Lecturer in Hydrogeology
School of Earth Sciences
Background
Australia is currently facing a skills shortage in the geosciences, including a shortage of
Hydrogeologists. The University of Western Australia is one of the largest providers of Masters-level
hydrogeology training worldwide. The Master of Hydrogeology (MoH) was developed with
Industry to provide conceptual knowledge, practical skills and training for job-ready graduates.
Through the MoH, students develop advanced knowledge of the properties and processes that
control groundwater storage and flow as well as the skills to quantify groundwater resources and
predict groundwater system responses to withdrawals and climate change.
Course enrolments in the MoH held steady through the pandemic with around 30 students
enrolled. Many students are studying part time while they work so that we graduate around 10
hydrogeologists each year with a graduate employment rate of 100%. We continue to increase
the proportion of the course that can be completed online to accommodate students who are
already working or otherwise not able to attend face-to-face classes in Perth. We have also begun
delivering the content in the core units as Microcredentials through UWA Plus to provide more
accessible learning opportunities. However, our ability to continue to deliver high-quality
teaching, and expand these learning opportunities beyond what is currently offered, is limited by
the availability of tenured teaching staff. This has been compounded this year by the resignation
of two research staff who have contributed to advanced coursework units and project supervision
in recent years.
The Proposal
We are seeking your support for an Industry Funded position in Hydrogeology to ensure the
sustainability of the Master of Hydrogeology and enable us to expand our online, industrytargeted offerings. A five-year Academic position at Level B is costed at $844,884 (including
oncosts). This teaching and research position will have the potential for ongoing employment at
the end of 5 years, and we would seek the best possible candidate from the global talent pool.
Year Level Salary Cost ($)
Year Level Salary Cost ($)
1 B01 147,051
2 B02 157,479
3 B03 168,427
4 B04 179,925
5 B05 192,002
Total $844,884
For more information contact Sarah Bourke (Course Coordinator sarah.bourke@uwa.edu.au) and
Annette George (Head of School annette.george@uwa.edu.au).
