HDR projects with RTP scholarships

Project Title: CSIRO iPhD scholarship: Welfare and behaviour implications of virtual fencing in northern beef cow-calf systems

4 years, Full-time appointment

Multiple locations including Darwin/ Brisbane/ Alice Springs/ Sydney

Domestic Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend

$47,000/year

About the Opportunity:

While virtual fencing technology has proven effective in managing grazing and land use when all animals wear neckbands, its application in cow-calf systems is limited, as calves cannot wear neckbands before weaning due to their rapid growth, the high labour demands for fitting, and mismothering risk if cows and calves are disturbed. However, for most northern Australian beef properties, grazing areas are large, cow-calf systems are common, and calves remain with their mothers until weaning, presenting challenges for implementation of the technology in these systems. Research on how non-fenced calves influence cow behaviour, fence efficacy and welfare for both cow and calf is lacking, creating uncertainty for northern beef producers considering tech adoption. Furthermore, the lack of peer-reviewed evidence on welfare impacts in cow-calf systems could lead to regulatory restrictions on virtual fencing in these contexts. This project therefore addresses the challenges of implementing virtual fencing in northern Australian cow-calf systems. This research is significant as it will provide some of the first peer-reviewed evidence on the efficacy and welfare implications of virtual fencing in cow-calf systems. Understanding its impact on cow and calf behaviour will help determine whether the technology can be adopted in northern Australia. The findings will inform best practices, support regulatory decision-making, and offer insights for producers seeking sustainable land management solutions. By addressing knowledge gaps, this project has the potential to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve environmental outcomes in northern Australian beef production.

Visit: https://www.cdu.edu.au/rina/sustainable-pastoral-systems

About You:

• Australian/New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident
• A research background (Honours or Masters) in agriculture, animal science, veterinary science or similar
• Hold an Australian driving license or the capacity to obtain one
• Would ideally be based or willing to relocate to Darwin or Katherine, other locations possible by negotiation

Desirable Criteria:

• Cattle handling skills

How to Apply:

• A curriculum vitae, including a list of any peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and relevant work and/or research experience
• A brief statement not exceeding 500-words in length that explains why you are interested in this research project/area

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send an expression of interest and a CV to Professor Beth Penrose at beth.penrose@cdu.edu.au. For more information, please contact Beth on 0436 839 662.

Note: The supervisor will invite applicants who pass the expression of interest stage to submit scholarship applications before closing date. Please do not submit any applications unless you are invited by the supervisor.

Project Title: PhD Opportunity: CSIRO iPhD Strategic silage use for productivity and sustainability and drought resilience for Northern Territory beef systems

4 years, Full-time appointment

Multiple locations including Darwin/ Brisbane/ Alice Springs/ Sydney

CSIRO RTP + Industry top up

$47,000/year

About the Opportunity:

Beef producers in the NT primarily rely on rainfed native pastures for the nutritional needs of their cattle. During extended periods of low rainfall, producers frequently do not have enough feed to provide adequate nutrition for all their animals and often must sell their livestock into a saturated market, receiving low returns that sometimes fail to even cover transportation costs. Increasingly, NT beef producers are seeking improved feedbase opportunities to maintain better production, but silage production and forage conservation has remained low compared to the potential across the region. Little information exists to support these northern producers to make decisions around optimising silage use on-farm; when the dry season begins and pasture availability declines, which class of cattle should be prioritised for silage feeding to maximise economic and herd viability outcomes? This project will work with CSIRO, Lallemand Australia and CDU to combine feeding trials on commercial properties in the NT with economic and sustainability modelling to develop economically- and sustainability-optimised silage feeding strategies to improve beef production and climate resilience. The outcomes will provide Northern Territory cattle producers with clear, evidence-based guidance on how to best utilise silage to survive and recover from drought. The successful candidate will influence decisions affecting millions of cattle across Northern Australia.

Visit: https://research.csiro.au/iphd-opportunities/strategic-silage-use-for-productivity-and-sustainability-in-northern-territory-beef-systems/

About You:

• Honours, MSc or equivalent containing a substantial research component in a relevant field such as agriculture, animal science, economics/business or similar field
• Livestock handling skills
• Must meet the RTP stipend requirements, including being either an Australian permanent resident or citizen, or a New Zealand citizen, with intention to be a domestic student
• Understanding of nutritional requirements of beef cattle

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in livestock and/or sustainability modelling
• Experience with animal trials

How to Apply:

• A curriculum vitae, including a list of any peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and relevant work and/or research experience
• A brief statement not exceeding 500-words in length that explains why you are interested in this research project/area

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send an expression of interest and a CV to Professor Beth Penrose at beth.penrose@cdu.edu.au. For more information, please contact Beth on 0436 839 662.

