Conservation Ecology of Swamp Paperbark

Conservation and restoration ecology of swamp paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia), an endangered ecological community

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

27 March 2023

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic/International

About the research project

Swamp paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia) is one of the most threatened forest communities in Tasmania, currently listed as Critically Endangered under State legislation. There is a lack of information on the historical extent of this community, nature and drivers of its loss, current threats, and potential impacts due to climate change and sea level rise. This project will aim to address these gaps, and identify potential for ecological restoration across its range in Tasmania. The project will also account for the potential of gaining carbon credits for their restoration as blue carbon habitats, and develop monitoring protocols for tracking changes in its extent and condition.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Vishnu Prahalad

Funding

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 $31,500 per annum (2023 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.

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:

  • Undergraduate degree and Honours/Masters in geography, environmental studies or related discipline
  • Experience in using GIS systems
  • Experience in undertaking field work and laboratory analyses
  • Well-developed written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Knowledge of statistical analyses and packages (e.g. R, SPSS)
  • Knowledge of soil analysis
  • Knowledge of GIS-based image analysis
  • Experience in conservation, land management

Application process

There is a three-step application process:

  1. Select your project, and check you meet the eligibility and selection criteria;
  2. Contact the Primary Supervisor, Dr Vishnu Prahalad to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. 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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