Closing 15 February 2025

The Conservation Science Research Group at the University of Newcastle have a Research Higher Degree (PhD) position available for an Australian, domestic student. The position will run for 3.5 years commencing early 2025.

The PhD student will join an existing team managing the conservation of the vulnerable Green-and-Golden Bell-frog, Litoria aurea. Green and golden bell frogs are threatened by habitat loss, disease, and small population size but are doing well on Kooragang Island, alongside areas of industry, in the lower Hunter, near Newcastle, NSW. This study will explore how habitat complexity affects the use of wetlands by the frogs, and their persistence within those wetlands. Key aspects of the project will involve fortnightly surveys of the Kooragang bell frog population, radio telemetry, disease monitoring, habitat assessments and mesocosm experiments. The position includes an HDR scholarship and project funding. Any office and laboratory work will be based at the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, with a large component of fieldwork to be conducted on Kooragang Island, less than 10 km from the University.

PhD Scholarship details

Funding: $36,000 per annum (2024 rate) indexed annually. For a PhD candidate, the living allowance scholarship and tuition fee scholarship are for 3.5 years. Scholarships also include up to $1,500 relocation allowance.

Supervisor: Dr Alex Callen; Prof. Matt Hayward

Available to: Domestic students

Eligibility Criteria

• Honours degree in a related Science discipline (Env. Sc/NRM)
• Willingness and experience conducting field research
• Evidence of excellent writing and communication skills Evidence of statistical/analytical skills
• Australian Citizenship or permanent residency
• Driver’s license.
• The applicant will need to meet the minimum eligibility criteria for admission.

Application Procedure

Interested applicants should send an email expressing their interest along with scanned copies of their academic transcripts, CV, a brief statement of their research interests and a proposal that specifically links them to the research project.

Please send the email expressing interest to by 5pm on 15 February 2025.

Contact: Dr Alex Callen (Phone: +61 412 286 048, Email: )