Marine Biosecurity, Climate Change and Coastal Connectivity: Understanding and Managing Harmful Algal Species

About the research project

This PhD project will investigate the links between climate change, coastal connectivity and harmful algal species in Australian coastal waters. Increasing movement of vessels, aquaculture infrastructure, fishing activities and biological stock may create new pathways for the transport and establishment of harmful algal species and other marine biohazards. Despite growing recognition of these risks, important questions remain regarding how harmful algal species are dispersed, which pathways present the greatest biosecurity threats, how environmental change may influence future spread, and what management approaches may be most effective for reducing risk.

The project is offered as a broad research theme and may be tailored to the interests and expertise of the successful candidate. Potential research areas include:

• Harmful algal bloom ecology, including the environmental and climatic drivers of bloom initiation, persistence, toxicity and decline. Environmental surveillance and passive monitoring approaches, including the assessment of innovative sampling technologies.
• Assessment of harmful algal species survivability following treatment interventions or during translocation events.
• Evaluation of water treatment and biosecurity technologies relevant to aquaculture, hatchery and seafood production systems.
• Investigation of toxin fate and depuration processes relevant to seafood safety and market access.
• Application of molecular, environmental and laboratory-based approaches to improve detection, characterisation and management of harmful algal species.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research team working across marine ecology, harmful algal blooms, seafood safety and aquatic biosecurity. The project will involve collaboration with industry and government partners, providing opportunities to contribute directly to real-world challenges facing Australia's seafood and coastal sectors.

The research is expected to combine fieldwork, laboratory experimentation and data analysis. Opportunities may include coastal and marine field activities, access to specialist research facilities, collaboration with leading national and international researchers, conference participation, and engagement with industry partners and end-users to support the translation of research outcomes into practice.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Andreas Seger

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend co-funded with Fisheries Research and Development Corporation 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:

• Applications are open to Domestic/International/Onshore applicants
• English language score must be above minimum entry requirements for this project

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:

• Experience or demonstrated interest in harmful algal blooms, marine biosecurity, aquatic ecology, fisheries, aquaculture, seafood safety, or coastal ecosystem research.
• A strong academic record (e.g., BSc Hons, MSc, or equivalent) in aquaculture, marine biology, ecology, zoology, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated research capability through completion of a research thesis, publication record, or equivalent research experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary research team.
• Willingness to undertake a combination of field-based and laboratory-based research activities.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with laboratory-based research, including experimental design, biological assays, microbiology, phycology, ecotoxicology, aquatic animal health, or related disciplines.
• Experience with molecular, genetic, environmental DNA (eDNA), bioinformatic, or other analytical approaches relevant to environmental monitoring and marine sciences.
• Knowledge of marine biosecurity, invasive species management, environmental risk assessment, or coastal resource management.
• A demonstrated interest in marine ecology, environmental change, aquatic biosecurity, harmful algal blooms or sustainable seafood systems will be viewed favourably, as will a commitment to developing a research career addressing challenges facing marine ecosystems and coastal industries.

Application process

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