We are seeking up to three PhD candidates in the Water, Environment and Agriculture Program, Department of Infrastructure Engineering (https://infrastructure.eng.unimelb.edu.au/) at The University of Melbourne, to undertake freshwater research aligned with the Flow-MER program (https://flow-mer.org.au/).  

Flow-MER is the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH)’s on-ground science program that assesses how the environment responds to environmental water delivered as part of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Through monitoring, evaluation and research (MER) activities, Flow-MER aims to demonstrate environmental outcomes and inform management of Commonwealth Environmental Water to improve river health and biodiversity. The current Flow-MER Program runs from July 2024 until June 2029 with MER activities across a range of themes including Cultural Outcomes (led by First Nations groups), Native vegetation, Waterbirds, Native fish, Invertebrates, River metabolism and Physical form.

We are seeking enthusiastic candidates to lead research programs in rivers and wetlands of north-central Victoria (Goulburn River and Northern Victorian Tributaries Area). Candidates may choose from a range of research themes that align with the priorities of Flow MER. We have proposed three potential projects that focus on platypus, aquatic plants, and water chemistry (see attached flyer), but other project proposals may also be considered.

Successful applicants will enjoy a range of advantages, including:

• Generous funding scheme.
• Research training at the leading university in Australia.
• Working as an integral part of the Goulburn River and Northern Victorian Tributaries project team, with members from three universities, two consulting companies, two environmental management agencies, and multiple First Nations organisations.
• Studying with a cohort of PhD students embedded in the same program at similar stages of candidacy.
• Collaboration with networks of freshwater researchers, managers, policy makers, and community and First Nations groups across Victoria and the Murray Darling Basin.