Assessing the distribution, ecology, and conservation of Tasmania's endemic Astacopsis crayfish

About the research project

Tasmania is home to a remarkable endemic freshwater fauna, including the iconic giant freshwater crayfish and its close relatives in the genus Astacopsis. These species are of high conservation significance, yet important gaps remain in our understanding of their distribution, habitat requirements, detectability, and vulnerability to environmental change. This PhD project will address these gaps by investigating the distribution, ecology, and conservation of Tasmania’s endemic Astacopsis crayfish, with the broader aim of improving the evidence base for their management and protection. The project will combine spatial ecology, field surveys, and conservation-focused analysis to reveal where these crayfish occur, what governs their persistence, and how best to detect and monitor them.

This project will be undertaken at various spatial scales, beginning with a broad focus on modelling the distributions of endemic freshwater crustacea across Australia using existing occurrence records and environmental datasets. The macroecological context will provide a basis for understanding patterns of endemism and range limitation, while also generating predictive distribution models relevant to the Tasmanian Astacopsis species. Subsequent chapters will focus directly on Astacopsis within Tasmania. This includes ground-truthing model predictions through targeted field surveys to identify areas of occupancy, range boundaries, and possible mismatches between predicted and realised occurrence. Following this, the project will examine the ecological drivers of distribution by characterising both abiotic and biotic predictors, such as climate, hydrology, stream structure, land use, and potential ecological interactions with co-occuring species. These analyses will improve understanding of the environmental conditions associated with each species and identify factors that may constrain their distribution or increase vulnerability to threats.

The PhD will be undertaken in collaboration with stakeholders and managers of habitats where Astacopsis still occur. These partnerships will help ensure that the research addresses management needs and produces outcomes that are directly relevant to conservation practice in areas where the crayfish's conservation needs may come into conflict with other land-use pressures.

Overall, this PhD offers an opportunity to undertake impactful research on one of Tasmania’s most distinctive freshwater animal groups. By integrating distribution modelling, field validation, ecological analysis, and conservation application, the project will generate knowledge that is both scientifically valuable and immediately relevant to efforts in safeguarding Tasmania’s endemic crayfish fauna.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Jia Huan Liew

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)

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.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applicants must be able to undertake the project on a full-time basis and on-campus.
• Applicants must have been awarded (or shortly be awarded) a Second Upper Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in ecology, biology, environmental science or related disciplines.
• English language score must meet 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:

• Honours or Masters degree in a relevant field, such as ecology, biology, or environmental sciences.
• Strong research and analytical skills (including familiarity with the R coding language, or similar).
• Ability to think critically and conceptually about complex conservation issues.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork independently.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Current driver’s license.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills.
• Experience with spatial analysis.
• Familiarity with Tasmanian freshwater fauna, and ability to identify invertebrate fauna to a research-adequate level of resolution

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Jia Huan Liew 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 June 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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