Project Title: PhD scholarship opportunity in Insects as Recorders of Biodiversity and Reservoirs of Disease: Using metagenomics to study wildlife and disease risk on northern Australian islands

3 years full-time appointment

Darwin

Domestic Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend

$34,190 per year - 44,190 per year

About the Opportunity:

Charles Darwin University has a scholarship available for an exciting PhD project aligned with two distinctive research programs on the biosecurity of northern Australia and the biodiversity of offshore islands. The PhD will use cutting-edge genetic tools to analyse insect blood meals as a novel way to uncover hidden patterns of biodiversity and track potential disease risks in northern Australia. By identifying the animals that insects feed on, you will gain unique insights into the presence and movements of wildlife across diverse landscapes, while also monitoring vectors that may carry pathogens affecting people, livestock, and ecosystems. The project offers the opportunity to develop advanced skills in molecular ecology, bioinformatics, and field ecology, while contributing directly to biodiversity conservation and biosecurity. This PhD project is based at Charles Darwin University and will work closely with partners on an ARC-funded project on the biodiversity of the Northern Territory's offshore island estate, including remote communities, ranger groups and Land Councils. You will help pioneer approaches that integrate biodiversity discovery with disease surveillance, building knowledge critical for safeguarding northern Australia’s unique environment and communities.

About You:

• First-Class Honours or equivalent in Molecular Biology, Ecology, Genetics, or a related field
• Strong skills in molecular laboratory methods (e.g. DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, sequencing library preparation)
• Willingness to participate in extended periods of remote fieldwork
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Desirable Criteria:

• At least one publication in a recognised peer-reviewed journal
• Background in entomology, wildlife ecology, or vector biology
• Experience with bioinformatics or willingness to learn (metabarcoding, sequence analysis, data management)
• Experience with remote fieldwork

How to Apply:

• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability (max two pages)
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of any peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and relevant work and/or research experience

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send an expression of interest and a CV to Professor Maxine Piggott at maxine.piggott@cdu.edu.au. For more information, please contact Maxine on 08 8946 6763.

PhD scholarship opportunity in terrestrial ecology and conservation biology of the Northern Territory's Island estate

3 years full-time appointment

Darwin

Domestic Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend

$34,190 per year

About the Opportunity:

We have a domestic RTP scholarship available for a PhD scholar to work on an ARC-funded project on the biodiversity of the Northern Territory's offshore island estate. The project is led by Charles Darwin University in collaboration with the Northern Land Council, Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation, Tiwi Resources and the Northern Territory Government Department of Land, Planning and Environment. There is scope for the successful applicant to codevelop a PhD research project on terrestrial biodiversity, threatening processes, local community priorities and values. The project will be developed and conducted in close collaboration with community-based ranger groups. The PhD project will be based at Charles Darwin University's Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods (www.cdu.edu.au/riel) with the supervisory panel including Sam Banks, Teigan Cremona, Brett Murphy, Sarah Legge and Alex Kutt.

Visit: www.cdu.edu.au/riel

About You:

• First-Class Honours or equivalent in Biology
• Experience working with First Nations remote communities and ranger groups
• Experience with remote fieldwork
• Experience with terrestrial fauna surveys
• Willingness to participate in extended periods of remote fieldwork

Desirable Criteria:

• At least one publication in a recognised peer-reviewed journal
• Experience in the management and analysis of biodiversity data

How to Apply:

• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability (max two pages)
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of any peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and relevant work and/or research experience
• A brief statement not exceeding 500-words in length that explains why you are interested in this research project/area

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send an expression of interest and a CV to Professor Sam banks at sam.banks@cdu.edu.au. For more information, please contact Sam on 08 8946 7166.

Note: The supervisor will invite applicants who pass the expression of interest stage to submit scholarship applications before closing date. Please do not submit any applications unless you are invited by the supervisor.

