Fully funded PhD scholarship in Animal Behaviour and Evolutionary Ecology
Monash University’s School of Biological Sciences in Melbourne, Australia is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship in Animal Behaviour and Evolutionary Ecology. This opportunity is designed for an outstanding student interested in research across behavioural ecology, evolutionary biology, zoology, and related areas.
The scholarship is attached to a choice of project themes led by Monash researchers, including:
- Diversification and conservation of Australia’s lizards with Prof. David Chapple, focusing on species diversity, ecology, conservation status, climate change, invasives, and habitat loss.
- Why genetic variation for fitness is so high with A/Prof. Tim Connallon, involving meta-analysis and modelling of additive genetic variance, adaptation, and population viability.
- Endosymbiont interactions and evolutionary conflict with Prof. Damian Dowling, examining mitochondrial, Wolbachia, and nuclear genome interactions.
- Physiological basis of response diversity with Dr Giulia Ghedini, exploring how species physiology affects ecological community stability under global change.
- Behaviour and the spread of infectious disease with A/Prof. Matthew Hall, using Drosophila and high-throughput tracking to study infection risk and social behaviour.
- Climate adaptation in the wild with Prof. Anne Peters, using fitness, genomic SNP, and pedigree data to test evolutionary potential under climate change.
- Evolution of metabolic rate and life history with Prof. Craig White, combining meta-analysis and artificial selection to study physiological and life-history evolution.
- Wildlife behavioural responses to a changing world with Prof. Bob Wong, investigating how pollution, climate change, and invasive species reshape behaviour and evolutionary outcomes.
The scholarship package is comprehensive: full tuition for the PhD, a tax-free stipend at the Monash Graduate Research Scholarship rate (AUD 41,100 per year in 2027), Overseas Student Health Cover for international students, relocation support, conference travel allowance, and project funding for fieldwork, consumables, equipment, and analysis.
Applications are open to domestic and international candidates who have, or expect to complete, an Honours degree or a Master's degree with at least 25% research, or equivalent research training, in biology, zoology, ecology, evolutionary biology, or a closely related discipline. Applicants should have a strong academic record and good English proficiency.
To apply, complete the online form and nominate your preferred project. You will also need to provide your academic track record, a short statement explaining your interests and motivation, and the names and contact details of two referees. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the School Higher Degrees Committee.
Applications close on 15 November 2026, with the first available intake expected in early 2027.
