Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
Scholarship
$33,511pa + Top-Up $4,000pa for 3.5 years
About the research project
Discover the Fascinating World of Abalone in Tasmania!
Did you know that Tasmania is responsible for 25% of the world's wild-caught abalone? This tiny island is a global leader in abalone production, but it's also at the forefront of marine science. It faces unique challenges like marine heatwaves caused by climate change and harmful algae that produce paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs). These toxins can build up in abalone, creating serious health concerns for both people and animals and posing risks to the abalone market.
To protect this valuable fishery, scientists are diving into key questions. This project focuses on:
- Understanding Toxin Retention
- Why do some toxins stay in abalone tissues longer, and what does this mean for food safety and exports?
- How do toxins in abalone differ based on location, tissue type (like foot vs. viscera), and algae bloom sources?
- Is there a process where toxins are altered within abalone tissues - Exploring Toxin Longevity
- Are toxins in abalone foot tissue staying longer because of slow detoxification or ongoing exposure?
- Fieldwork will track algae cysts in abalone habitats and study toxin levels over time.
- Experiments will monitor abalone kept under controlled conditions to study how long toxins persist. - Investigating Animal Health Impacts
- How do toxins affect the health and reproduction of adult and juvenile abalone?
- With climate change as a backdrop, experiments will combine toxin exposure with rising temperatures to simulate future conditions.
This research is uncovering the mysteries of abalone biology and helping to secure their future in a changing world. If you're curious about marine ecosystems, sustainability, and how science can drive solutions, this project offers an exciting glimpse into groundbreaking marine research.
This is an industry/UTAS funded PhD scholarship
Primary Supervisor
Funding
The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:
- a living allowance stipend co-funded by Abalone Industry Reinvestment Fund 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.
Additional funding
If successful, applicants will also receive a top-up scholarship of $4,000 per annum for 3.5 years. This scholarship is funded by the Abalone Industry Reinvestment Fund.
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
- English language score must be above minimum entry requirements for this project
- Applicant must have ability to undertake small boat work
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:
- Experience in marine biotoxins and harmful algae and/or animal health
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Dive qualification, chemistry and biology background
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Alison Turnbull 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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