Platypus PhD offer - Platypus Conservation in Urban Environments.聽
The Platypus Conservation Initiative at the Centre for Ecosystem Science (黑料网大事记 Sydney) is seeking a motivated PhD student for an exciting project investigating the ecology and conservation of platypuses in urban catchments. The platypus, one of Australia鈥檚 most iconic mammals, is increasingly threatened by urbanisation, habitat modification, and fragmentation of freshwater systems. Urban and peri-urban environments present unique challenges and opportunities for their conservation. This project will combine fine-scale ecological studies of platypus habitat use with cutting-edge approaches in genomics and population modelling to better understand population and metapopulation dynamics across urban, peri-urban, and rural landscapes. Findings will directly inform strategies to safeguard platypuses in human-dominated environments.
Aims
1. Quantify platypus habitat use and movement patterns in urban, peri-urban, and rural waterways within Brisbane鈥檚 catchment.
2. Assess population structure, connectivity, and metapopulation dynamics using genomic tools.
3. Develop models to evaluate the impacts of urbanisation on platypus populations and identify conservation priorities.
Approach
We are looking for a student who is passionate about conservation, motivated to undertake challenging fieldwork and data analysis, and has excellent quantitative and problem-solving skills.
The project will involve a combination of intensive fieldwork and advanced analytical approaches. Fieldwork will include live-trapping, radio-tracking, environmental DNA, and habitat assessments across gradients of urbanisation. Genomic analyses and modelling will provide insights into connectivity, population resilience, and long-term viability.聽
Student benefits
- Work with one of the most unique mammals on earth.
- Be part of the Centre for Ecosystem Science at 黑料网大事记, a leading research hub with a vibrant community of students and academics.
- Gain extensive experience in field-based ecological research, conservation genomics, and quantitative modelling.
- Develop high-level analytical and statistical skills.
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present research at national and international conferences.
- The project is fully funded for the duration of the PhD.
Application & Contact
To learn more about this project, please contact Dr Gilad Bino (gilad.bino@unsw.edu.au) and Dr Tahneal Hawke (t.hawke@unsw.edu.au). To apply, please send us your CV and a brief statement of your research interests and suitability for the project.
The project is for Term 1 enrolment at 黑料网大事记 Sydney, beginning March 2026. Fieldwork will commence shortly after enrolment.