Uncovering the molecular mechanisms of social behaviour

About the research project

Social behaviour shapes many important ecological and evolutionary processes, influencing reproduction, parental care, cooperation, and family living. Yet despite the repeated evolution of complex social systems across vertebrates, the molecular mechanisms generating variation in social behaviour remain poorly understood. Understanding how genes and regulatory pathways shape social behaviour is therefore central to understanding the evolution of social complexity.

This PhD project will investigate the molecular basis of social behaviour using Australian family-living lizards as a model system, with a particular focus on White’s skink (Liopholis whitii) and related species within the Egernia lineage. The student will integrate behavioural ecology and transcriptomic approaches to investigate how gene regulation shapes key social behaviours underpinning family living, particularly social tolerance and maternal aggression. This will include opportunities to incorporate emerging molecular approaches including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. Building from individual behavioural variation to broader evolutionary comparisons across species differing in social complexity and family structure, the project will then investigate how molecular mechanisms evolve alongside social systems and test whether complex family living repeatedly emerges through shared or distinct molecular pathways.

The project forms part of a broader research program investigating the molecular origins of family life and will embed the student within an internationally connected research environment, providing opportunities to work alongside world-leading researchers in animal behaviour, evolutionary theory, and evolutionary genomics, including Martin Whiting (Macquarie University), Tobias Uller (Lund University), Camilla Whittington (University of Sydney), and Nathalie Feiner (Max Planck Institute), with exceptional opportunities for training, collaboration, and professional development.

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Geoff While

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.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applicants must be able to undertake the project on a full-time basis and on-campus.
• Applications are open to applicants from Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Behavioural Ecology, Quantitative Biology or a closely related discipline only.
• 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:

• First Class Honours or an equivalent research Master’s degree in Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Behavioural Ecology, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated capacity for independent research, including completion of a substantial research thesis or equivalent research project, with evidence of analytical capability and contribution to scientific dissemination (e.g., presentations, reports, or publications).
• Strong quantitative and computational skills, including experience using R (or equivalent programming environments) for data processing, visualisation, reproducible workflows, and statistical analyses.
• Experience with genomic, transcriptomic, bioinformatic, or genome-scale datasets, including familiarity with bioinformatic workflows, sequence analysis, or high-dimensional biological data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to communicate scientific concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organisational skills, initiative, and capacity for independent work, including the ability to manage research activities and deliver high-quality outcomes within agreed timeframes.
• Experience with, or willingness to undertake, laboratory and field procedures associated with vertebrate research, including tissue collection and biological sampling conducted under approved animal ethics protocols. 

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Familiarity with high-performance computing environments or computational biology workflows.
• Current unrestricted driver’s licence, with four-wheel-drive experience advantageous.
• Remote first-aid qualification, wilderness field experience, or willingness to undertake relevant training.
• Evidence of scholarly contribution, including publications, manuscripts in preparation or review, conference presentations, or other research outputs.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams and contribute positively to a broader research environment.

Application process

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

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