Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 April 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
Scholarship
$33,511pa for 3.5 years
About the research project
High densities of introduced rabbits support feral cats, causing both broad-scale environmental degradation and native wildlife decline in Australia. In an ARC-funded project in the semi-arid South Australian Flinders Ranges, we are showing how rabbit warren removal leads to reduced browsing of vegetation by rabbits and decreased predation of native wildlife by cats, and how this in turn promotes recovery of vegetation, soils and wildlife. We will show how strategic removal of patches of warrens can be used to link isolated areas of intact habitat to achieve large-scale conservation outcomes.
This project will focus on the faunal responses to rabbit control, including the responses of feral cats and western quolls, and other vertebrate (birds, reptiles) and invertebrate wildlife. We will measure the faunal response at treated (warren removal) and control sites across a time series of current warren removal to areas treated up to 40 years ago. Methods include remote camera trapping, bird surveys and pitfall/funnel trapping. The project would suit a candidate with an interest in wildlife and ecological restoration interventions.
There are two PhD projects in this research program available as part of an ongoing collaboration between the South Australian Parks and Wildlife and the University of Tasmania. Both PhD candidates will work together in the field with a postdoctoral researcher, spending significant amounts of time in a remote location. The project provides good opportunities for networking with conservation NGOs and land managers.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which 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 be able to undertake the project on-campus
- See: https://www.utas.edu.au/research/degrees/what-is-a-research-degree. Candidates are expected to have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class Honours or Masters degree in a relevant discipline, with at least 6 months full time research thesis component, and mark >75%
- The degree must be undertaken on a full-time basis
- Applicants must already have been awarded a First-Class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong research and analytical skills
- Applicants must meet English requirements or be able to do so before commencement
- 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 in the fields of wildlife and quantitative ecology.
- Ability to conduct field work in remote locations.
- Ability to work with large data sets.
- Proven success in developing mathematical models and coding in R statistics.
- Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Current driver's license.
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- 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 Prof Menna Jones 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 April 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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