Developing Indicators of Vitality and Moult Stage for Southern Rock Lobster Post-Harvest Processing

About the research project

The Australian southern rock lobster (SRL) industry faces a critical bottleneck in post-harvest grading and processing due to inconsistent lobster performance. Survival and quality of lobsters following post-harvest processing and export is affected by their moult stage and vitality, a measure of physical strength and capacity for survival. Current methods of vitality assessment rely on time-consuming manual handling and subjective scoring, leading to inconsistent outcomes which may increase lobster mortality and reduce profitability. This PhD fully funded and idustry partnered project will develop objective, science-based approaches to assess lobster vitality and moult stage and translate these into automated assessment tools for industry.

The successful candidate will investigate physiological and behavioural indicators associated with vitality and moult stage in Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii). Through laboratory and industry-based experiments, the student will evaluate a range of non-destructive sensing technologies, including imaging, spectroscopy, and sensor-based approaches, to identify reliable indicators of lobster condition and post-harvest performance. These findings will then be used to develop predictive assessment frameworks and machine learning tools capable of supporting automated grading and decision making.

Through an industry internship the candidate will acquire practical knowledge of commercial processing systems and supply chain operations, ensuring that research outcomes are both scientifically robust and industry aligned. This combination of technical expertise and applied experience will position the candidate at the forefront of innovation in seafood supply chain automation. 

The project is fully funded including a generous living allowance scholarship and significant operating and travel budget through the MBCRC program.This project is ideal for students with interests in marine biology, physiology, aquaculture, engineering, computer vision, and/or applied artificial intelligence who want to conduct research with clear industry impact and translation pathways.

Primary supervisor

Meet Professor Quinn Fitzgibbon

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by Marine Bioproducts CRC of $60,000 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:

This project is ideal for students with interests in marine biology, physiology, aquaculture, engineering, computer vision, and/or applied artificial intelligence who want to conduct research with clear industry impact and translation pathways.The project has potential to generate intellectual property with commercial value and thus IP protection mechanisms will apply.  

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 require the completion of a previous post graduate qualification in a relevant discipline that includes a substantial thesis that comprises of: minimum of a 50% of a Bachelor Honours (equivalent to Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level eight) with an overall grade of at least Second Class Upper (Class IIA) standard; or, 25% of a two-year Masters Coursework degree (equivalent to AQF Level 9) with a thesis component grade of at least Distinction grade, or Masters Research degree (equivalent to AQF Level 9) of at least Distinction grade.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Professor Quinn Fitzgibbon 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 15 January 2027.

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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