Revealing the distribution and ecology of Tasmania’s elusive burrowing crayfish

About the research project

Tasmania supports a diverse assemblage of burrowing crayfish, including numerous species with restricted geographic ranges and specialised habitat requirements. Their predominantly subterranean habits make these species difficult to survey and have limited knowledge of their distributions and ecology. In many locations, their occurrence is inferred from burrow entrances, without direct observation or reliable species identification.

This PhD project will examine the distribution, detection and ecology of Tasmania’s burrowing crayfish. The first research component will evaluate the factors shaping species distributions. Historical occurrence records will be combined with spatial environmental data, including measures of climate, terrain, substrate and hydrology where available, to identify factors associated with species occurrence and estimate potential distribution. Species distribution models will then be used to estimate potential ranges, identify possible distributional boundaries, and direct surveys towards poorly sampled regions. The performance of conventional and more advanced modelling approaches will be compared where the quantity and quality of available records permit.

The second component will develop environmental DNA methods for detecting burrowing crayfish. DNA recovery will be evaluated using material collected from burrows, including water, sediment and freshly deposited ejecta. Laboratory and field validation will determine detection sensitivity, species specificity and the influence of environmental conditions on DNA recovery.

The third component will investigate the ecological requirements and trophic relationships of burrowing crayfish. Field studies will examine associations with soil properties, waterlogging, vegetation, burrow structure. and other relevant environmental conditions. Stable-isotope analyses will be used to determine the principal sources of production supporting crayfish populations. This may include compound-specific carbon-isotope analysis of amino acids to distinguish dietary sources that cannot be resolved adequately through gut-content analysis or bulk stable isotopes.

Together, these research components will provide an integrated understanding of the occurrence and ecological functioning of Tasmania’s burrowing crayfish. The project will also establish improved methods for surveying these cryptic species and provide an evidence base for their future study, monitoring, and conservation.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Jia Huan Liew

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 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.
• Applicants must have been awarded (or shortly be awarded) a First Class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in ecology, biology, environmental science or related disciplines.
• 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:

• Honours or Masters degree in a relevant field, such as ecology, biology, or environmental sciences.
• Strong research and analytical skills (including familiarity with the R coding language, or similar).
• Ability to think critically and conceptually about complex conservation issues.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork independently.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of stakeholders.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills.
• Experience with spatial analysis, GIS and/or species distribution modelling.
• Experience in molecular ecology, including DNA extraction, PCR, DNA sequencing, and/or sequence data analysis.
• Current driver’s license.

Application process

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