Reducing litter leakage

iPhd Project: Reducing litter leakage via stormwater systems across Australia

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 April 2024

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

Scholarship

$58,000pa for 3.5 years

About the research project

This project is a part of the The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD). It is a four-year research training program, focusing on applied research that benefits industry by solving real-world challenges. It aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia. Successful candidates are subject to the policies, procedures and guidelines of the University of Tasmania in addition to the CSIRO Industry PhD Program terms and conditions. Candidates will receive a standard PhD on completion.

This project aims to investigate the current practices for reducing litter pollution via stormwater in Australia. This includes identifying current gaps and opportunities in litter prevention methods in Australian stormwater practices, as per insights from the stormwater industry. The candidate will then attempt to quantify the amount of litter leaking into Australia's surrounding oceans via stormwater systems. They will also collate information from existing data on the efficiency of gross pollutant traps in Australia, including the most common litter types. The candidate will also evaluate governance challenges and opportunities, highlighting the mismatch between local waste management practices and state/territory and federal policies. Finally, the candidate will conduct a pilot study using CSIRO's Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) level sensors to electronically monitor the fullness of GPTs (overflowing GPTs are a source of plastic pollution via stormwater drains). This will also include an estimation of the financial benefit to councils for using GPT level sensors.

Primary Supervisor

Meet A/Prof Joanna Vince

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

  • A living allowance funded by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) of $34,000 (2024 rate, indexed annually) per annum for 3.5 years.
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Additional funding

If successful, applicants will also receive a top-up scholarship of $24,000 per annum for 3.5 years. This top-up scholarship is funded by Ocean Protect, as part of a collaboration with the University of Tasmania and CSIRO.

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:

  • Be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen
  • Meet UTAS PhD admission requirements
  • English language score must be above minimum entry requirements for this project
  • Not have previously completed a PhD
  • Be able to commence the Program in the year of the offer
  • Enrol as a full-time PhD student. Part-time arrangements may be considered if approved by the supervisory team and in accordance with university policy
  • Be prepared to be located at the project location(s) that the host university has approved and, if required, comply with the host university's external enrolment procedures
  • Be prepared to undergo onboarding to CSIRO, which will include passing mandatory government background checks (allow for between 4 to 8 weeks) and complete any other CSIRO requirements

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:

  • Ability to liaise with stakeholders
  • Project management skills
  • Competent in the safety aspects of fieldwork
  • Awarded a degree from a Recognised Tertiary Institution as being in the appropriate discipline and equivalent to: a Bachelor Honours degree of at least second class upper standard with a Minimum Research Component, or a Masters of Research Degree with a Minimum Research Component, or  A Masters Degree (Coursework) or Graduate Diploma with a Minimum Research Component

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Experience in either litter monitoring or stormwater practices

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact A/Prof Joanna Vince to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. 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.
  4. Apply prior to 1 April 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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