Geophysical architecture and geodynamic evolution of Australia’s northwest margin

About the research project

The seafloor around Australia's northwest margin preserves a complex record of supercontinent breakup, ocean basin formation, and extensive volcanism. The Joey Rise, Roo Rise, and Zenith Plateau are prominent submarine features whose crustal nature and tectonic history remain debated. Sparse legacy observations allow competing interpretations: microcontinental fragments, massive volcanic outpourings, or mixed domains. Resolving these alternatives requires robust geophysical constraints on basement architecture, sedimentary cover, and the timing of rifting and seafloor spreading. This PhD project will develop those constraints using seismic reflection data, integrated with gravity, magnetic, bathymetric, and backscatter datasets.

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). The primary focus is the processing and interpretation of new multichannel seismic reflection data collected aboard the RV Investigator in Sept-Oct 2027, together with reprocessed legacy seismic, shiptrack gravity and magnetic profiles, satellite-derived seafloor fabric, and near-real-time bathymetry and backscatter. The student will refine seismic imaging of basement and sedimentary sequences, distinguish rifted continental margins from volcanic plateau structures, and correlate these features with tectonic elements such as fracture zones, basement highs, and seafloor age models.

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, with hands-on experience in seismic acquisition, bathymetry, and data integration. Post-voyage, the PhD will include detailed processing and interpretation of seismic and geophysical datasets through facilities at UTAS, GA, and GSWA, as well as our world-class computational laboratories. Specific tasks will include velocity modelling, migration, stacking, deconvolution, and filtering of the seismic data, followed by interpretation of the reflector geometry, fault kinematics, basement character, and sedimentary architecture. You will lead the synthesis of geophysical data, placing those results within the context of numerical simulations of lithospheric extension and plate reconstructions of Gondwana breakup. These 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 geophysical processing 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 geophysics, volcanology and plate tectonics reconstructions, with extensive experience in voyage leadership roles on national and international vessels.

Some collaboration with Geoscience Australia in Canberra will be required.

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Simon Williams

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 geophysics or related field
• Critical thinking skills
• Excellent quantitative skills

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Previous research voyage experience
• Experience in processing of large geophysical or similar data sets
• Experience with high performance computing infrastructure

Application process

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