Griffith University
PhD Scholarship: The ecological implications of optimal climate overshoot
🇦🇺Queensland, Australia3 months ago
From A$35,656EntryFull Time
This project is hosted by Griffith’s School of Environment and Science, known for providing scientific solutions to global environmental challenges. Ranked in the top 200 globally for life sciences and #2 in Australia for contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (THE, 2025), Griffith University prepares graduates and researchers to contribute to a sustainable environment and future.
This opportunity will be primarily based at Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.
We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to join our environmental modelling research team at Griffith University.
With global temperatures continuing to rise, the exploration of “overshoot” pathways that temporarily exceed a target global warming limit before drawing temperatures back down is a growing priority for scientists and policymakers. The ecological impacts of global warming are diverse, and even temporary climate overshoot could result in irreversible changes. Yet to date, these potentially irreversible impacts have been almost entirely unexplored with research focussed on identifying overshoot pathways that are economically optimal and technologically feasible. The proposed research will address this gap, by delivering new knowledge of the implications of climate overshoot for ecological systems.
This project will suit a candidate with experience and interest in applying mathematical and/or statistical approaches to model environmental systems, who has demonstrated experience with programming (preferably in R or Python).
The broad scope of this project means the specific ecological systems to be explored, and quantitative methods to be used, can be customised depending on the skills and interests of the candidate. As part of your Expression of Interest (see details below) include a brief (less than 200 words) research proposal outlining one or two specific research questions on the theme of exploring the ecological implications of temporary climate overshoot, and the quantitative method/s you would use. A recent commentary outlining critical knowledge gaps in this area can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2023.11.014 .
The PhD candidate will join a supportive and multidisciplinary team, working along-side world-leading researchers in environmental modelling, global change ecology and decision science, including Dr Ryan Heneghan and Dr Melanie Roberts (Griffith University) and Professor Michael Bode (Queensland University of Technology).
The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you will be able to demonstrate ability to work with large datasets and/or numerical modelling, preferably in R or Python, as well as a strong interest in modelling and managing ecological systems using mathematics and/or statistics. A strong desire to undertake research that explores the intersection of ecology and climate change at the global scale is also essential. Prior studies or work experience in mathematics, statistics and/or quantitative ecology are highly advantageous.
Please note:
International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:
About the scholarship
The 2026 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $35,656 (indexed), for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
On top of this, the applicant will be awarded an annual $5,000 top-up scholarship for up to three years of full-time study.
A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
What Griffith offers
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).
EOI Process
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to r.heneghan@griffith.edu.au containing:
Closing date for expressions of interest is: Friday 13 March 2026 at 5pm AEST
The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line.
For project related enquiries please contact:
Dr Ryan Heneghan
Email: r.heneghan@griffith.edu.au
For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Email: hdr-scholarship@griffith.edu.au
