Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
The Australian Longnose Skate (Dentiraja confusus) is a medium-sized endemic skate confined to the continental shelf off southeastern Australia from Portland to Sydney including Tasmania. This species has undergone significant historic population declines in the Commonwealth Southern and Eastern Scalefish Fishery (SESSF) where most of the catch has historically been retained. It is inferred that the population has undergone a reduction of > 80% over the last three generations (29 years) and the Australian Longnose Skate is assessed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Furthermore, the Australian Action Plan for Australian Sharks and Rays (2021) has recommended the assessment of age and reproduction as high priority for the Australian Longnose Skate.
Comparatively, the Australian Thornback Skate (Dentiraja lemprieri) is a small-sized common endemic skate with a relatively restricted southeast Australian range from eastern Bass Strait to the Murray River mouth in South Australia, including Tasmania. It is similarly a bycatch species of the SESSF and a very small portion of the catch has historically been retained while the majority is discarded, but mortality is expected to be high. While this species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, little biological data is available, and therefore, the Australian Action Plan for Australian Sharks and Rays (2021) has also recommended the assessment of age and reproduction as high priority for the Australian Thornback Skate.
As such, the purpose of this PhD is to examine the life history and reproductive parameters of both the Australian Longnose Skate and Australian Thornback Skate needed to implement initial species-specific management and address current information gaps to provide a starting point for both conservation and management efforts for these species.
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:
- Strong quantitative and statistical skills
- Experience coding in R
- Demonstrated proficiency in written and verbal English
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience with animal husbandry
- Experience with examining life-history and reproductive parameters
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Prof Jayson Semmens 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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