Fully Funded PhD: Bauxsol Fertiliser from Wastewater – Southern Cross University, Australia
Quick Overview
Southern Cross University is offering a fully funded PhD position as part of an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project: “From red mud to green crops: using Bauxsol to create novel phosphate fertiliser.” This project explores how Bauxsol (a value-added product derived from bauxite residue) can capture phosphorus from wastewater and release it as a slow-release fertiliser for crops—creating a circular pathway for both wastewater treatment and sustainable agriculture.
Experience Level: Bachelor’s with Honours (2nd class or above) or Master’s with research component
Best Fit: Candidates with background in geochemistry, mineralogy, soil/water chemistry, or environmental science
Scholarship: A$34,315 per annum (tax-free, indexed) for 3 years 3 months
Key Details
| Position | PhD Researcher |
| Project | From red mud to green crops: using Bauxsol to create novel phosphate fertiliser |
| University | Southern Cross University |
| Location | Lismore Campus, NSW, Australia |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Honours (2nd class+) or Master’s with research component in soil chemistry, environmental science/engineering, geochemistry, mineralogy, or water chemistry |
| Scholarship | A$34,315 per annum (2026 RTP rate, indexed) |
| Duration | 3 years 3 months |
| Apply Via | ed.burton@scu.edu.au |
| Supervisor | Prof. Ed Burton |
Project Background
Australia produces approximately 27% of the world’s bauxite and 15% of its alumina. Current refining methods generate more than 1.5 tonnes of tailings (“red mud”) for every tonne of alumina produced. Red mud is a hazardous material with extremely high pH (11-13) and salinity, creating a major waste-management challenge.
Our industry partner, Virotec, has developed a process that chemically modifies red mud into a non-hazardous, value-added material known as Bauxsol. Bauxsol is highly effective at removing phosphate from wastewater and shows strong potential as a slow-release phosphorus fertiliser for agriculture.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
This PhD is unique because it addresses two environmental challenges simultaneously: wastewater treatment and sustainable agriculture. The estimated 3.5 Mt of P contained in wastewaters globally could satisfy at least 20% of global P fertiliser demand. This project creates a circular economy solution by converting industrial waste (red mud) into a valuable product that captures phosphorus from wastewater and releases it to crops.
Key Research Objectives
- Resolve the mineral phases, sorption mechanisms and kinetic parameters that control P uptake by Bauxsol from wastewater
- Determine the influence of pH, redox potential and other variables on P release and re-partitioning when Bauxsol is applied to soils
Research Environment
You’ll join the Environmental Geochemistry & Mineralogy research group at Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus and work with world-class analytical facilities at SCU and CSIRO Mineral Resources. You’ll also join the Catchments, Coasts and Communities, ZeroWaste, and Harvest to Health research clusters.
Who Should Apply
This position is best for candidates with a background in geochemistry, mineralogy, soil or water chemistry, or environmental science/engineering.
Strong candidates will have:
- Bachelor’s Honours (2nd class or above) or Master’s with substantial research component
- Strong analytical, scientific writing, and communication skills
- IELTS Academic overall score ≥ 7.0 (writing ≥ 7.0, no band below 6.5) for international applicants
- Laboratory experience in aqueous or solid-phase geochemistry, soil chemistry, or wastewater treatment (desirable)
- Experience with sorption/desorption experiments, kinetic studies, or soil-water interactions (desirable)
- Familiarity with XRD or mineralogical analytical methods (desirable)
Skills That Will Help You Stand Out
| Skill | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Geochemistry | Core research area |
| Mineralogy | Understanding Bauxsol phases |
| Soil/water chemistry | Phosphorus dynamics |
| Laboratory experience | Sorption/desorption experiments |
| XRD / mineralogical analysis | Characterising materials |
| Scientific writing | Publications and reporting |
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | A$34,315 per annum (tax-free, indexed) |
| Duration | 3 years 3 months |
| Location | Lismore Campus, NSW, Australia |
| Supervisory Team | Prof. Ed Burton (SCU), Dr Niloofar Karimian (CSIRO), Prof. Andrew Rose (SCU), Prof. Terry Rose (SCU) |
| Facilities | World-class analytical facilities at SCU and CSIRO |
Application Tips
- Highlight geochemistry or mineralogy background – Core requirement.
- Show laboratory experience – Sorption/desorption, kinetic studies.
- Demonstrate analytical skills – XRD, mineralogical analysis.
- Meet English requirements – IELTS 7.0 overall (7.0 writing).
- Include cover letter – Outline interest, experience, and career goals.
How to Apply
Email the following to Prof. Ed Burton (ed.burton@scu.edu.au):
- Cover letter (max 1 page) outlining interest, relevant experience, and career goals
- Current CV including academic qualifications, publications, relevant experience, and contact details of at least two referees
- Evidence of English language proficiency (international applicants)
Expected Start Date: As soon as possible
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the scholarship amount? A$34,315 per annum (2026 RTP rate).
- What is the duration? 3 years 3 months.
- What is the project about? Using Bauxsol to capture phosphorus from wastewater for slow-release fertiliser.
- Is an international application welcome? Yes.
- What is the English requirement? IELTS 7.0 overall (7.0 writing).
