Degree type
PhD
Closing date
18 July 2022
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic/International
About the research project
The Tasmanian population of the wedge-tailed eagle is of conservation concern. Previous conservation genetic studies of this population have been hampered by a low number of polymorphic molecular markers. This project will use next-generation DNA sequencing approaches to genotype existing tissue samples (>200) to yield thousands of polymorphic molecular markers. These markers will then be used to estimate the effective population size (Ne) of this species, and to contrast this against census size estimates generated by a concurrent citizen science project. The genetic markers will also be used to investigate dispersal and residency across fine and broad spatial scales, complementing simultaneous research involving GPS-tracked eagles. Finally, assay techniques will be developed for a subset of markers such that they can be applied to degraded DNA samples representing eagle mortalities or shed feathers, addressing questions regarding the genetic provenance and parentage of individuals.
Primary Supervisor
Meet A/Prof Chris BurridgeFunding
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 $28,854 per annum (2022 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.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
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.
Application process
There is a three-step application process:
- Select your project, and check you meet the eligibility and selection criteria;
- Contact the Primary Supervisor, A/Prof Chris Burridge to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- Submit an application by the closing date listed above.
- 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.
- As part of your application, you will be required to submit a covering letter, a CV including 2 x referees and your project research proposal.
Following the application 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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