Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences Centre for Ecosystem Science

Postgraduate research project opportunities

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aerial view of young potted plants

Current opportunities
Person in canoe from behind in water with trees on bank
PhD Opportunity Wetland Dynamics in the Lower Balonne and Macquarie Marshes

We are looking for an interested PhD candidate to join an exciting research project focused on understanding the landscape dynamics of wetland vegetation in relation to fire, environmental flow management in the internationally important Ramsar wetlands Narran Lakes and the Macquarie Marshes. 

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Outback wetlands
Remote Sensing of Wetland and Grazing Dynamics in Gayini Wetlands

A remote‑sensing research project analysing vegetation, water regimes, and grazing dynamics across the 80,000‑ha Gayini wetlands. Using satellite imagery, Nearmap, UAVs and LiDAR, the UNSW-led team works with the Nari Nari Tribal Council and partners to track spatial and temporal ecosystem change, supported by the Biodiversity Conservation Trust.

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Past opportunities
F0HAMK Amazon River aerial, with settlements and secondary rainforest, near Iquitos, Peru
Foundations for the ecosystem conservation agenda

Ecosystems, vital to biodiversity and human wellbeing, are undergoing accelerated degradation. An ARC Industry Laureate Fellowship led by Professor David Keith will equip Australia with rigorous scientific foundations for leading the nature positive ecosystem conservation agenda.

A platypus being held in a towel
Platypus breeding
The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is one of the world’s most evolutionarily distinct mammals. Mounting evidence of local platypus population declines demands we improve conservation efforts.
Small wallaby mostly obscured by grass and dry bushland
PhD scholarship saving our species - Patch value, viability & resilience

UPDATE: CANDIDATE CHOSEN. This project aims to build the evidence base to support regulatory and investment decisions for conservation of Threatened Ecological Communities and Species.

Green tree and red rocky ground at Karijini, Australia

PhD scholarship – Mechanics of species irruptions

UPDATE: CANDIDATE CHOSEN. The PhD study will investigate the ecology of the plains mouse, origins of this irruption and reasons for the rapid expansion in populations. It will also examine the genetic links to other key populations in South Australia and Queensland.

Taronga Zoo

Conservation ecology of Greater bilby

UPDATE: CANDIDATE CHOSEN. The proposed project will investigate the movement ecology, diet, survival and reproductive success of Greater Bilby in a breeding sanctuary in Dubbo, NSW.
Smoke emerging from backburning operation

Scientia PhD scholarship - Identifying healthy burning practices

UPDATE: WITHDRAWN. The student will learn field- and lab-based skills such as plant population monitoring, on-ground vegetation surveys, assessment of fire severity and use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for post-fire monitoring.
South Australian desert

Scientia PhD scholarship - Ecosystem restoration through rewilding

UPDATE: WITHDRAWN. The Wild Deserts project will bridge the gap between the disciplines of reintroduction biology and restoration ecology by using reintroductions of locally extinct mammals into two, large predator-proof exclosures to restore ecosystems in Sturt National Park.
Platypus in water

Platypus population health and dynamics

UPDATE: CANDIDATE CHOSEN. The research project is funded for three years and will investigate the life history, behaviour and population dynamics of the platypus.
Urban fox

Tackling prey naiveté in Australia’s endangered mammals

UPDATE: CANDIDATE CHOSEN. This project will determine if predator training and selective screening of individuals for predator avoidance traits can improve reintroduction success. The results will be used to improve reintroduction protocols for threatened mammals and re-establish populations of endangered wildlife.
Close up of Peaty soil

Testate amoebae: a new biomarker of climate change and human impact

UPDATE: CANDIDATE CHOSEN. A PhD project is offered to develop testate soil amoebae to provide a new measure of the hydrological status of peatlands through time.
River in Fyshwyck viewed from air surrounded by green fields

Surface water dynamics as a function of climate and river flow data

UPDATE: CANDIDATE CHOSEN. An exciting opportunity exists for a PhD student interested in integrating spatially explicit data on climate, flow and inundation to model flooded areas as a function of flow using spatially explicit datasets in the Murray-Darling Basin.
Two red parrots flying overhead

Multisensor integration for environmental flows

UPDATE: CANDIDATE CHOSEN. An exciting opportunity exists for a PhD student interested in modelling the response of vegetation to flooding integrating multisensor satellite data (very high resolution multi-/hyperspectral and LiDAR data).
Bilby
Maximising establishment success in reintroduced populations

UPDATE: CANDIDATE CHOSEN. 

Mangroves at the beach
Response of northern Australian mangroves to climatic variability
UPDATE: CANDIDATE CHOSEN. This project seeks to use remote sensing data acquired by airborne (e.g., lidar, aerial photography), spaceborne C- and L-band radar, and optical sensors to quantify decadal changes in the extent, species composition, structure and biomass of mangroves.
UNSW platypus rewilding research program.
PhD Research - improving the resilience of platypus populations

The Platypus Conservation Initiative at the Centre for Ecosystem Science (UNSW) is seeking a passionate student for an exciting and important project in collaboration with Taronga Zoo.