Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2024
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
Scholarship
$32,192pa for 3.5 years
About the research project
This project aims to investigate the land-cover changes occurred in Tasmania in the past century and link them to disturbance history. Following European colonization and subsequent cessation of Aboriginal fire management, many Tasmanian landscapes underwent dramatic shifts in land use and management strategies. Their complex livestock grazing and burning histories makes them excellent case studies to compare the effect of different anthropogenic disturbance on land-cover dynamics and fire regimes. The project will combine field surveys and remote sensing analyses to uncover the anthropogenic and environmental correlates of historical changes in land cover and fire activity, with the goal of identifying sustainable fire management practices based on local characteristics and future climate predictions. This research is supported by an ARC Laureate fellowship held by Professor David Bowman, who will co-supervise the student.
Primary Supervisor
Meet Dr Stefania OndeiFunding
The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:
- a living allowance stipend funded by ARC 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 $5,000 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 our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.
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:
- An honours degree or equivalent in ecology, biology, plant science, or environmental science
- Some familiarity with GIS software (e.g., ArcMap, QGIS, R, Python)
- Ability to perform fieldwork in remote locations
- Good written and verbal English and scientific communication skills
- A current driving licence
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience conducting field work in remote areas
- Strong analytical skills using R or similar software and a keen interest in developing those skills
- Statistical knowledge
- A strong research background in ecology or similar fields through a publication record or a high-quality thesis
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Stefania Ondei 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 2024.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.
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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