Climate Resilience and Adaptation of Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bats
We are seeking two highly motivated PhD candidates for a funded research program to predict the vulnerability of Pilbara-leaf-nosed bats (PLNB) to environmental change. Candidates can apply one of either two projects:
- Predicting climate change impacts through ecophysiological approaches
- Movement ecology and variation in roost colony sizes
Predicting climate change impacts through ecophysiological approaches. This project will provide a quantifiable and predictive assessment of PLNBs to future climate change through detailed physiological experiments, integration of long-term monitoring of cave microclimates and bat activity and health, and development of mechanistic modelling with spatial data.
Movement ecology and variation in roost colony sizes. This project will look at tracking PLNB movement patterns and landscape use, identify key environmental and human-induced covariates influencing individual bat activity, and develop a robust predictive model of population dynamics to inform future conservation and operational planning.
The project includes two tax-free 3.5-year stipends to support the selected candidates. Both candidates will be based in the School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences (ECS). ECS works closely with government, industry, NGOs, and Traditional Owners, and maintains a strong, supportive research culture for staff and higher-degree students.
The candidates will also be affiliated with the Harry Butler Institute Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability (TESS), where researchers collaborate with community and industry partners to advance sustainable, biodiverse ecosystems. TESS includes 17 academic staff and over 100 HDR students committed to rigorous science underpinning biodiversity conservation.
Eligibility
Applicants must be full time and meet the admission requirements of the required HDR degree to be eligible (first or upper second-class Honours degree, Masters degree by research, or equivalent).
Applicants must possess a First Class Honours degree, H2A (or equivalent) or a Masters with a significant thesis component.
International candidates must satisfy the International Tuition Fee Scholarship award criteria to offset the international tuition fees (Contact GRO for more detail).
The successful applicant should:
- Hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) Research Master's degree, or (iii) an equivalent overseas qualification.
- Have a background in either movement ecology or physiological experiments (pending research interest), and strong analytical and quantitative skills.
- Have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Hold a current driver's licence (required for undertaking fieldwork).
- Be willing to work remotely in the hot and humid conditions of the Western Australian Pilbara region
- Meet medical clearance requirements and complete all necessary inductions to undertake fieldwork on mining tenure.
- For international candidates, an international English Language Test score of minimum 6.5 (Proficiency test Standard requirements)
How to Apply
Compile the required documents and submit your application to Dr Nicholas Wu (nicholas.wu@murdoch.edu.au) with the subject heading “PLNB PhD Project – First and Last Name”.
Required Documents
The application should include the following documents:
- an up-to-date curriculum vitae with two referees;
- a transcript for your academic qualifications;
- a one-page document that outlines your research experience and interest related to the project (including the selection criteria), a research proposal around their theme of interest (choose one to focus on), and a description of career goals and motivation for a PhD program.
Payment Method
The scholarship provides a stipend (tax-free) $37,000 AUD per year.