Ocean dynamics and cross-shelf connectivity between the Southern Australia Current System and southeast Australian shelf waters

About the research project

Australian coastal waters are connected to the global ocean circulation by cross-shelf exchanges and multi-scale ocean dynamics. To develop understanding of the processes that enable cross-shelf exchange, this project will examine ocean observations and high resolution model simulations with an initial focus on southeastern Australia. In this region, the Southern Australia Current System carries near-surface waters originating from Western Australia along the edge of the continental shelf to the southern tip of Tasmania. Deep currents flow in the opposite direction, carrying Southern waters to the tropical Indian Ocean. This project will study the complex shelf exchange processes that connect these currents to currents on the shelf. The new knowledge generated will support interdisciplinary work at IMAS on the impacts of climate change on, and conservation of, the Great Southern Reef. Extension of the project to study the influence of cross-shelf exchange on the biogeochemistry of coastal waters is also possible.

The Coastal and Continental Ocean Model of Australia (CoCOMA) is CSIRO’s 3D national marine modelling framework. It extends from the coast to beyond the continental shelf and is nested within a global ocean model simulation over recent decades (the Bluelink global reanalysis). Analysis of the regional CoCOMA output will be used to investigate shelf-scale processes from the coast to the open ocean. Ocean observations collected in the past, gridded observational products, satellite measurements and possibly new targeted observations will be analysed in parallel with the model simulations, contributing to robust analysis and new insight into the shelf-scale processes.

The project is a collaboration between CSIRO and UTAS and will be part of the newly funded ARC Centre of Excellence for Our Future Oceans. The student will have access to research training and career development through the centre, and will be part of a network of students and researchers at Centre nodes across Australia and internationally.

Primary supervisor

Meet Professor Helen Phillips

Funding

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 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.

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:

• A relevant Honours or Masters degree (or equivalent research experience) in physical oceanography or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated critical-thinking and quantitative data-analysis skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.
• Interest in the climate system, ocean circulation and ocean processes.
• Experience in scientific programming, preferably Python or Matlab

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 desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience programming in a Unix environment
• Experience analysing oceanographic datasets
• Ability to participate in a research voyage

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Professor Helen Phillips 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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