Project Title: PhD scholarship in elucidating diet composition to improve greenhouse gas emission estimates for cattle in the northern Australia rangelands

3 years full-time appointment

Multiple locations including Darwin/ Brisbane/ Alice Springs/ Sydney

Domestic Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend

$34,190 - $44,190 per year

About the Opportunity:

Native pastures of northern Australia are botanically diverse, supporting hundreds of species of grasses, forbs, trees and shrubs. Species have different nutritive value, digestibility and some have anti-methanogenic properties. Current carrying capacity methodology assumes cattle eat only the herbaceous layer of vegetation including grasses and forbs, but in many environments, such as in Central Australia and the Victoria River District, trees and shrubs are known to contribute a significant component of the diet through browse. However, which species they are eating and under what conditions is not well known. Current methods used to assess non-grass dietary components are of limited use in detecting browse in northern Australia. This PhD is part of a larger Zero Net Emissions Agriculture CRC project -Low Methane Feedbase Program- which aims to quantify the anti-methanogenic properties of northern Australian vegetation, but this information will be of limited applicability without knowing how these species currently contribute to cattle diets across northern Australia. Greenhouse gas emission estimates cannot be truly representative for the system without this. This PhD will use field collected data, including faecal environmental DNA, to understand the contribution of different plant species in the diets of cattle in northern Australia. The student will then use these data along with anti-methanogenic compound concentrations and nutritional value data to test current greenhouse gas estimates for Australia’s north. This PhD is an excellent opportunity to work closely with government and Industry partners including researchers from the Northern Territory Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. The student will ideally be based in Darwin or Alice Springs, but there is some flexibility in their location.

Visit: Sustainable pastoral systems | Charles Darwin University

For more information, please email beth.penrose@cdu.edu.au or phone 0436 839 662.

About You:

• Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident
• First Class Honours or Masters degree containing a substantial research component in a relevant field such as agriculture, environmental science or similar
• Australian driving license or the capacity to easily get one
• Experience collecting field samples
• Ability and willingness to travel to regional and remote locations

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience with molecular techniques and/or environmental DNA analysis
• Modelling experience using greenhouse gas, crop or animal models
• Publications, e.g. research reports, journal publications

How to Apply:

• A curriculum vitae, including a list of any peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and relevant work and/or research experience
• A brief statement not exceeding 500-words in length that explains why you are interested in this research project/area

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send an expression of interest (500 word maximum) and a CV to Associate Professor Beth Penrose (beth.penrose@cdu.edu.au) by 11 September. 

For more information, please email Beth or contact her on 0436 839 662

Application Deadline: 11 September 2025

Note: The supervisor will invite applicants who pass the expression of interest stage to submit scholarship applications before closing date. Please do not submit any applications unless you are invited by the supervisor.

3 years full-time appointment

Darwin connection preferred, but writer can conceivably be located anywhere

Attached to ARC Discovery Project grant

‘Up to’ $76,402 per year

About the opportunity:

This is an exciting opportunity to join an ARC Discovery Project, ‘Re-Mapping the Lost Literary Capital: Darwin/Larrakia Nation’, to produce a new creative work that utilises Darwin/Larrakia Nation as a location. The broader project to which this PhD is attached yokes together the scores of novels, plays, short stories, poems, and genre fiction titles that have portrayed Darwin from Federation to the present. In so doing, it aims to pull Darwin from the literary void it has sat in for much of the twentieth century and restore it to the national imaginary. 

The attached PhD creative writing project provides the opportunity for an experienced First Nations writer or storyteller to add contemporary content to the archive by contributing a new full length creative work – e.g. novella, full length play, short story or poetry collection, or an alternative form of the candidate’s experience in storytelling – that takes Darwin/Larrakia Nation as its setting in whole or in part. There will be opportunities to become actively involved in the other range of community activities associated with the Discovery Project. These might include presenting at relevant conferences, contributing short fiction to Borderlands magazine, guest lectures and/or yarning circles at CDU and major NT arts festivals, and online exhibitions at NT Library and Archives.

