Adelaide University is offering a full-time PhD scholarship to support research into aluminium geochemistry in acid sulfate environments.

Activities such as coal and metal ore mining, wetland drainage during droughts, and coastal floodplain development often trigger geochemical reactions that generate highly acidic waters enriched in dissolved aluminium. Elevated aluminium concentrations pose a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems and degrade surface and groundwater quality. Yet, the geochemical controls governing dissolved aluminium at low pH remain poorly understood.

This Australian Research Council (ARC)-funded PhD project will be based in Acid Sulfate Soils Centre (ASSC) at the University of Adelaide’s Waite Campus and focuses on understanding aluminium behaviour during partial neutralisation of aluminium-rich acid sulfate waters. The student will conduct fieldwork at both acid sulfate soil and acid mine drainage sites, gaining experience in sampling, preservation, and in-situ analysis of both aqueous and solid phases.

In the laboratory, the student will use both natural samples and synthetically produced iron-aluminium minerals to conduct experiments investigating aluminium geochemistry in the pH range of 2.5 to 4.5. Advanced analytical training will be provided in techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), synchrotron-based spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

This PhD forms part of a collaborative ARC Discovery Project between the University of Adelaide and Southern Cross University. The overarching goal is to improve understanding of aluminium dynamics in acid sulfate systems to support more accurate prediction and management of environmental impacts.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated student to work on a globally relevant environmental challenge, develop expertise in advanced environmental geochemical and mineralogical techniques, and collaborate within a multidisciplinary research team.

Students with backgrounds in environmental chemistry, soil science, environmental science, geochemistry and mineralogy or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility: 

Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia who are acceptable as candidates for a PhD degree at Adelaide University. 

Stipend: 

The scholarship will be for 3.5 years and has a stipend of $35,300 (indexed annually) per annum. 

It is likely to be tax exempt, subject to Taxation Office approval. 

Enquiries: 

Contact Person: Associate Professor Luke Mosley

School/Discipline of:  Agriculture, Food and Wine

Tel: (08) 8313 5453             Email: luke.mosley@adelaide.edu.au

Applications:

Expressions of interest should be submitted to Associate Professor Luke Mosley (luke.mosley@adelaide.edu.au) by no later than 29 August 2025 with the name of scholarship in the subject heading. Please ensure you include all of the following documents:

• Cover letter briefly outlining your academic history, skills and motivation for applying for this scholarship
• Degree certificates (testamurs)
• Academic transcripts
• Translations of non-English documentation
• Evidence of English language proficiency
• Curriculum vitae