Masters Research projects: Incorporating new technologies into a circular economy
Primary supervisor: Each candidate will be supervised by a team of academic staff associated with the ReCirculator program.
Background: Southern Cross University is leading The ReCirculator (the Regional Circular Economy Accelerator), a research and engagement program that assists Northern Rivers businesses to optimise their efficiency and recover valuable resources from their waste streams. This program is being funded under the Commonwealth Strategic University Reform Fund (SURF) initiative.
These scholarships will give Master of Science (by Research) students the opportunity to work on a range of demonstration projects incorporating new technologies to support circular economy principles in the Northern Rivers region, including:
- thermal treatment of waste
- plastic waste reuse and transformation
- artificial intelligence for waste identification and sorting
- nutrient recovery from industrial wastewater
- life cycle assessment and carbon accounting.
These demonstration projects are scalable, meaning they can later be adopted on a commercial scale by businesses to enhance their efficiency and profitability.
Projects may involve laboratory experimentation, modelling and field work related to one or more of the demonstration projects, as well as engaging closely with industry partners, regional businesses and other stakeholders. Students will spend a minimum of three months during their studies undertaking a research internship while embedded in industry, gaining valuable 'real-world' experience.
Location: The Masters students will be based at Southern Cross University's principal campus in Lismore (near Byron Bay), in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, Australia, and will be part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Only two hours' drive from Brisbane and just over one hour from the Gold Coast, the Northern Rivers is a great place to live, with high-quality life at relatively low cost. As well as this, there's the mild sub-tropical climate, world-class beaches and surfing, great fishing and scuba diving, and breathtaking wilderness areas.
Scholarship details: The scholarships provide a tax-free annual stipend of $28,895 AUD for two (2) years, with the possibility for a tuition fee waiver for highly qualified international students.
How to apply: Applicants must have a Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline. Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in Writing, and no other band less than 6.5).
Interested applicants should send a CV and short (< 1 page) statement highlighting their research background and interests with respect to the criteria above to Susan Lang-Lemckert (susan.lang-lemckert@scu.edu.au). Shortlisting will commence on 1 October 2022, and will continue until the positions are filled. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.
