Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
Freshwater biodiversity are among the most heavily impacted by anthropogenic disturbances. This is expected to intensify as climate change alters the temperature, flow, and biogeochemistry of freshwater bodies. Cold-adapted species are likely to be especially vulnerable as they become increasingly restricted to habitats that serve as climate refugia. Identifying, understanding, and managing these refugia could therefore be pivotal to mitigating climate change impacts.
Alpine tarns and subterranean pools are among habitat types that may provide refuge to heat-intolerant species. This is consistent with the distribution of cold-adapted "living fossils" such as the Tasmanian mountain shrimps. However, information about the ecology of these uniques ecosystems and the animals that inhabit them, remains scarce. This project will focus on:
- What supports the food webs and how might this be affected by a changing climate;
- What are the environmental drivers of key biogeochemical processes (e.g., carbon dynamics);
- Susceptibility of alpine and subterranean aquatic fauna to climate change.
The candidate will be based at the University Tasmania in Hobart, supervised by Dr Jia-Huan Liew and A/Prof Leon Barmuta.
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Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must already have been awarded a First-Class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in ecology, biology, zoology, environmental science or related disciplines
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong research and analytical skills
- Applicants must meet English requirements or be able to do so before commencement
- The degree must be undertaken on a full-time basis, and applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
- Applications are open to Domestic and International applicants
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- A good understanding of wildlife and quantitative ecology
- Ability to conduct field work independently, including in remote locations
- Proven analytical skills and ability to code in the R language or similar (e.g., Python), preferably while working with large data sets
- Ability to work as part of a diverse interdisciplinary research team
- Current driver's license
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills
- Experience working with live crustacean cultures
- Knowledge of ecological applications of stable isotope analysis
- Experience with 4WD and remote field work
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Jia Huan Liew to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 February 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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