Removing rabbits to restore ecosystems from the ground up

About the research project

We have an opening for a PhD or Masters by Research candidate to investigate how soil seedbanks and soil microbial communities respond to degradation and how these belowground changes influence the potential for ecological restoration.

This project is embedded within a large-scale restoration project in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia, examining how strategic removal of rabbit warrens can drive recovery of vegetation, soils, and wildlife across unfenced landscapes. While previous work has demonstrated strong aboveground responses to reduced grazing and predation pressure, the belowground mechanisms that underpin recovery and constrain restoration are poorly understood.

This project will focus on how degradation alters soil seedbanks and microbial communities, and whether these changes facilitate or limit recovery following restoration interventions. Methods will include field sampling across restoration gradients in the Flinders Ranges and molecular approaches (DNA sequencing) to characterise microbial communities.

The candidate will work closely with a broader interdisciplinary team, including researchers focusing on wildlife, and landscape connectivity. The project forms part of an ongoing collaboration between the University of Tasmania and the South Australian Department of Environment and Water, offering excellent opportunities to engage with conservation practitioners and contribute directly to large-scale restoration initiatives.

This project would suit a candidate with interests in plant-soil interactions, restoration ecology, microbial ecology, or community ecology.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Elizabeth Wandrag

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend co-funded with ARC of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years (PhD) or 2 years (Master by Research)
• 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.

Additional Funding

Accommodation at field site will be provided by project partners.

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
• Applicants must already have been awarded a First-Class or strong Upper Second-Class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector
• 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

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:

• A good understanding of ecological principles
• Ability to conduct field work in remote locations
• Ability to work with large data sets
• Proven success in developing analytical models and coding in R
• Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent team and communication skills
• Current driver's license and ideally 4WD experience
• Applicants for a PhD must be domestic.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience in soil ecology.
• Experience in laboratory techniques, including sequencing.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Elizabeth Wandrag 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.

Explore other projects