About you:

• First-Class Honours or equivalent - The First-Class Honours equivalent criterion can include published critical writing and/or an industry experience.
• The applicant should have an established track record in the chosen literary form of their project and be able to demonstrate publications or professional performances in that field.
• Being willing to live and work in Darwin is not essential but would be an advantage.
• At least one publication in a recognised peer-reviewed journal. Publication in recognised industry literary journals and/or literary/theatrical publishing houses

How to apply 

• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability (max two pages)
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of any peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and relevant work and/or research experience
• A brief statement not exceeding 500-words in length that explains why you are interested in this research project/area

To assist with the cover letter and brief statement, the folllowing information may be of assistance:

The student will be encouraged to explore strategies for activating location and culture in the creative text in a form, genre and style of their own choosing. This could involve speaking back to existing and/or archival works already written about Darwin/Larrakia Nation, or generating new texts that reflect the author’s cultural experience and relationship with the northern capital. The student would be welcomed to consult with local Larrakia elders to incorporate translations of Larrakia language into the storytelling project if this was appropriate to its realisation, but is also free to work imaginatively from within their own areas of interest and expertise. The student is also welcome to adapt or reinvent genre – for instance, crime fiction, historical fiction – into their own contemporary First Nations voice.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send an expression of interest and a CV to Associate Professor Adelle Sefton-Rowston (adelle.sefton-rowston@cdu.edu.au) or contact her at: (08)89466753.

3 years full-time 

A minimum of $44,190 per annum up to $50,000 per annum

Darwin

About the project:

This project will improve NT food security and agribusiness stability, addressing key knowledge gaps. It will reveal value-add opportunities for NT food producers and encourage localised manufacturing.

NT agribusinesses are predominantly commodity producers vulnerable to fluctuating market conditions. Producers across NT food categories demand value-add opportunity, but Australia’s centralised food system and localised production barriers mean the NT has limited local food processing capability. Many regions, e.g. Tasmania and New Zealand, achieve commercial success for locally manufactured food products with place of origin at the heart of brand strategy. A prior scoping study revealed @30 location specific characteristics/values associated with NT foods that could be leveraged in marketing. This PhD provides the more robust, systematic investigation required to inform NT provenance/geographic brand strategies to impart the critical NT selling propositions to justify the premium prices needed for covering the higher cost of localised manufacture.

Aims

This PhD aims to address longstanding barriers to sustainable localised NT food manufacture and support NT agribusiness by informing brand strategies for horticulture, seafood, meat, and bushfoods. Despite several prior market studies demonstrating the economic viability of local processing (e.g. 2020 KPMG seafood study), attempts to support local production have failed (e.g. $100+ million NT abattoir opened in 2014, mothballed after four years). The prior NAFTI project (CDU-DITT- CSIRO collaboration) revealed these prior studies had failed to identify effective commercialisation roadmaps for the locally manufactured products. Hence, this PhD.

Specifically, this project will:

• Produce a typology of NT food provenance/geographic branding dimensions,
• Evaluate the importance of the brand dimensions to different food categories and market segments
• Develop brand strategy and marketing plans for a product from each NT food category. These plans will serve as examples in competitive advantage and positioning for local producers/manufacturers.

Design

Phase 1 – Literature review to Inform PhD knowledge contribution, objectives, method

• Localised production barriers, brand strategy, food provenance, geographic branding, etc.

Phase 2 – Stakeholder interviews

• Evaluating barriers to NT food / manufacture, food provenance and geographic branding dimensions, and the importance of dimensions across NT food types and market segments
• Key NT food industry experts – primary producers, advisors, retailers, etc. Depth interviews n=@50 (group/individual, face-to-face/online) – thematic analysis
• Consumer key segments domestic and international. Online survey n=@600 – multivariate analysis

Phase 3 – Food category analyses and retail audit

• To inform marketing and brand positioning strategies used in specific product categories and the brand strategy/marketing mix development for a range NT food products.
• Analysing trade figures and commercial market research food category reports (Euromonitor, IBIS).
• Supermarket website and other channel audits (Brand SKU price, pack size, promotion).

Scholarship Details 

The successful applicant will receive a Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship of a minimum $44,190 per annum up to $50,000 per annum and a 3-month industry internship opportunity. For further information on the RTP Scholarship conditions, please visit Higher Degree by Research Scholarships at CDU. 

Eligibility

 The successful applicant must: 

• be an Australian Citizen, an Australian Permanent Resident; or a New Zealand Citizen
• meet the PhD course entry requirements at CDU outlined here. 

