The Cook Glacier region as a window into Earth to ice interactions in East Antarctica

About the research project

Geothermal heat flow plays a key role in how ice sheets behave, yet it is poorly understood beneath East Antarctica. This project will determine new heat-flow estimates for the Cook Glacier region and use these, along with plate tectonic and mantle dynamic models, to understand how deep-Earth processes shape the cryosphere.

The candidate will work with sediment temperature, thermal conductivity, and magnetic susceptibility measurements, combined with bathymetry, backscatter, and sub-bottom profiler data, to map heat flow across the region and identify what geological features control its variability. These results will be corroborated with plate tectonic reconstructions and mantle flow models, helping to reconstruct the tectonic and geodynamic history of the East Antarctic margin.

The project will incorporate new data from the IN2026_V01 voyage on the RV Investigator, with the opportunity for the candidate to join upcoming voyage IN2027_V02 and take part in marine geology fieldwork.

This position will suit a candidate interested in combining geological and geophysical data analysis with geodynamic modelling, and who is keen to contribute to grow understanding of how Earth’s deep interior influences ice-sheet stability, a question of direct relevance to sea-level rise.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Luca Magri

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum 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)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

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 Antarctic Heatflow top-up scholarship of $5,000 per annum for 3.5 years. This scholarship is funded from ARC .

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for 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:

Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree with Honours, or a Master’s degree in geology, geophysics, marine science, earth sciences, geodynamics, applied mathematics, or physics. Applicants must meet the University of Tasmania’s general PhD entry 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.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Luca Magri 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 October 2026.

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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