Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Sharks and rays are amongst the most vulnerable taxa and face a growing number of threats from activities like overfishing, habitat destruction, climate change. Ex situ programs are quickly becoming an important conservation tool for endangered marine fauna. However, ex situ conservation programs for elasmobranchs are still extremely rare and basic knowledge of the reproductive physiology of many species is still lacking.
Assisted reproduction technologies (ART) could play a critical role in enabling captive recovery efforts for elasmobranchs, help with the genetic management of rare species or managed populations, and be used for establishing reproductive tissue cryo-banks for threatened or endangered species.
This PhD aims to explore how emerging ART such as artificial insemination and tissue cryo-banking can be used to further captive conservation outcomes for elasmobranchs species, focusing on the endangered Maugean skate (Zearaja maugeana) as a model. The project will be a part the wider Maugean skate captive conservation program.
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:
- Understanding of animal reproductive biology
- Experience working in a laboratory
- A good understanding of statistics and experience in applying them
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience in veterinary science
- Experience with assisted reproduction technologies
- Experience with molecular laboratory techniques
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr David Moreno 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.
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