PhD Scholarship: Nature-Based Solutions: RMIT University invites highly motivated candidates to apply for a fully funded PhD position under The Ripple Effect — a nationally coordinated project focused on sustainable farming, nature-based solutions, and restoring ecosystems to support climate-resilient agriculture. The successful candidate will work alongside top researchers, farmers, and policy experts across Australia.
🎓 PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Nature-Based Solutions (RMIT University, Australia)
📋 Quick Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | PhD Scholarship in Sustainable Farming & Nature-Based Solutions |
| Designation | PhD Candidate |
| Research Area | Water Security, Ecology, Biodiversity, Climate Resilience, Social Science |
| Location | RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia |
| Stipend | ~AUD $35,000/year + full tuition (up to 3.5 years) |
| Eligibility | Domestic and International Candidates |
| Deadline | Rolling basis – early applications encouraged |
| Contact | Dr. Martino Malerba – martino.malerba@rmit.edu.au |
🧪 Research Area
- Sustainable agriculture and water stewardship
- Nature-based solutions like farm dam enhancements
- Biodiversity conservation and ecological monitoring
- Greenhouse gas emissions reduction
- Social science and stakeholder engagement in rural landscapes
- Modelling, mapping, and natural capital accounting
🎯 Eligibility / Qualification
Candidates are encouraged to apply if they possess:
- Master’s or Honours degree in environmental science, ecology, agricultural science, geography, or related fields
- Strong interest in applied, impact-driven research
- First-authored peer-reviewed publication (preferred)
- Quantitative skills (R, Python, GIS, modelling)
- Experience with freshwater systems or sustainable farming
- Excellent communication and independent research ability
🧾 Job Description
As a PhD candidate, you will:
- Contribute to national projects at demonstration sites across Australia
- Monitor biodiversity, water security, and emissions at farm dams
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers and farming communities
- Develop models and tools to guide nature-based agricultural practices
- Conduct fieldwork and data analysis to support ecological and economic evaluations
- Work under supervision of Dr. Martino Malerba and Dr. Melissa Wartman at RMIT’s Centre for Nature Positive Solutions (CNPS)
🌍 Location
- RMIT University – Melbourne, Australia (City and Bundoora campuses)
- Collaboration with 8 national Drought Resilience Hubs and universities including ANU, UWA, University of Adelaide, and more
💵 Scholarship Details
- Fully funded PhD position supported by RMIT STEM College
- Stipend: Approx. AUD $35,000/year
- Full tuition waiver for up to 3.5 years
- Open to domestic and international candidates
- No need to apply through competitive internal RMIT rounds
📨 How to Apply
Send a short Expression of Interest (EOI) via email to:
📧 Dr. Martino Malerba: martino.malerba@rmit.edu.au
EOI should include:
- 1-page cover letter outlining research interest & experience
- 2-page CV
- Academic transcripts
- Contact details of two academic referees
📌 Application Deadline:
Reviewed on a rolling basis until filled – Apply early to maximize your chances!
🔗 For inquiries:
Reach out directly to Dr. Martino Malerba at the email above.