Benefits to you:

• Generous stipend and support for project costs.
• Innovative Research: Explore cutting-edge methods
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside experienced researchers and professionals, in local government and industry.
• Impactful Outcomes: Your findings will directly influence business and sectors practices.
• Professional Growth: Develop a comprehensive understanding of business, branding and marketing practice and related research methodologies.
• Gain valuable experience and contribute to meaningful advancements in Australia's important food industry in the Nothern Territory.
• Access to Student Support Services and Wellbeing Support Program.
• Work with a University committed to changing people's lives for the better through training, education and research.

About you:

• You’ll be excited to live and work in Darwin
• Analytical Skills: Ability to work with qualitative and quantitative data.
• Attention to Detail: Precision in observing and recording animal behaviours.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with how market and customer information inform business and marketing strategy.
• Problem-Solving: Capability to troubleshoot and adapt research design.
• Communication: Clear reporting and teamwork skills for effective collaboration coupled with an ability to work independently when needed.
• Passion for Research: Enthusiasm for contributing to business practices through research.

Essential selection criteria:

• An Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen (*International applicants may be eligible under certain circumstances - please contact Professor Steven Greenland for more details)

• Relevant academic qualification, e.g. in Business, Marketing, or Management, such as:

  - First-class Honours degree (or international equivalent*) with a substantial research component (at least one semester        full-time equivalent*), such as a thesis, and a result of second-class honours division A (2A) or above.

  - A Master by Research (100% research)

  - An Australian coursework Master’s (or international equivalent*) with a substantial research component (at least one          semester full-time equivalent*), such as a thesis, and a result of distinction or above

• Publications, e.g. research outputs, journal publications

How to Apply 

Interested applicants should contact CDU Professor in Marketing and Dean of Graduate Studies by email at steven.greenland@cdu.edu.au and submit a one-page expression of interest outlining your research experience and interest in the research project and attaching a CV that includes details of 2 academic referees.

3 years full-time appointment

Darwin

Domestic Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend

Up to $44,190 for a First Nations PhD Candidate, $34,190 otherwise

About the Opportunity:

We are looking for 2 Indigenous PhD candidates to join our team working on ‘Healthy Environments and Lives’ (HEAL) projects in the NT. I’d be really grateful if you could spread the word through your networks and socials. We can offer a scholarship package which is competitive with a professional salary for someone who can bring existing experience in the sector with them to this role. There are a range of on - ground projects which the candidate could consider, and all elements of our work focus on delivering on the research priorities identified by our HEAL partner organisations. The overarching theme across this work is to support Indigenous people of the NT and their governance arrangements which recognise Indigenous leadership, knowledge authority and decision making. 

See the below links for more information, or drop me a line at CDU HEAL Network to tackle impacts of environmental change

https://healnetwork.org.au/ @HEALenviron; Contact Us - HEAL Network

We acknowledge and celebrate the First Australians on whose traditional lands we meet.

About You:

Qualifications equivalent to Masters (in Indigenous Studies and Knowledges; in any health field, in environment, in land care, in climate, etc...).

How to Apply 

• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability (max two pages)
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of any peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and relevant work and/or research experience
• A brief statement not exceeding 500-words in length that explains why you are interested in this research project/area

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send an expression of interest to Professor Linda Payi Ford, Senior Research Fellow, Northern Institute, CDU (linda.ford@cdu.edu.au) or contact her at: 08 8946 7203

3 years full-time appointment

$32,192 per year

Darwin and remote communities in the Northern Territory

About the Opportunity

We are an ARC-funded project at Charles Darwin University, First Nations AI: Country, Climate, Communication. Together, our team of Indigenous and Western scholars aims to develop a systematic account of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its possibilities in climate change communication in remote First Nations communities in northern Australia. Working under Indigenous governance, we are establishing spaces for Indigenous landowners and scientists to come together to probe diverse AI techniques for making sense of climate predictions and risks. We will build the capacity of Indigenous people to conceive and design AI, accounting for divergent languages and knowledge systems. This is expected to lead to more effective and trustworthy communications about extreme weather and climate change, improving the preparedness and responses of remote First Nations communities. 

Our research proceeds under First Nations’ governance facilitated by Ian Gumbula (https://iri.cdu.edu.au/blog/2016/11/21/ian-gumbula) and the PhD supervisory team includes: 

•  Nic Bidwell (‪Nicola J Bidwell, Nic Bidwell‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬)
• Steven Bird (https://researchers.cdu.edu.au/en/persons/steven-bird) and
• Helen Verran (Helen Verran - Charles Darwin University). 

