Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Saltmarsh ecosystems are vital for climate change adaptation and mitigation, providing critical refugia for estuarine flora and fauna, sequestering blue carbon and buffering against climate impacts like flooding and sea-level rise. These ecosystems also hold significant socio-economic value, offering services appreciated differently by various stakeholders, including fishers and conservationists. This PhD project will assess the value of saltmarsh ecosystems from ecological, socio-economics and stakeholder perspectives, contributing to a holistic understanding of their role in supporting biodiversity, ecosystem service and climate resilience.
The research will explore the ecological importance of saltmarsh habitats for estuarine species and examine how stakeholder perceptions influence their conservation and restoration. This integrative approach will provide actionable insights to support sustainable management and policy development for these critical ecosystems.
Potential PhD research questions could include:
- How do saltmarsh habitats serve as refugia for estuarine species under changing climate conditions?
- What is the role of saltmarsh ecosystems in supporting biodiversity and key ecological functions?
- How do different stakeholders perceive the value of saltmarsh ecosystems
- What are the socio-economic benefits of saltmarsh restoration and how can they be quantified?
- How do saltmarshes contribute to blue carbon sequestration and coastal protection?
- What strategies can enhance the role of saltmarshes in climate resilience while balancing ecological and socio-economic objectives?
The candidate will be based at the University Tasmania in Hobart and supervised by DR KATHLEEN BEYER and DR VISHNU PRAHALAD.
Explore more Climate Change projects
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 be able to undertake the project on-campus
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:
- Background in in environmental science, marine biology, sociology, human geography or a related field
- Experience with ecological fieldwork and/or socio-economic research methods (e.g. surveys, interviews or stakeholder analysis)
- Ability to design and execute interdisciplinary research that combines ecological and socio-economic perspectives
- Proficiency in data analysis, including ecological data or socio-economic data
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey research findings to both scientific and non-scientific audiences
- Demonstrated ability to manage independent research projects, including planning and conducting fieldwork and stakeholder engagement
- Enthusiasm for studying the role of ecosystems in climate change adaptation and mitigation
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Familiarity with saltmarsh habitats, their ecological functions, or their role in climate resilience
- Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, such as fishers, land managers or conservation groups
- Ability to integrate ecological and social science perspectives in research design and analysis
- Proficiency in using qualitative analysis software (e.g. NVivo) or statistical tools (e.g. R, SPSS)
- Familiarity with ArcGIS or other spatial analysis tools for mapping and understanding estuarine habitats
- Knowledge of methods for assessing or valuing ecosystem services (e.g. carbon sequestration, flood mitigation or recreational benefits)
- Familiarity with estuarine environments and restoration efforts
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Kathleen Beyer 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 June 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.
Apply now Explore other projects
Why the University of Tasmania?
Worldwide reputation for research excellence
Quality supervision and support
