Curtin University
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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
CSIRO Industry PhD Program opportunity; the post is presented as a scholarship opportunity, but no stipend amount, tuition coverage, or other financial details are stated in the post.
Deadline
Oct 22, 2026
Country
Australia
University
Curtin University
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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
CSIRO Industry PhD Program opportunity; the post is presented as a scholarship opportunity, but no stipend amount, tuition coverage, or other financial details are stated in the post.
What's required
Applicants should have a 1st class Honours degree or MSc equivalent in ecology, molecular ecology, conservation biology, environmental genomics, or a related field. Essential experience includes lab protocols such as DNA extraction, PCR, library preparation, and bioinformatics analysis in R or Python. Strong written and verbal communication skills, stakeholder engagement ability, and a collaborative mindset are required. Desirable skills include field sampling design, GIS, and data visualisation.
How to apply
Apply through the Curtin HDR project page linked in the post. Review the project details and submit an application before the closing date of 22/10/26.
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