Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 April 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
Scholarship
$33,511pa for 3.5 years
About the research project
Emergency measures are urgently needed to preserve the valuable genetic resources of endangered fish species. Previously, captive breeding has been the only available option for conserving species, however, replicating the circumstances needed for reproduction is notoriously difficult in captivity. In recent decades, germ cell transplantation (GCT) has emerged as a novel method for fish conservation. During GCT, a closely related and abundant recipient species is used as a broodstock surrogate and injected with germ cells from the testis of the endangered donor species. Those donor germ cells will differentiate and then mature to become either functional sperm or eggs, depending on the sex of the recipient. Importantly, the harvested germ cells can be permanently cryopreserved, allowing for cryobanks of cells from endangered species to be created. Therefore, simply by mating male and female recipients, an endangered or even extinct species could be regenerated solely from frozen genetic material. Although GCT has been found to be viable for a wide range of bony fish species, until recently, it had never been used for an elasmobranch species.
The endangered Maugean Skate Zearaja maugeana, is arguably the world's most endangered elasmobranch. It is endemic to only two remote estuaries in western Tasmania, Australia; Macquarie Harbour and Bathurst Harbour. However, the species may no longer be present in Bathurst Harbour. Additionally, Macquarie Harbour is subject toa variety of man-made pressures, which has led to Maugean skate relative abundance declining 47% between2014 and 2021. A proof-of-concept project to examine if GCT does hold promise for elasmobranch conservation, specifically that of the Maugean skate, has been a major success. This project aims to build on this success and produce Maugean skate offspring from a surrogate. Importantly, the methods developed in this project will not be specific to Maugean skate and once protocols are developed, GCT could be applied across various threatened elasmobranch species and populations. As such, GCT has the potential to take captive breeding from being a relatively limited conservation tool for elasmobranchs to a much more powerful tool that could greatly assist in rebuilding depleted populations around the globe.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:
- a living allowance stipend co-funded by the Shark Conservation Fund (SCF) 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:
- Skills and experience in physiology or biotechnology or related fields are essential
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience in reproductive biotechnology for aquatic species is desirable
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 April 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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