THE ROLE OF REWILDING IN RESTORATION: INVERTEBRATE BIODIVERSITY AND ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS

The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is offering a research scholarship to a highly motivated PhD candidate to work on a project focussed on the role of rewilding in restoring invertebrate communities and their associated ecological functions. Australia’s ecosystems are heavily impacted by invasions from introduced carnivores, herbivores and the loss of native vertebrates. The removal of introduced species and reintroduction of native fauna – referred to as rewilding – are being implemented as strategies for ecosystem restoration. Despite this, there is limited knowledge of how invertebrate fauna and their associated ecosystem functions are impacted by rewilding. Understanding this is critical for determining rewilding success and exploring the role of ecological interactions in regulating ecosystem functions.

The overall aim of the project is to assess how the rewilding of carnivorous and insectivorous mammals alters the invertebrate communities, with a strong focus on both macro- and micro-invertebrates. The student will be given opportunities to explore direct impacts on invertebrates through field observations and further develop experimental manipulations to test changes in fundamental ecosystem functions, such as herbivory, seed dispersal and predation, litter decomposition, nutrient cycling across arid and mesic ecosystems in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The student will also have access to extensive monitoring data collected by the rewilding program.

The project will be based at the HIE with the opportunity to work closely with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s (DPE) National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Restoration Science Team, an expert team of terrestrial ecologists within DPE’s Science Economics and Insights Division.  The HIE is a research institute within Western Sydney University that has rapidly become a research leader in demonstrating the importance of biodiversity to functional ecosystems and has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality research. The project is co-funded by Western Sydney University and DPE.

What does the scholarship provide?

• Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $31,500(AUD) per annum for up to 3.5 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
• International candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $31,500(AUD) per annum for up to 3.5 years to support living costs. Those with a strong track record may be eligible for a tuition fee waiver.
• International candidates are required to hold an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance policy for the duration of their study in Australia. This cost is covered by the scholarship.
• Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by the Institute.

Eligibility criteria

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystem functions. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in restoration, invertebrate ecology and trophic interactions.

The successful applicant should:

• Hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Master’s degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to invertebrate ecology and invertebrate biology.
• Have an understanding of the importance of trophic interactions and their role in promoting functional ecosystems.
• Be willing to learn analytical techniques for identifying invertebrates and analysing shifts in invertebrate communities.
• Be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.

How to apply

Complete the application via the link : The role of rewilding in restoration: invertebrate biodiversity and ecological functions │ Western Sydney University

Follow the step-by-step instructions on the how to apply for a project scholarship

• Note: You do not need to complete 'Step 5: Submit an online application for admission' when applying for this scholarship. You must complete 'Step 6: Submit an online application for a project scholarship'.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.

For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the Lead Researcher: Associate Professor Uffe Nielsen: [Email Address Removed]

Applications close 30 September 2023

*Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).