CSIRO Industry PhD Scholarship: Determining best-practice management strategies to support waterbird diversity and abundance at water treatment plants

Funding and duration

four year scholarship package totalling approximately $48,000 per annum tax exempt (2026 rate); four-year scholarship and research training program.

Project overview

Project title

Determining best-practice management strategies to support waterbird diversity and abundance at water treatment plants.

Project description

This project will use a mixed-methods approach to investigate management strategies for wastewater facilities that support both efficient management and biodiversity, using Melbourne Waters Western Treatment Plant (WTP) as a case study. Research will focus on:

Data will be analysed using Bayesian generalised mixed effects models to assess temporal change within and across treatments.

Supervisory team

University

Name of university supervisor | Christa Beckmann

Name of university | Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

Email address | christa.beckmann@rmit.edu.au

Faculty | School of Science

CSIRO

Name of CSIRO supervisor | Heather McGinness

Email address | Heather.Mcginness@csiro.au

CSIRO Research Unit | Environment

Industry

Name of industry supervisor | Leonie Williams

Name of organisation | Melbourne Water Corporation

Email address | leonie.williams@melbournewater.com.au

Further details

Primary location of student | Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Industry engagement component location | Melbourne Water Corporation, Metropolitan Farm Road, Cocoroc VIC 3030, Australia

Other locations | CSIRO Black Mountain, Clunies Ross Street, Acton ACT 2601, Australia

Ideal student skillset | The ideal candidate will have a background in environmental science, ecology, water management, or a related field. Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, wetland ecology, and biodiversity conservation will be an advantage. Familiarity with waterbird ecology and monitoring methods and Ramsar Convention requirements will be valuable. The candidate should have strong research and analytical skills, including experience conducting ecological fieldwork, bird identification, data collection, statistical analysis. Skills in experimental design, particularly understanding approaches such as Before–After–Control–Impact (BACI) experiments, will be advantageous. Excellent project management skills and attention to detail would also be advantageous. Candidates should have the ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Additional skills include problem solving, report writing, scientific writing, and the ability to communicate findings to both academic and management audiences. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively with water utilities and environmental managers will also be beneficial.

Application close date | Open until position filled

Apply | Contact Christa Beckmann