Love working in wild and remote Australia?  

Would you like to understand and improve the conservation of threatened arid flora and fauna? 

We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate Ph.D. candidates for the Greenspots Project. The Greenspots Project examines the importance of mesic refuge areas (Greenspots) for biodiversity in arid NSW and increases knowledge about threatened species distributions and habitat associations, many of which are data deficient. The Greenspots Project is funded by the NSW Government’s Saving Our Species Program. It is a collaboration between the NSW Department of Planning and Environment and Sydney University with close affiliations with industry partners (e.g. the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust and Western Local Land Services). The project focuses on the arid landscapes of far western NSW where field work will be required.

Candidates will be supervised by Dr Aaron Greenville and Professor Chris Dickman (Sydney University) with additional supervision and/or mentoring by DPE Scientists, Dr Rebecca Montague-Drake, Dr Krystyna Jordan, Dr James Val and Dr Natasha Robinson. While a set level of funding will be provided to cover field expenses, candidates will be expected to secure an RTP Scholarship to cover their personal living costs. Further top-ups/grants may also be sought. Several smaller-scale (primarily desk-top) research projects are also available which are suitable for Honours projects or one-year Masters.

Desired background and skills:

• Ecology – general knowledge of survey design methods
• Data analysis using R
• Willingness to conduct field work in remote areas
• Driving licence

Opportunities for learning skills on the project:

• Training in the ecology of mammals and reptiles
• Working with industry partners in applied ecological research
• Experience in publishing and communicating the outcomes of research to a variety of audiences
• Opportunity to develop your own ideas for research

To register your interest or find out more, contact Dr Aaron Greenville. Applications are now open for projects commencing in early 2023. Applications close: 22/02/2023

Download brochure

Post-graduate application information.

Domestic student scholarship RTP information.

International student scholarship information.