https://unisc-cp.enquire.cloud/round/RND-0000049/894 Measuring success of management strategies of a threatened species, koalas, in highly anthropogenic landscapes Complete your PhD on in the areas of conservation genetics, conservation management, landscape ecology, disease (chlamydia), koalas Open for application 27/5/2025 9:00 AM Applications Close 13/6/2025 11:55 PM Summary of the project The team at Detection Dogs for Conservation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia is looking for a wildlife passionate, conservation minded, kind and dedicated PhD candidate to join us for a fully funded project. The ideal candidate would have a strong interest in statistics and genetics ; and enjoy doing field work in urban/semi urban areas (not remote) in Redlands Coast, Australia. Summary of Position Activities within the position include: - Working within the Detection Dogs for Conservation team at the University of the Sunshine Coast (Sippy Downs Campus), a team of ~ 15 with other students and staff - Going in the field to lead weekly koala tracking and scat collection, and assist (drone) or lead (dog) surveys using detection dogs and/or drones, of a population with almost 10 years of long term monitoring data - Engaging the community with new technology and tools for conservation management such as Bluetooth solar-powered ear tags - Doing molecular analyses of non-invasive scat samples - Statistical analyses eg genetics, wildlife hospital data sets - Exploring the field of measuring conservation management success: (How) can we quantify and qualify the success of conservation management strategies? Possible research chapters include, but are not exclusive to: What measures are available to monitor koalas conservation status? (focusing on genetic methods, and looking at repeats, sample size, certainty, precision) How well can we measure ecological impact currently - including public datasets (hospital data, citizen science); comparison between ecological field / hospital data? How can citizen help monitoring koalas? Ideal Candidate Is self motivated has a background in fields of / similar to / including some of: genetics, ecology, zoology, biology, veterinary science has a scientific mindset, adheres to our values of inclusivity, kindness, compassion and equity, and Is competitive, e.g., Honours first class, publication(s), etc. Inclusions & Eligibility Stipend of $35 482 per annum - paid in fortnightly instalments. Tax Free for full time students Tuition offset scholarship $28 000 per annum $2 000 Allowance for relocation per scholarship conditions Support is for 3 years to align with thesis submission (possible extension in line with relevant policies and procedures) Include in your application CV Academic Transcripts Two potential referees short cover letter The preferred candidate will be invited to apply for PhD program at UniSC and must meet entry requirements to be formally offered scholarship. For more information For additional questions contact Romane and Katrin on DDC@usc.edu.au Social Media links Facebook - Detection Dogs For Conservation Instagram - Detection Dogs for Conservation More Information on the UniSC website: Detection Dogs for Conservation (University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia) Dr. Katrin Hohwieler (she/her) Conservation Scientist 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs 4556 m: 0435 350132 | e: khohwie1@usc.edu.au Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of the Sunshine Coast Please note: I only work Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Please be patient if I don't respond immediately. Katrin Hohwieler (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)