Your project will explore if and how AI can 'participate' in safe communications about ‘living with weather’, expressed by members of remote First Nations communities in northern Australia. Your PhD candidature will be located in CDU's Faculty of Science and Technology. However, you can expect strong support from the Northern Institute in the Faculty of Arts and Society, and you will be expected to connect the work in both faculties. Website details for the project: 

https://researchers.cdu.edu.au/en/projects/dp240101952-first-nations-ai-country-climate-communication

About You 

To be considered for this opportunity you should have: 

• Interests and training in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Science and Technology Studies (STS), Computer Supported Collaborative Work (CSCW) or Human centred AI (HCAI).
• Strong commitments to both community-based, participatory research and interdisciplinary scholarship.
• Interest in learning ethnographic methods.
• Be able to undertake extensive fieldwork in the Northern Territory. Sound research experience to at least Honours level.

Desirable Criteria

At least one publication in a recognised peer-reviewed journal or conference proceedings.

How to Apply 

To submit an expression of interest please send the following to Nicola Bidwell at nicola.bidwell@cdu.edu.au  or contact her at 0434460715

• A curriculum vitae, including a list of any peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and relevant work and/or research experience
• A brief written discussion (500-800 words) that considers both:

1. The tensions that arise at the intersection of AI and traditional knowledge in the context of First Nations communities in Australia.
2. What aspiring to a 'non-extractivist inquiry' might look and feel like.

3 years full-time appointment

Multiple locations including Darwin/ Brisbane/ Alice Springs/ Sydney

Domestic Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend

$34,190 - $44,190 per year

About the Opportunity:

This project will work with smallholder farmers and local researchers to assess the impact of changing agricultural practices (e.g. mechanization of seeding and harvesting, growing newer varieties, increasing livestock production) on the nutritional yield of smallholdings in Timor Leste. There is potential to extend this to understand the effect of these interventions on human nutrition and/or public health. This project is in conjunction with a larger ACIAR funded project (https://www.aciar.gov.au/project/slam-2020-141) and will require travel to rural Timor Leste for field work. Website details for the project: https://www.cdu.edu.au/rina/sustainable-pastoral-systems

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send an expression of interest (1 page maximum) and a CV to Associate Professor Beth Penrose (beth.penrose@cdu.edu.au). Please note that this opportunity is only open to Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

About You:

• An Honours, Masters or equivalent experience in human nutrition, agricultural science, environmental science or any other relevant Honours or Masters degree
• Capacity to travel to Timor Leste

How to Apply 

• A curriculum vitae, including a list of any peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and relevant work and/or research experience
• An expression of interest (maximum 1 page) that indicates your interests and suitability for the project

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send an expression of interest (1 page maximum) and a CV to Associate Professor Beth Penrose (beth.penrose@cdu.edu.au) or contact her at: 0436 839 662

3 years full-time appointment

$32,192pa + top-up

Casuarina Campus

About the project: Aboriginal elders and other knowledge authorities have always practiced their own forms of training and qualification, raising skilled new generations of young people under appropriate authority.

In recent years, new kinds of short-form qualification, such as micro-credentials and digital badges, have created new opportunities for universities and Aboriginal knowledge authorities to work together in designing forms of teaching, learning and credentialisation which are suitable for Aboriginal learners, which connect with and maintain both Aboriginal and other knowledge traditions, and which activate new opportunities for business and enterprise development.

The purpose of this PhD will be to work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders (e.g. Aboriginal knowledge authorities, Aboriginal organisations and government and university staff) to explore the potential of new forms of micro-qualification to recognise place-based teaching and learning under Aboriginal authority. This would include a review of existing offerings, and inquiry into the potential design and delivery of new forms of credentials and qualification processes relevant in NT contexts. This project will include advisory input from NTG Dept of Education and Training, and Aboriginal stakeholder groups already engaged in this area (e.g. ranger organisations and Bush universities).

The candidate will be expected to have a commitment to collaborative community-based research and ideally be able to undertake remote fieldwork. The initial design of the project may include the formalisation of an Indigenous supervisory group and/or stakeholder advisory group, working in collaboration with CDU supervisors.

About you: This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identified position.

