Carbonate chemistry fitness landscapes for mechanistic understanding of phytoplankton to future ocean change

About the research project

This PhD project will use the Australian National Algae Culture Collection (ANACC) to apply our recently developed and efficient fitness landscape approach (Ferderer et al., 2025) across 20–30 globally important phytoplankton species. The study will test the hypothesis that sensitivities to carbonate chemistry vary systematically among taxa, with some species exhibiting broad tolerance (“eurycarb”) and others narrow tolerance (“stenocarb”).

Physiological responses will be linked to genomic information provided by ANACC, focusing on genes relevant to carbon concentrating mechanisms. In particular, the project will assess whether the presence or absence of carbon‑related genes (e.g., carbonic anhydrases) can serve as indicators of eurycarb or stenocarb phenotypes.

By extending this analysis to functional groups, the project will evaluate whether consistent traits can be identified and generalised across the phytoplankton community. Establishing such consistencies is critical for advancing trait‑based model integration, thereby improving predictions of phytoplankton responses to future changes in marine carbonate chemistry.

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Lennart Bach

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which 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.

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.

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:

• Honours or Master degree in biological oceanography or closely related field (e.g. environmental microbiology).
• Experience in culturing phytoplankton
• Great abilities to work in teams and collaborative environments.
• Enthusiasm for scientific discourse and progress.
• Fluent English skills.
• Very good writing skills.
• Reliable and highly motivated.
• Ability to build tools for phytoplankton culturing, such as light systems or plankton wheels

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with computational software such as R, Python, or Matlab.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Associate Professor Lennart Bach 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 August 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.

Apply nowExplore other projects