Eastern Quoll Translocations (modelling project)

About the research project

Once present across much of south-eastern Australia, mainland populations of eastern quolls were extirpated by disease, invasive predators and persecution. In Tasmania, eastern quolls were widespread and abundant until the early 2000s, before entering a decline which has continued for almost two decades. This project will focus on the Midlands and East Coast regions of Tasmania, where declines have been among the most severe. It is centred around an ambitious programme of replicated translocations of captive-bred eastern quolls. These translocations are designed to test hypotheses for eastern quoll declines in these regions, while simultaneously refining the protocols for, and evaluating the effectiveness of, such translocations as a management action to reverse quoll declines in Tasmania.

The successful candidate will join an existing research team and work collaboratively to monitor the outcomes of each translocation via live-trapping, telemetry and motion-sensor cameras. This project will have a particular focus on the efficacy of different methods for monitoring quoll populations, as well as identifying thresholds where management intervention is required to maintain population viability. The project would suit a candidate with a strong statistical and modelling background as well as an interest in field research and conservation.

As part of this project the candidate will work closely with our industry partner organisations the Tasmanian Land Conservancy and WWF Australia, as well as collaborating organisations the Tasmanian Quoll Conservation Program, Invasive Species Council and NRE Tasmania.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Rowena Hamer

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 funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum 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)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Additional Funding

The project's operational costs are fully covered by an ARC Linkage grant (LP220100362), as well as additional funding from the NESP Resilient Landscapes Hub (J0030988). This funding includes transport, meals and accommodation while undertaking fieldwork as part of the project

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for 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, and commit to significant periods of fieldwork
• Applicants must already have been awarded a First-Class Honours or Masters degree in a relevant discipline (with at least 6 months full time research thesis component, and mark >75%) or relevant and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector (See: https://www.utas.edu.au/research/degrees/what-is-a-research-degree)
• The degree must be undertaken on a full-time basis
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong research and analytical skills
• Applicants must meet English requirements or be able to do so before commencement
• Applications are open to Domestic and International applicants

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:

• Ability to conduct field work in remote locations for extended periods
• A strong background in quantitative ecology, including the ability to develop mathematical models and coding in R
• Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Current driver's licence

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with 4WD and remote field work
• Demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to population ecology and conservation biology
• Experience in collecting, processing and quantitative analyses of wildlife population data

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Rowena Hamer 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 February 2026.

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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