Location: Edith Cowan University, Perth, West Australia
Salary: $35,000
Application Due Date: 5/9/2025
An exciting opportunity exists for a PhD project on the fire ecology of threatened mammals in south-western Australia. The project is part of a new strategic collaboration between the School of Science at Edith Cowan University and the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
A core component of the project will be to assess the effects of fire management on threatened mammals in the southern jarrah forest, including chuditch, woylies, bandicoots and many other species. The field components will take place in the Upper Warren region, which is nationally significant for retaining original populations of many species that have been extirpated elsewhere. The student will also be supported to develop complementary research components related to fire regimes, threatened species ecology, habitat dynamics or other relevant topics.
The project includes a $35k p.a. (tax-free) stipend and will be supervised by A/Prof Rob Davis (ECU) and Dr Tim Doherty (DBCA). The applicant must meet the entry requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy program to ECU https://www.ecu.edu.au/degrees/courses/doctor-of-philosophy. A mid-year 2025 start is preferred.
The project is suited to someone who is physically fit, enjoys conducting fieldwork and is eager to develop their skills in quantitative ecology and scientific writing. The successful applicant will be highly motivated, have good organizational and communication skills, and have an excellent academic record. A driver's license is essential.
The student will be affiliated with the Conservation and Biodiversity Research Centre in the School of Science at ECU and will benefit from a supportive team of supervisors, collaborating directly with industry, and having access to existing data and extensive equipment for their research.
