Understanding the Impacts of Climate Change on Saltwater Intrusion in NSW Estuaries

Medical, Biological and other Sciences

ABOUT THE INDUSTRY PARTNER

The Climate Change Adaptation Team within the Water, Wetlands, and Coastal Science Branch in the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) applies cutting-edge science to guide climate adaptation and enhance coastal, estuarine, and wetland resilience. Through research, modelling, and collaboration, we deliver key insights to support the NSW Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

  • Gain insight into working in science within the NSW State Government
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of water, wetland, and coastal scientists
  • Lead the writing of one scientific manuscript and contribute to a second
  • Build experience in data analysis and interpretation of model outputs
  • Expand your professional network across government and environmental science sectors

RESEARCH TO BE CONDUCTED

  • Comprehensive review of existing literature on saltwater intrusion in estuarine and coastal groundwater systems, including how these systems may be affected by sea-level rise and climate change
  • Analysis and interpretation of estuarine hydrodynamic model outputs in collaboration with the wider project team, and assist in drafting a manuscript based on this work (note: no detailed hydrodynamic modelling expertise is required)

SKILLS WISH LIST

If you’re a postgraduate research student and meet some or all the below we want to hear from you. We strongly encourage women, indigenous and disadvantaged candidates to apply:

  • Degree in environmental science, coastal science, water science, hydrology, civil/environmental engineering, or a closely related discipline
  • Strong knowledge of, and interest in, estuarine, coastal, and hydrological processes
  • Demonstrated experience conducting scientific literature reviews
  • Experience with scientific and technical writing, including drafting manuscripts suitable for peer-reviewed journals
  • Demonstrated experience in programming and data analysis, such as Python, R, MATLAB, or similar languages
  • Skills in GIS, such as Arc or Q skills
  • Experience working with, analysing, and interpreting large and complex datasets
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team
  • Interest in producing scientific, peer-reviewed publications and plain language reports

RESEARCH OUTCOMES

  • Preparation of a draft manuscript based on a comprehensive literature review summarising the current state of knowledge on saltwater intrusion in estuarine and coastal groundwater systems, including how these systems may be affected by sea-level rise and climate change, with a particular focus on NSW and the Australian context, and consideration of adaptation options.
  • Collaboration with the wider project team to analyse estuary hydrodynamic model outputs, interpret the results, and assist in drafting a manuscript based on this work (note: no detailed hydrodynamic modelling expertise is required).

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

The intern will receive $3,300 per month of the internship, usually in the form of scholarship payments.

It is expected that the intern will primarily undertake this research project during regular business hours and maintain contact with their academic mentor throughout the internship either through face-to-face or phone meetings as appropriate.

The intern and their academic mentor will have the opportunity to negotiate the project’s scope, milestones and timeline during the project planning stage.

Please note, applications are reviewed regularly and this internship may be filled prior to the advertised closing date if a suitable applicant is identified. Early submissions are encouraged.

LOCATION:
Parramatta, NSW or Remote
DURATION:
5 months
CLOSING DATE:
11/02/2026
ELIGIBILITY:
PhD students only, both domestic & international
REF NO:
APR - 2936

INTERNSHIP CONTACT

CONNECT WITH APR.INTERN

Suggested Internships

CSL (APR – 2945)

Location:
Melbourne, VIC
Biomarker Discovery Pipeline for High-Throughput Data Analysis

AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION (APR – 2652)

Location:
Melbourne, VIC
Optimising Push Notifications for Enhanced User Engagement

PROGRAMMED FACILITY MANAGEMENT (APR – 2935)

Location:
Parramatta, NSW
Enhancing the Effectiveness and Uptake of Integrated Management Systems (IMS) in Asset-Intensive Organisations