Key threats inshore habitats

Identifying key threats to shallow inshore habitats across time and space

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 July 2023

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

About the research project

This PhD project has an ultimate aim to reduce human impacts on shallow water marine habitats (i.e. sedimentary, seagrass, seaweed and coral rubble) across Australia. The project will collect detailed information on the distribution, magnitude, and consequences of threats affecting benthic species around Australia, and at key urban locations worldwide. Further insights will be provided by sampling two habitat types (sand, seagrass), thousands of species, continental/global scales, and a century time span.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Beth Strain

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.

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:

  • First-class honours or equivalent in biology, ecology, or a related field of research
  • Demonstrated proficiency in written and verbal English language
  • Experience in ecological field work
  • Scientific diving qualifications

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Experience in quantitative methods with a thorough understanding of experimental design and statistics
  • Knowledge of benthic invertebrate taxonomy

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Beth Strain to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. 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.
  4. Apply prior to 1 July 2023.

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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