Research School

Email: hdr-