PhD Project on Defining Links Between Climate Change, Marine Disease and Food Security

This PhD project will apply cutting edge approaches in molecular microbial ecology to deliver

critical new knowledge on the causes of marine pathogen outbreaks that threaten Australia’s

$1.6 billion aquaculture industry. Several members of the Vibrio genus of bacteria have been

implicated in recent mass mortality events in a number aquaculture species, as well as human

illness in consumers of seafood. However, the environmental triggers for unprecedented

outbreaks of these pathogens are unknown. By coupling a suite of sophisticated molecular

biological tools and physiological measurements, this research will resolve the role of

environmental disturbances including marine heat waves, floods and plastic pollution in

stimulating marine pathogen outbreaks, thereby informing efforts to safeguard Australia’s

marine ecosystems, as well as our nation’s food security and food safety.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be a domestic student - either Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens. To be eligible for this application, applicants must have completed a UTS recognized degree in

• MSc Research or MSc Coursework with a research thesis of at least 6 months,
• or Bachelor Honours degree with 1st Class, or 2nd Class Division 1, or division 1 honours, or an equivalent or higher qualification,
• or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate research studies.

[Selection Criteria]

- A Bachelor of Science with Honours (or equivalent), with majors in marine biology,

environmental microbiology or molecular ecology

- Demonstrated conceptual knowledge and technical experience in molecular microbial ecology

- Hands on skills in microbiological and molecular biological techniques

- Strong written and verbal communication skills

- A demonstrated capacity to work independently and as part of a team

- A high level of motivation and enthusiasm to perform both field and laboratory-based research

- Capacity to commence studies during 2024

How to apply

Applicants should send their CV, list of publications, and selection criteria to Justin Seymour (justin.seymour@uts.edu.au)

by the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be advised with further details.

Need more information? Contact...

Please contact Justin Seymour (justin.seymour@uts.edu.au) for further information.

Required

Applicants should send their CV and list of publications to contact person’s email address by the closing date. The application process is currently open and will continue to be open until the position has been filled. We highly encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. Shortlisted candidates will be advised with further details.

For further Information on application essentials please visit UTS Graduate Research applications.

Not eligible for this scholarship ?

We offer a fully funded scholarship, studentship and award at university, faculty and department level to support both Domestic and Overseas students.

For more information, visit UTS Science Faculty Research Projects or search in UTS Scholarship search tool to find out what you may be eligible for.