Research Opportunities
PhD scholarships in hydrology and biogeochemistry
Various projects leading to a PhD in environmental engineering are available in the School of Civil Engineering. The projects focus on the interaction between water, soil, plants and nutrient dynamics from the pore scale to the watershed scale. We are looking for competitive and highly-qualified candidates to become part of our research groups.
PhD scholarsihps are available at various levels both for domestic students (here) and internationals (here). The scholarship stipend starts from $22,500 per annum tax-free, and and can be topped-up by additional funding.
Domestic and international applications from EU, USA and CA will be given preference. Please feel free to contact Dr. F. Maggi before submitting your full application.
Dr. F. Maggi,
The university of Sydney,
School of Civil Engineering, Bld. J05,
2006 Sydney, NSW, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9351 2115
Fax: +61 (0)2 9351 3343
Email: F.Maggi@usyd.edu.au
http://www.civil.usyd.edu.au/people/maggi.shtml
PhD scholarship
Biological flocculation of suspended cohesive sediment in nutrient-rich aqueous environments.
This research project is aimed to investigate the dynamics of biomineral suspended particle matter (SPM) in turbulently-stirred waters, with a particular focus on the interaction between microparticles made of cohesive mineral and micro-organisms in nutrient-controlled conditions. The objective of this research project is to assess the effect of micro-organisms on the floc fractal properties, aggregation and breakup efficiencies, and the time evolution of the SPM floc size and settling velocity distributions in nutrient controlled conditions. The project foresees a comprehensive experimental investigation in a newly designed facility which makes use of advanced techniques including optical recordings with micro-PIV devices. The project is also aimed at describing biomineral SPM dynamics with mathematical models that will be used in conjunction with the experimental data. The outputs and outcomes of this project have direct application to hydraulics and hydrology, water quality and management, and belong to the wider effort of our Environmental Fluids team to assess the repercussions of human activities and global water and soil changes on the ecosystem.
The PhD candidate is expected to have a strong background in fluid mechanics, physics or mathematics, and be interested in multidisciplinary approaches involving hydrology, biogeochemistry, and nutrient cycling. Furthermore, the candidate has to be willing in developing and operating experimental equipment such as micro-PIV systems, and be skilled in mathematical/numerical modelling. The PhD candidate will perform these tasks under the supervision of Dr. F. Maggi.
The scholarship stipend starts from $22,500 per annum tax-free, and is supported by the School of Civil Engineering for three years, with possibilities of extension up to one year pending availability of funds. International applications are welcome. Applicants must hold a MSc degree or equivalent. Applications have to include a Cover Letter, an Expression of Interest in this project, Curriculum Vitae, and contact details of referee/s. Application submitted electronically are preferred. Intended starting date is February 2010.
For application submissions and further information contact
Dr. F. Maggi,
The university of Sydney,
School of Civil Engineering, Bld. J05,
2006 Sydney, NSW, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9351 2115
Fax: +61 (0)2 9351 3343
Email: F.Maggi@usyd.edu.au
http://www.civil.usyd.edu.au/people/maggi.shtml
Post-doctoral Research Associate
Buoyancy driven flows
The School of Civil Engineering has a reputation for the quality of its graduates, for the breadth, depth and innovation in its undergraduate curriculum and for the strength of its research and postgraduate teaching programs. Major research outcomes can be found in the fields of Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Fluids Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Project Management. For more information please visit: sydney.edu.au/engineering/civil
In addition to a recent appointment made, a new exciting research position for a Postdoctoral Research Associate is now available in a project to study enhancement of heat transfer by natural convection with the output of this research having direct application in heat exchangers, electronic cooling devices and other heat dissipation systems.
As the School is strengthening its research and teaching capabilities in the area of Fluids/Environmental Engineering, this is an opportunity for individuals to expand on their pre-existing research findings or to start a new research career.
You will join the strong fluids research group and will be required to undertake research into buoyancy driven flows and publish the outcomes in the refereed literature.
Applicants should demonstrate outstanding research potential or experience, with a PhD ( or significant progress towards a PhD) in Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Applied Mathematics, Physics or a related area in a topic relevant to thermo fluid mechanics research and with experience in experimental modelling. Demonstrated ability to publish research outcomes in high-quality international journals is also an essential criterion. Experience in buoyancy driven flows, computational fluid dynamics and stability analyses will be highly regarded.
The position is full-time fixed-term for two years subject to completion of a satisfactory probation and confirmation period for new appointees. Further offer of up to one year may be available subject to performance, funding and need. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of appointment.
Please find details here on how to apply