Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 October 2024
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
Marine heatwaves are increasing in frequency and severity and are costing the Australian economy and environment through fisheries closures and biodiversity loss. Recent research has demonstrated the marine heatwaves are having large impacts at depth. The impact of climate change and marine heatwaves on deep reef ecosystems (mesophotic and rariphotic reefs) is unknown. The expected impacts of marine heatwaves include sponge bleaching, change in habitat structure, change is community composition, and range extension of species. The Temperate East Network of Marine Parks were designed to protect representative examples of a region's ecosystems and biodiversity. This project aims to understand how climate change and marine heatwaves will impact deep reef ecosystems within the Temperate East Marine Park Network by combining oceanographic and ecological knowledge. Working with traditional owners and members of the community we the project will be collecting oceanographic and ecological data across the Solitary Islands, Hunter, and Lord Howe Island Marine Parks. This data will be use to assess the where, when, and how climate change will impact the Temperate East Network of Marine Parks. This information is required to inform park managers of the impacts of marine heatwaves on their marine parks.
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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 $32,192 per annum (2024 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.
Additional funding
If successful, applicants will also receive a top-up scholarship of $7,000 per annum for 3.5 years.
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
- Application are open to domestic or onshore international applicants
- Applications are open to applicants from marine ecology and oceanography, ideally with interest and experience across both disciplines
- Willing to travel and spend time on boats in remote areas
- English language score must be above minimum entry requirements for this project
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:
- First-class honours or equivalent in ecology, quantitative ecology, oceanography
- Strong quantitative ecological skills, proficient in R or other coding platforms (Python)
- Demonstrated fieldwork experience, working on boats with small teams
- Demonstrated proficiency in written and verbal English language
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- First-author publication in international peer-reviewed journal
- Skills in GIS (preferably using R)
- Knowledge of temperate reef ecology
- Knowledge of oceanography and marine heatwaves
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Joel Williams 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 October 2024.
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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