Saltmarsh Restoration Ecology

Saltmarsh Restoration Ecology - Developing a best practice approach to saltmarsh monitoring

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

27 March 2023

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic/International

About the research project

Saltmarshes are important habitats for fish and aquatic/marine invertebrate species, as well as for sequestering blue carbon and mitigating the impacts of floods. It is important that we improve our understanding of how these ecosystems may respond to restoration efforts. For example, fish and macroinvertebrate ecology and habitat use in response to hydrological restoration are yet to be fully understood. Furthermore, we need to better understand how restoration flows may alter the environmental conditions of saltmarshes and microhabitat use of resident and/or transient taxa. Potential PhD research topics include the following areas of research focus:

  1. Fish and macroinvertebrate community response to hydrological restoration in saltmarsh (developing a best practice approach to saltmarsh monitoring)
  2. Potential benefits of revegetating terrestrial buffer zones in providing co-benefits for restoration of blue carbon habitat

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Kathleen Beyer

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:

  • Background in environmental science, ecology, or environmental geography
  • Ability to plan and undertake field work in remote environments and lab work
  • Well-developed written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Statistical analysis skills and experience using relevant packages (e.g. Minitab, SPSS)
  • Spatial analysis and/or mapping skills (e.g. GIS)
  • Programming skills (e.g. Python, R, Matlab)

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 Kathleen Beyer 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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