Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2024
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
This project seeks to explore and develop analytical methods and technologies to detect and monitor environmental matrices for degradation products of fluorinated hydrocarbons, including trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Target matrices include natural waters, soils, sediments and plant materials. The detection of TFA is of considerable concern, not purely as a potentially harmful organic acid, but due to its anthropogenic origins and as a potential marker for historic fluorinated hydrocarbon contamination, including the 'forever chemical' familiar of PFAS and PFOS. Within UTAS we have state of the art ion chromatography mass spectrometry infrastructure ideally suited to detect ultra-low concentrations of TFA and related fluorinated acids, in a range of sample types. This project will focus upon development of new extraction/and or concentration approaches for TFA analysis, together with gaining understanding of environmental source and fate of these species.
Primary Supervisor
Meet Prof Brett PaullFunding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Minimum of a suitable BSc (Hons) in a discipline with significant/major analytical chemistry and/or environmental chemistry component.
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Practical research experience in analytical chemistry and separation science/mass spectrometry.
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- User experience in ion chromatography.
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Prof Brett Paull to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 June 2024.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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