Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
Hidden from view and hard to access, the Antarctic seafloor hosts a species rich, unique and highly endemic faunal community with an estimated 60-90% of species found nowhere else on Earth. These communities provide crucial habitat for other species and important ecosystem services, and are considered when developing spatial conservation and monitoring plans and assessing the potential impacts of fishing. Antarctic seafloor communities rely on food that rains down from the ocean's surface and their distribution and structure is thought to be linked to productivity and sea-ice conditions. Such conditions have rapidly changed in recent years and are projected in to continue to change, with potential implications for seafloor biodiversity and its management.
Much remains unknown about these communities due to the sparse and patchy sampling of the seafloor. This project aims to use recently developed spatial models and data from upcoming Antarctic voyages to increase our understanding of the drivers, structure and distribution of Antarctic seafloor communities. Specifically, the project will:
- Use new datasets to assess how well predictive biodiversity models built using circumpolar data, capture biodiversity patterns and uncover new biodiversity hotspots in data poor regions
- Examine the coupling between surface and pelagic conditions (ice, nutrients, productivity) and seafloor communities
- Develop predictive models that forecast future changes in seafloor habitats under different climate change scenarios, focusing on shifts in sea-ice cover, nutrient availability, and productivity
- Establish baseline habitat maps that serve as reference points for future monitoring and assessment, helping to track changes over time and assess human impacts
- Develop temporal habitat maps that illustrate how Antarctic seafloor habitats change over different seasons and years, particularly in response to varying sea-ice conditions and productivity levels
The results of this project will inform conservation, management, and monitoring efforts in the Southern Ocean.
Explore more Antarctic and Southern Ocean 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
- A strong academic background with a Bachelors or Masters degree in marine biology, oceanography, environmental science, or a related field
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:
- Demonstrated quantitative skills including R coding and analysis
- Proficiency in using spatial modeling software and geographic information systems (GIS)
- Knowledge of remote sensing and environmental monitoring techniques
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting research findings and writing scientific papers
- A demonstrated interest in conservation and sustainable management of marine ecosystems
- Willingness to engage in collaborative research efforts and contribute to a team-oriented research environment
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Proven experience in conducting scientific research, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation
- Familiarity with ecological and biodiversity assessment methodologies
- Commitment to advancing knowledge in Antarctic marine science and contributing to global conservation efforts
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret complex ecological data and draw meaningful conclusions
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Nicole Hill 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.
Apply now Explore other projects
Why the University of Tasmania?
Worldwide reputation for research excellence
Quality supervision and support
