PhD Employment Experience Program (Pilot)
Placement project 5: Estimating uncertainty in contaminant loads
discharged by rivers into marine waters
The Queensland Government runs a number of large monitoring programs to estimate the
loads (total mass) of suspended solids, various forms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and pesticides
(i.e. contaminants) that are discharged from rivers to marine waters. These loads are used to
validate source catchment models of contamination and provide information about the
success, or otherwise, of changed land management practices or waterway restoration
projects.
This project aims to address a critical knowledge deficit by approximating the uncertainty
associated with contaminant load estimates. Information obtained from the project will help to
determine the accuracy of catchment models with a view to improving present land
management and waterway restoration initiatives.
About the program
The pilot of the PhD Employment Experience Program will broker short-term, unpaid
government placements for Queensland PhD students.
The program is a joint initiative of the Queensland Government, Griffith University and the
University of Queensland.
What’s in it for students?
PhD placements provide employment experience for students in unpaid roles. Participants
can:

acquire practical workplace experience that may be able to be highlighted on each
graduate’s Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement following conferment of
their PhD

become known by potential employers, and enhance graduate employment
opportunities

gain an understanding of how government works, in particular how consultation with
research and industry stakeholders influences policies

develop stronger and more commercially focused communication, planning,
organisational, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
What types of duties are involved?
Under the supervision of the host supervisor, PhD students can:
1.
analyse existing load value estimates for samples taken from source river catchments
2.
use appropriate resampling techniques to determine the sensitivity of analytical methods
used to estimate the load values obtained in Step 1
3.
identify the key factors contributing to any measurement uncertainty observed between the
load estimates from Step 1 and estimates obtained from Step 2
4.
calculate the overall uncertainty to a given level of confidence for all load estimates obtained
5.
prepare a report that documents the process for calculating uncertainty and details the level
of uncertainty obtained for each load estimate.
What is the time commitment?
Each student is expected to participate for a total of 20–30 working days. The placement may
be full-time or part-time as negotiated between the student and the host supervisor.
What skills are required?
Your suitability for this project will be assessed on how well your experience, skills and
achievements relate to the following four capability areas and match the duties of the project:

Research and analysis skills – Your ability to gather, investigate and synthesise
information or ideas from a variety of sources. Examples include: statistical analysis;
verifying authenticity and accuracy of data; understanding performance measures;
managing quantitative data sets; drawing appropriate inferences; forming coherent
arguments; using appropriate evaluation methods/research techniques.

Organisational skills – Your ability to contribute proactively to achievement of
outcomes. Examples include: monitoring progress; seeing projects through to
completion; contributing own expertise to achieve the required outcomes; making
effective use of team capabilities, establishing simple project plans with measurable
milestones to deliver objectives.

Verbal and written communication skills – Your ability to communicate clearly with a
wide range of people. Examples include: presenting messages in a clear, concise
manner; using appropriate language; understanding the audience and tailoring
communication style and message accordingly; listening to others and checking to
ensure their views have been understood; negotiating confidently.

Interpersonal skills – Your ability to liaise and work with a wide range of people.
Examples include: meeting new people/stakeholders; participating at meetings/events;
actively listening to colleagues and clients; ensuring others are kept informed of issues;
collaborating as an effective team member; seeing things from different perspectives,
treating people with respect; acting on feedback.
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Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts
More information about this project
Dr Michael Warne
Science Leader; Water Quality and Investigations
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Science, Science
Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts
EcoSciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park
Phone: 07 3170 5571
Email: Michael.Warne@science.dsitia.qld.gov.au
Ryan Turner, Principal Scientist
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Science, Science
Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts
EcoSciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park
Phone: 07 3170 5608
Email: ryan.turner@science.dsitia.qld.gov.au
More information about the PhD Employment Experience Program
See program guidelines at www.qld.gov.au/jobs/education/volunteering/pages/phdprogram.html.
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