Company Description

As one of the most influential universities in Australia and the Asia–Pacific region, you will join Griffith University that spans five physical campuses in South East Queensland, while our network of more than 200,000 graduates extends worldwide. Griffith Sciences Group has over 450 staff members and researchers. We take pride in our global research contributions driven by our three Schools; Environment & Science, Engineering & Built Environment and Information & Communication Technology. Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates within the Schools have unfettered access to our leading researchers, state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative industry partners. Griffith is a multi-site university and you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith University sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Job Description

This PhD scholarship constitutes one out of a total 11 PhD scholarships awarded to Griffth University (Lead) and James Cook University through CSIRO’s Next Generation Emerging Technologies Graduate Program.

The primary focus of this role is carrying out impactful research in civil engineering, environmental and construction applications incorporating advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI).

The candidate will be based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan) campus and work collaboratively with the industry. This research involves evaluating the performance of wicking geotextile for flexible pavement design, aligning with Australian Standards and AASHTO guidelines. This project involves laboratory testing to characterise subgrade and wicking geotextile properties, as well as soil-geotextile interactions, to enhance the understanding of their behaviour within pavement structures. Machine learning techniques will be applied to process experimental data, uncovering key relationships between design parameters and identifying critical factors influencing pavement performance. The research aims to integrate laboratory results with advanced data analytics to develop an innovative, interactive design methodology that conforms to industry standards, facilitating broader resilient and sustainable applications of wicking geotextile in pavement engineering.

Qualifications

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you will be able to work in a multi-disciplinary research environment.  You will have evidence of a passion for high impact research, with a strong desire to undertake research in data analytics and AI, and be supported by CSIRO’s supplementary AI coursework and cohort building activities embedded in this program.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic applicants only (Australian / New Zealand citizen or Australian PR).
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class / second upper honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with the Equivalent qualifications for HDR program admission. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

Please note:

• Potential candidates without an Honours (4-year) degree but with prior work experience in related fields are also encouraged to apply.
• It is not mandatory for applicants to have prior knowledge in advanced data analytics and AI to apply as training will be provided. However, it would be an advantage.

Additional Information

About the scholarship
Attributes of the CSIRO Next Generation Emerging Technologies Graduate Program Scholarship:

• Research duration: 3.5 years
• Annual living stipend (tax-free) = $42,483.00 p.a. (2% indexation each Financial Year)
• Additional package (total) = $25,840 (cost of living allowance, training allowance, travel, publication)
• Total scholarship package approximates $50,000.00 p.a.
• Additional Support Allowance to be assessed on case-by-case basis by CSIRO (those from rural areas, those with care-giving responsibilities or those with a disability)
• Compulsory 6-month industry placement as part of your PhD research studies and ongoing collaboration with the industry partner throughout the duration of the PhD
• Compulsory completion of CSIRO internal coursework on advanced data analytics and AI

What Griffith offers
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

EoI process
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest (EoI) must be submitted to d.ong@griffith.edu.au containing:

• 2-page statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Research or work experience in identified areas
• Evidence (university result transcripts) that you have completed a program / degree with the required grades as detailed in the section above
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template
• Names of  two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is:  Monday 30 June 2025 5pm AEST

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line

For project related enquiries please contact:
Associate Professor Dominic Ong, Deputy Dean (Research), Griffith Sciences Group
Email: d.ong@griffith.edu.au

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Email: hdr-scholarship@griffith.edu.au