Australia’s semi-arid ecosystems cover 80% of our continent and have lost 20-80% of their soil carbon since European settlement. This ARC Discovery Project offers an opportunity to contribute research that addresses climate change, soil health, and ecosystem restoration. The successful candidate will investigate how native Australian plants can help restore carbon to degraded soils. Using advanced imaging, molecular analysis, and modelling, they’ll study how plants, soils, and microbes interact to capture and store carbon.
Aim
To study the interactions of native plant diversity and microbial traits with soil properties to gain a mechanistic understanding of organic carbon dynamics.
Objectives
- To quantify how native plant functional traits and plant diversity influence soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics in semi-arid ecosystems.
- To determine how plant and microbial functional traits interact with abiotic factors—such as climate, soil physicochemical properties, and mineralogy—to affect SOC turnover and stabilisation.
Significance
The research will inform national climate policy and may contribute to Australia’s carbon credit system.
Internship
The successful candidate will be provided with an internship opportunity, to support the research project
Ideal Candidate
Essential:
* Masters or Honours degree (First or Upper Second Class) in soil science (emphasis on biogechemistry), ecology, environmental science, plant science, or related field
* Strong academic record showing research ability
* Interest in soil carbon, plant ecology, or restoration (shown through thesis or coursework)
* Laboratory skills or ability to learn
* Willing to do fieldwork in semi-arid areas; physically fit for outdoor work; driver’s license (or willing to obtain)
* Understanding of experimental design and modern statistical methods
* Excellent written and spoken English
* Ability to work in teams and independently
* Strong organisation and time management
Highly Desirable:
* Soil sampling, plant identification, or field survey experience
* Previous research with publications or presentations
* Statistical software or modelling experience (R, Python, Julia, or similar)
Eligibility
* Completed (or completing) Honours or Masters with research component from recognised university
* Meet Curtin University PhD admission requirements
* Not currently holding another ARC PhD stipend
* Available to start early 2026
* Willing to enrol full-time at Curtin University
* Able to live in Perth, Western Australia during candidature * Willing to obtain necessary ethics clearances
This project is open to domestic and international applicants.
Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by an ARC Discovery Project and includes a living stipend of $38440 p.a. pro rata indexed, based on full-time studies, for up to a maximum of 3.5 years. Tuition fees offset support is also available for a successful international candidate.
Application closing date: February 2nd 2026
Enquiries
For enquires contact Prof. R.A. Viscarra Rossel via r.viscarra-rossel@curtin.edu.au
To apply submit an Expression of Interest Prof. R.A. Viscarra Rossel