Publisher
source

Curtin University

CSIRO Industry PhD Program

PhD in tracking biodiversity shifts with environmental DNA (eDNA) Curtin University in Australia

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Ecology

Funding

Full funding available

Deadline

Oct 22, 2026

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Country

Australia

University

Curtin University

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Keywords

Ecology
Environmental Science
Biology
Conservation Biology
Python Programming
Data Visualization
Ancient Dna
Molecular Ecology
Environmental Dna
Bioinformatic

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About this position

Project title: Time matters: tracking biodiversity shifts with eDNA.

This CSIRO Industry PhD project uses environmental DNA (eDNA) to reconstruct historical changes in animal communities over decadal timescales. The student will analyse eDNA preserved in soils and sediments to move beyond present-day presence/absence surveys and build time-resolved reconstructions of faunal change.

The project sits at the intersection of ecology, molecular ecology, conservation biology, and environmental genomics, with strong links to ancient DNA methods and bioinformatics. It aims to address a major gap in Australian nature conservation by improving evidence for ecosystem health, restoration planning, species translocations, and reintroductions.

Supervision is shared across Curtin University, CSIRO, and Perth Zoo. Supervisors listed are Morten Allentoft (Curtin University), Katrina West (CSIRO), and Harriet Mills (Perth Zoo). The primary student location is Curtin University in Bentley, Western Australia, with industry engagement at Perth Zoo and additional work at CSIRO in Crawley, WA.

Eligibility highlights include a 1st class Honours degree or MSc equivalent in ecology, molecular ecology, conservation biology, environmental genomics, or a related field. Applicants should have experience with DNA extraction, PCR, library preparation, and bioinformatics in R or Python. Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative skills are also expected; GIS, field sampling design, and data visualisation are desirable.

This is a scholarship-style PhD opportunity under the CSIRO Industry PhD Program. The post does not state stipend or tuition details. Application close date: 22 October 2026. Apply via the Curtin HDR project page linked in the post.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

More information can be found here

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