PhD opportunity: detecting and deterring predators to protect threatened birds

A PhD opportunity in applied behavioural ecology is available for an independent and self-motivated Australian domestic postgraduate student with a 1st Class Honours degree in Biological Sciences. Projects will be supported and hosted by the Centre for Ecosystem Science (CES), School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, in collaboration with Taronga Conservation Society Australia. Field work will occur in and around Capertee National Park and surrounding areas and contribute towards the protection of nesting critically endangered Regent Honeyeaters and the non-lethal management of their native mammalian predators.

Objective:

The proposed study will develop acoustic detectors for a range of mammalian predators - such as sugar and squirrel gliders – that predate native Australian birds. The project will also implement and assess the effectiveness of acoustic deterrents, particularly ultrasonic sounds, to deter mammalian predators such as sugar gliders, as a potential tool to protect the nests of threatened species. It will also determine predator presence abundances, informing release site selection for threatened species.

Application Details:

We are seeking applicants with a demonstrated ability to work safely and independently in remote field settings. The successful candidate(s) will be highly self-motivated and detail oriented. Relevant previous experience includes general ecological field work, acoustic monitoring and/or analysis, camera-trapping, wildlife tracking and monitoring, behavioural observation, and the ability to produce publication quality scientific writing, but extensive prior experience is not expected. Successful applicants are expected to work and communicate effectively with local managers, traditional owners, and the broader community.

Please send an Expression of Interest to Dr Joy Tripovich (joy.tripovich@unsw.edu.au) consisting of an updated CV/resume and a brief cover letter explaining 1) your interest in the project and 2) your suitability and relevant experience and on or before 25^th November 2024. Informal interviews will be arranged shortly after this, and the successful candidate will be required to submit a formal postgraduate study application to UNSW by no later than 17^th January 2025, and to commence the work in Term 2 2025 if successful. The preferred candidate(s) will be an Australian domestic student and will need to acquire a PhD stipend through the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) or an equivalent award to take up the project. Funding support for fieldwork is provided.

UNSW supervisors: Dr Joy Tripovich (UNSW/Taronga Conservation Society), Dr Neil Jordan (UNSW/Taronga Conservation Society).

Other supervisors: Dr Ben Pitcher (Macquarie University/Taronga Conservation Society) and Dr Brad Law (Department of Primary Industries)