Closing 30 November 2025

Exploring the value of reduced-representation genetic datasets of the koala.

Genetic data is expensive and complex to obtain from wild animals, but provides opportunity to ask a multitude of questions. As a team, we have a huge dataset spanning 8 years of research on wild koala populations across Southeast Queensland and New South Wales. Over 7,000 koala scats have already been genotyped using RADseq technology to inform a SNP panel. Our team has so far leveraged the SNP panel data to inform industry and council partners on koala health and population diversity. However, we have yet to fully utilise the raw data available and maximise the information provided from these hard-won in situ samples.
We are looking for a student who is passionate about genetics and bioinformatics (and dogs!) to explore questions with our dataset. This investigation can answer questions of the students own choosing, but may include the investigation of population diversity and signals of isolation by distance. Special interest may also be given to the detection of genetic regions such as MHC immune genes or toll-like receptor genes, with links to disease susceptibility or population health or densities. If there is a particular interest in pathogens, the dataset can be mapped to the Chlamydia pecorum genome.

Supervised by Imogen Dumville and Dr Romane Cristescu in the Detection Dogs for Conservation Team.

For more information or with any questions, please contact Imogen Dumville at