Radiobiology of radioisotope exposure in mining

About this project

Exposure to Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) in an industrial setting can occur by a number of pathways. The International Committee on Radiation Protection (ICRP) recommends dose conversion factors for converting these exposures to radiation dose, however leaves the option to modify these based on specific relevant research. In NORM mining the important pathways are generally: 

• Gamma (photon) exposure from exposed ore or concentrate 
• Radon decay product exposure due to breathing in air in which the decay products of radon have had time to build up 
• Inhalation of dust containing long lived radionuclides from the NORM decay chain 

The project aims to test the exposure concepts by challenging the dose pathway estimations, particularly for inhalation of dust. An initial assessment will be conducted to understand which underlying assumptions, exposure routes and dose coefficients represent the highest risk to accurate dose assessment. The most impactful aspects will then be further investigated as part of the project. The techniques could include on site measurements of dust properties, and lung solubility studies. These could be backed up by organ micro-dosimetry or radiobiological simulations of radionuclide movements in the body.

What you’ll do

The ARC Training Centre for Radiation Innovation (RadInnovate) has been established to train a new generation of interdisciplinary leaders in radiation and nuclear science. 

Australian industries have an acute need for a future-ready workforce equipped with sophisticated radiation and nuclear skills. Current projections show that demand for such specialists will soon outstrip supply, with more than 50% of the current nuclear energy workforce retired by 2040. Australia’s future workforce capability will, therefore, need to deliver innovative applications of radiation and nuclear technologies through transdisciplinary knowledge: scientists who are trained in regulatory and social responsiveness and regulatory specialists who understand the challenges involved – each with the tools to communicate effectively publicly in ways that meet the needs of Australia’s diverse communities. 

RadInnovate’s approach to innovative, integrated and transdisciplinary research training integrates the world-class academic excellence of the Australian National University (ANU), the University of Adelaide (UoA) and the University of South Australia(UniSA) with access to major national infrastructure and industry immersion. In the Australian context, this nascent research training program will be the only one of its kind. The three university partners offer complementary, well-established HDR frameworks to support the innovative training plans of this Centre. RadInnovate will support masters (by research) and PhD students. 

Where you’ll be based

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time, and to be based at our City East campus in the heart of Adelaide.
For this project the student will enrol at University of South Australia within the Medical Radiations Group.
You will also be required to travel to BHP Olympic Dam site for radiation measurements on site. Travel to ANU may also be required for computational modelling. Financial Support  

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

An additional top-up scholarship with a value of $8,000 per annum will be offered to the preferred applicant.

Eligibility and Selection

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD.  Additionally, applicants must meet the project selection criteria: 

• Undergraduate degree in Physics or Medical Radiation Sciences. 
• Understanding of basic Radiation Physics. 

Applicants who can also demonstrate the following will be highly regarded:

• Knowledge of Computational Modelling is advantageous. 
• Ability to travel to BHP Olympic Dam site. 
• Travel to ANU may also be required.

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

Essential Dates

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Wednesday 17 September 2025.