The geological record of Gondwana breakup along Australia's northwestern margin

About the research project

The emergence of the modern Australian continent is intimately linked to the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana hundreds of millions of years ago. A legacy of this prolonged tectonic history is preserved in the oceans surrounding Australia, where submarine mountains, plateaus and other bathymetric features record episodes of continental deformation, rifting and volcanism. The Joey Rise, Roo Rise and Zenith Plateau, located along Australia's northwest margin, are three such features whose geological origins remain enigmatic. Whether they represent fragments of continental lithosphere, volcanic constructions, or a combination of both is unknown. Their age, composition and tectonic history remain poorly constrained with only very sparse observations. This PhD project will investigate the geological evolution of these submarine plateaus using new ship-board observations and rock samples. By integrating rock sample petrography, geochronology, and geochemistry, with regional geophysics and plate tectonic reconstructions, this PhD project will determine the nature of the crust offshore NW Australia, establish when and how these plateaus formed, and investigate their relationship to the breakup and subsequent reorganisation of Gondwana.

The project will contribute to the Marine National Facility program "Tectonic and volcanic evolution of Australia's northwest margin", supported by Geoscience Australia (GA) and the Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA). As a PhD candidate on this project you will join a world-leading geoscience group at the University of Tasmania. You will have the opportunity to sail on this voyage, help design and carry out sampling during the voyage and lead the post-voyage geological analysis of recovered basement samples. You will have access to advanced analytical training and facilities at GSWA, as well as our world-class laboratories at UTAS. Your results will help inform Australia's Law of the Sea program and support regional synthesis with GA and GSWA partners. You will gain rare shipboard experience, advanced geological training, and the opportunity to contribute to peer-reviewed publications, open datasets, and national geoscience programs. Our project team comprises a diversity of career stage and area of specialisation including geology, geophysics, volcanology and plate tectonic reconstructions, with extensive experience in voyage leadership roles on national and international vessels.

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Jacqueline Halpin

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend co-funded with Geoscience Australia 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 Geoscience Australia top-up scholarship of $10,000 per annum for 3.5 years. This scholarship is funded from Geoscience Australia.

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.

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:

• Degree in geosciences or related field
• Critical thinking skills
• Excellent communication (writing, oral) and quantitative skills

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Previous research voyage experience
• Laboratory/analytical experience
• Igneous and metamorphic petrology expertise

Application process

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