Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2024
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Ecoacoustics is the application of bioacoustics recording and analysis technologies to answer ecological questions. It offers a non-intrusive method for monitoring vocalising species in natural habitats, including birds, frogs, bats and other megafauna. However, most monitoring processes require the deployment of recorders for relatively short periods of time (several weeks), after which the recording must be collected from the field. This makes it difficult to monitor some species, particularly activities relating to breeding.
This project will contribute to the next phase in ecoacoustics: onboard analysis of captured audio data with detections transmitted over a LoRaWAN network. This is a multifaceted problem, spanning hardware, software and ecological practice, with the focus of this project on the machine learning and IoT tools required and how they can be best used to conduct effective ecological monitoring without operating 24 hours a day (to extend battery life of an enclosing device). It will explore and optimise the end-to-end onboard processing of acoustic signals for targeted monitoring applications (small number of species or specific behaviours). The study aims to develop software-based recognisers for monitoring breeding activity of iconic species (swift parrots, wedge-tailed eagles), as well as activity by sugar gliders (a key threat to swift parrots), Tasmanian masked owls, and mainland species including koalas and yellow-bellied gliders. Indicators of illegal wood harvesting (e.g., chainsaws) are also an active target of interest. The work will be conducted in collaboration with Sustainable Timber Tasmania and other partner organisations, drawing on their extensive libraries of forest acoustic recordings and expertise in forest management.
Primary Supervisor
Meet Dr James MontgomeryFunding
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 $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.
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:
- Strong software development skills
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Background in data analysis, IoT and/or ecological management
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr James Montgomery 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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