Holocene palaeoclimate of Tasmania

About the research project

Palaeoarchives not only provide records of past environmental conditions, they can also be used to assess risks of extremes and to constrain models. The aim of this PhD project is to use multiple proxy archives to reconstruct past climatic and environmental change in Tasmania during the Holocene. Palaeoclimate records from lake sediments will provide insights into past rates of change, ecosystem resilience, and potential tipping points. Coupled palynology, dendrochronology and chironomid analysis will be used to reconstruct past climate from alpine regions in Tasmania. The records developed by the successful candidate will explore the resilience of Tasmania’s alpine ecosystems to past climatic variability and changing fire regimes. This work will provide an important foundation for understanding how these systems may change in the future.

This PhD project will foster strong field, laboratory and analytical skills, including:

• Collecting sedimentary archives from alpine lakes and wetlands in southern Tasmania.
• Analysing radioisotopes, sedimentological, biological, and geochemical proxies.
• Creating a multi-proxy reconstruction of past environmental change and climatic variability.

Please contact the primary supervisor(s) to discuss further details of the project.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Lydia Mackenzie

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 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:

• Applications are open to Domestic applicants.
• Applications are open to applicants from physical geography, environmental science, and allied disciplines.

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:

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

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Evidence of ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to undertake field work in remote locations

Application process

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