To be considered for this opportunity you should have:

• First Class Honors (or equivalent) in a social science or humanities field such as science and technology studies, anthropology, human geography, sociology, public policy, Indigenous studies, or another aligned discipline

• A commitment to collaborative research work under First Nations authority

• Capacity to work in remote Northern Territory locations. Dual-Academy entry: If you are a senior Aboriginal person qualified for this role though your own cultural authority, please contact Michaela Spencer michaela.spencer@cdu.edu.au to discuss options for a ‘dual academy’ enrolment.

Scholarship Details:

Thesuccessful applicant will receive a Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship which will include a $32,192 (tax exempt and indexed annually) and a RTP Fee Offset for the tuition fees. A taxable scholarship top-up valued at $10,000 per annum will also be available. For further information on the RTP Scholarship conditions, please visit Higher Degree by Research Scholarships at CDU.

Eligibility:

The successful applicant must

• be an Australian Citizen, an Australian Permanent Resident; or a New Zealand Citizen

• meet the PhD course entry requirements at CDU outlined here.

How to Apply:

To submit an expression of interest please send the following to Dr Michaela Spencer at michaela.spencer@cdu.edu.au.

• A CV

• one page cover letter outlining your research interests and experience

• relevant statements and academic transcripts

• publications

For further enquiries, please contact Michaela Spencer on 08 8946 7251 or email michaela.spencer@cdu.edu.au.

Size, structure and interconnectivity of ghost bat populations

Ghost bats (Macroderma gigas) are in decline, predominantly due to habitat disturbance and alteration, but current knowledge gaps are hindering effective conservation planning and accurate assessment of development impact across the species range. 

An ARC Linkage project, The Macroderma Initiative: Conserving Ghost Bats and Informing Development, aims to answer key questions related to the species’ population dynamics and ecology that will facilitate better outcomes for the ghost bats to aid in the species’ recovery. The project is a collaboration between Charles Darwin University, Western Sydney University, and the University of Adelaide along with industry, Government and non-government partners. 

Under this project, we are advertising two PhD projects, with one based at the Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University (CDU) and the second at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University (WSU). This advertisement describes the CDU project, but you can find more information on the WSU-based project here. 

CDU is seeking a PhD candidate to investigate the population dynamics of the ghost bat with a focus on:

• Using state-of-the-art technologies to estimate population size, structure and connectivity
• Developing novel low-disturbance methods for monitoring ghost bat populations

Scholarship and financial support

Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Domestic Scholarship valued at $33,511 per annum (2024 value; indexed annually). Operational costs for the project are covered under the ARC Linkage project. 

Supervision

The PhD candidate will be based at the Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods (RIEL) at Charles Darwin University’s Casuarina campus and will be supervised by Prof Sam Banks (CDU), Dr Nicola Hanrahan (CDU), Dr Kyle Armstrong (University of Adelaide) and Prof Justin Welbergen (WSU).

Eligibility Criteria

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in animal ecology and conservation biology. This project will be particularly suited to someone interested in population dynamics and ecology.

The successful applicant:

• Must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia. International applicants are not eligible to apply for this project.
• Should hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
• Should demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to (behavioural) ecology, conservation biology, or related discipline. Previous bat handling experience is desirable as well as experience using PIT-tags and conducting population genetic analyses.
• Prior experience with working with First Nations people is desirable.
• The successful candidate will be expected to work in very remote and challenging conditions in Northern Australia and experience operating 4WD vehicles is desirable.
• be able to work as part of a team of researchers, government and industry representatives.
• Applicants must be vaccinated against Australian Bat Lyssavirus or be willing to be vaccinated.
• be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.

How to apply

1. Review the project’s eligibility criteria. You will need to provide in your application a document that explains how you satisfy the project's eligibility criteria.
2. Contact Prof Sam Banks (sam.banks@cdu.edu.au) or Dr Nicola Hanrahan (nicola.hanrahan@cdu.edu.au) to discuss your eligibility, the project’s requirements and your intention to apply. You should email them to introduce yourself, describe your qualifications and experience, and express your interest in the research project(s). If they are interested, you may want to arrange a phone call, video call or meeting to discuss your application. You will need to request a letter of support from the lead researcher to support your application for the scholarship.
3. The preferred candidate will be required to submit an enrolment application to CDU’s Office of Research and Innovation.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.

For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the Lead Researcher; Professor Sam Banks (sam.banks@cdu.edu.au).
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Application closing date

20 June 2025

Commencement date

Mid to late 2025