PhD Scholarship AIML Forecasting of Marine Biological Hazards Induced by Climate Change

This PhD scholarship constitutes one out of a total 11 PhD scholarships awarded to Griffith University (Lead) and James Cook University through CSIROs Next Generation Emerging Technologies Graduate Program.

The primary focus of this role is carrying out impactful research in forecasting marine biological hazards induced by climate change through artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML).

The candidate will be based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan) and work collaboratively with the Blue Carbon PTY LTD. This project focuses on the use of AI and ML to enable timely decision-making by stakeholders to reduce the impact of natural disasters and climate-driven threats (e.g. coastal erosion and tidal waves) and thereby ensuring a more resilient marine ecosystem.

As part of this PhD you will design AI/ML models to detect and forecast environmental sustainability in terms of Harmful Algal Blooms and Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) outbreaks two ecologically significant phenomena increasingly influenced by climate change in semi-enclosed and coastal waters. You will fuse multi-source data including satellite imagery in-situ sensor networks and land-sea interaction drivers (such as land use/land cover hydrology and meteorological-oceanographic (met-ocean) data) to generate lead-time risk maps with quantified uncertainty. These models will be tailored for Australian coastal ecosystems but adaptable to global contexts supporting resilience across diverse marine environment. The project will deliver species-aware spatiotemporal forecasting tools employing advanced architectures such as Transformers Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory (ConvLSTM) Graph ML and physics-informed models. An operational early-warning system accessible via dashboard and API will be developed to support aquaculture managers coastal engineers & scientists reef stewards and public health officials in mitigating climate-driven ecological risks.

Qualifications :

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 work in a multi-disciplinary research environment.  You will have evidence of a passion for high impact research with a strong desire to undertake research in data analytics and AI and be supported by CSIROs supplementary AI coursework and cohort building activities embedded in this program.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and applicants only (Australian / New Zealand citizen or Australian PR).
• Applicants must have completed or expect to complete a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to second class/division A honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure.  For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.
• The bachelors or masters degree can be in any of the following areas: ocean earth system climate environmental natural sciences and computer science. Additional experience or a strong interest in developing skills in programming and forecasting will be beneficial.

Please note:

• Potential candidates without an Honours (4-year) degree but with prior work experience in related fields are also encouraged to apply.
• It is not mandatory for applicants to have prior knowledge in advanced data analytics and AI to apply as training will be provided. However it would be an advantage.

Additional Information :

About the scholarship
Attributes of the CSIRO Next Generation Emerging Technologies Graduate Program Scholarship:

• Research duration: 3.5 years
• Annual living stipend (tax-free) $42483.00 p.a. (2% indexation each Financial Year)
• Additional package (total) $25840 (cost of living allowance training allowance travel publication)
• Total scholarship package approximates $50000.00 p.a.
• Additional Support Allowance to be assessed on case-by-case basis by CSIRO (those from rural areas those with care-giving responsibilities or those with a disability)
• Compulsory 6-month industry placement as part of your PhD research studies and ongoing collaboration with the industry partner throughout the duration of the PhD
• Compulsory completion of CSIRO internal coursework on advanced data analytics and AI

What Griffith offers
As a scholarship holder you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across locations in South East Queensland. At Griffith University weve 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. Griffiths 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  containing:

• A 2 page statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Evidence of research or work experience in the identified areas
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section including a  copy of your academic transcript
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
• Names and contact details of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Tuesday 25 November 2025 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 Mardé Helbig
Email:

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Email: 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time