QUT International PhD Positionsin Examining Atmospheric Cooling and Shading Interventions

We have two PhD scholarships to work as part of the cooling and shading sub-program of the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP). The overall aim of RRAP research is to test novel interventions to help keep the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) resilient and sustain critical functions and values. The cooling and shading sub-program are a multi-disciplinary team working to improve the current understanding and modelling of clouds and radiation over the Great Barrier Reef, and design and test potential interventions.
The PhD projects will undertake research across one (or some) of the QUT-led components of the cooling and shading sub-program. These include:

• taking observations of the atmosphere over the great barrier reef. Observations will be used to evaluate the performance of atmospheric models and provide ground truthing for satellite-based observations.
• designing and testing sea salt droplet generation methods that have the potential to be scaled up for implementation over the GBR. Sea salt droplet generation systems will be designed to shade the reef by fogging (directly scattering incoming solar radiation) and marine cloud brightening (changing cloud properties to scatter incoming solar radiation)
• modelling the dispersion of sea salt droplets through the marine boundary layer and their capacity to scatter solar radiation
• evaluation of prototype sea spray droplet generation systems in-situ over the GBR.

You must:

• meet the entry requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at QUT, including any English language requirements for international students.
• enroll as a full-time, internal student.

You must also have:

• an English language IELTS level of 6.5 of higher, with a minimum of 6.5 in written English
• completed a Bachelor of Science, Engineering or similar degree, preferably majoring in earth or atmospheric science, physics, or chemistry.
• first class honours or equivalent (including a master's degree)
• an interest in multidisciplinary experimental research.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) for considering before applying for this scholarship.
How to apply for a research degree
The EOI must include:

• an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV), including recent IELTS or equivalent score for international applicants
• academic transcripts
• a two-page writing sample (e.g. copy of an article, essay or thesis you have completed)
• contact details for 2 academic referees
• Dr Luke Cravigan listed as your proposed principal supervisor

For more information about the scholarship or application process please contact Dr Luke Cravigan.