PhD Scholarships Conservation Genomics in Australia from Deakin University 2021

Deakin University is offering a PhD Scholarship in Conservation genomics of the short-finned eel in Australia. The scholarship program is aimed at addressing critical knowledge gaps around understanding the resilience of eel fisheries (with a focus on the Lake Condah eel fishery).

Research Topic:-

• The short-finned eel (Anguilla australis) is native to the lakes, and coastal rivers of south-eastern Australia and New Zealand. 

• The species carries significant cultural importance, having been harvested by indigenous people across much of its historical distribution. Most notably, in south-western Victoria where the species is known as ‘kuuyang’, it is a powerful cultural symbol of the local Gunditj people, and has formed the basis of an aquaculture industry dating back almost 7000 years. 

• In fact, Lake Condah is globally recognized as the birthplace of modern aquaculture, where indigenous people of the region engineered the landscape to farm and trade eels for millennia. 

• This has been formally recognized through the recent UNESCO World Heritage listing for the Budj Bim cultural landscape.

Project Components:-

• The project will have three distinctive but complementary research components:

  • Undertaking population genomic analyses to gain insights into eel stock connectivity and spatial patterns of recruitment between estuaries across the species range. Genomic assessments of migrating adults and recruiting juveniles will also be conducted to address questions around natal habitat recruiting behaviour in juvenile eels and the role of selection on genetic diversity. This research will provide novel insights into the life history of the kuuyang, critical information on the recruitment potential of the Lake Condah fishery, and a resource for guiding sustainable fisheries management.

  • Adopt eDNA tools (allowing for non-invasive and cost-effective detection of eel DNA from water samples) to assess habitat use and determine where the eels reside within the Lake Condah and the local catchment. Understanding if eel populations are distributed broadly across the catchment, or if there are key habitats eels migrate to and carry out life cycles needs to be understood. This will provide an important spatial management layer for prioritising the protection/restoration of critical habitats for sustaining local eel populations.

  • Use DNA metabarcoding approaches to assess eel diet based on the genomic analysis of eel gut samples. Genetic assessments of gut samples across different developmental stages, sexes, and in time and space, will provide insights into the variability of eel diet. Understanding if eels are dietary generalists or specialists is key to understanding fisheries resilience to environmental change. Generalists are expected to be more resilient by being able to accommodate shifts in resource availability, while dietary specialists are likely to be more sensitive to environmental change.

• This exciting project will involve a combination of field and lab-based activities, and provides an excellent opportunity to develop key skills and knowledge in conservation and fisheries genomics. The project will be conducted in close partnership with Traditional Owners, local government, and industry.

Eligibility Criteria:-

• To be eligible you must:

  • Be either a domestic or international candidate

  • Meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements

  • Be enrolling full time and hold an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component.

• Additional desirable criteria include:

  • Applicants should have achieved an excellent grade (e.g., H1 or HD) in an Honours or MSc research program, and proven skills in scientific writing. Deakin University is seeking candidates with an interest and experience in fish biology and ecology, and ideally fisheries genetics (but not essential).

Benefits:-

• This scholarship is available over 3 years.
• Stipend of $28,092 per annum tax exempt (2020 rate)
• Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate or overseas.
• International students only: Tuition fees offset for the duration of 4 years. Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.

About Deakin University:-

Deakin University is a public university in Victoria, Australia. Deakin University offers a personalised experience, enhanced by innovative digital engagement. Deakin University leadس by creating opportunities to live and work in a connected, evolving world. With over 40 years of experience as one of Australia's leading tertiary education providers, Deakin's won numerous awards and teaches over 60,000 students each year. Deakin University offers its students world-class programs and endless opportunities.

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