Degree type
PhD
Closing date
18 July 2022
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic/International
About the research project
The Tasmanian population is at a high risk of impact from bushfire impact due to the highly flammable vegetation, changing climate, and dispersed population, with many suburbs and towns closely integrated into the natural environment. Fuel management and treatments, including prescribed burning, are carried out in order to reduce the risk and impact of fire on people and assets, but uncertainties remain about the effectiveness of these interventions and their acceptability to the public.
This project will extend a previous bushfire mitigation project focused on the Hobart City Council to a set of regional Tasmanian communities at high risk of bushfire impact that are subject to prescribed burning operations and investigate:
- Spatial patterns of bushfire risk as related to vegetation, topography and community infrastructure,
- Community perceptions of bushfire risk and fire mitigation measures, and
- Measurement and analysis of smoke impact from prescribed fires.
This is an interdisciplinary project working with an active and innovative research team, that will combine fire ecology, social science, and spatial analysis.
Primary Supervisor
Meet Dr Grant WilliamsonFunding
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.
Applicants from the following disciplines are encouraged to apply:
- Environmental Management
- Geographic Information Systems
- Spatial Sciences
- Ecology
- Landscape Ecology
- Fire Ecology
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:
- Candidate should possess a strong background in geographic information systems, including spatial statistics.
- A background and strong interest in fire ecology would be beneficial.
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, Dr Grant Williamson 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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