I am always happy to receive enquiries from prospective PhD students who would like to study within any of the research strengths of the group, in particular those who would like to take the research on the ecology, genetics/genomics and conservation of the purple-crowned fairy-wren to the next level. Details of projects will be determined in consultation. We already have a substantial dataset available, starting in 2005, including behavioural observations, detailed life-history records and a pedigree. All birds are genotyped for several 1000 SNPs and we have available hundreds of samples (e.g. faecal samples, plasma samples, blood in RNA-later for gene expression studies) from individually marked birds, and this could be expanded with fieldwork (in the Kimberleys, NW-Australia).

We are looking for motivated PhD students to study Evolutionary potential of climate adaptation in purple-crowned fairy-wrens, a model species for climate adaptations and implications of climate change in the tropics.

This project will apply sophisticated quantitative genetics methods to our 20 years of detailed fitness data, genomic information (5000+ SNP) and a multi-generation pedigree to test the evolutionary potential for climate adaptation in this wild population.

I am also happy to consider other topics that closely fit our research program, in particular conservation ecology and climate adaptation.

We offer the opportunity to become part of a long-term iconic research project, contribute to fieldwork in a spectacular remote area, join a friendly supportive group, and learn state-of-the-art lab and analytical approaches.

To join us as a PhD student, you should have a passion for studying wild animals in their natural environment, a strong work ethic and a creative and quantitative mindset; relevant quantitative skills are essential; experience with avian fieldwork and/or bird handling is highly desirable, a full driver’s licence is generally needed.

What the scholarship offers

• Tuition for the complete PhD degree.
• Stipend: A tax-free living allowance set at the Monash Graduate Research Scholarship rate (currently $AUD 41,100 per year)
• Overseas Student Health Cover for international students.
• Relocation allowance: $AUD 1000 for interstate, $AUD 2000 for overseas.
• Conference travel allowance.
• Project support: funding to resource the research (fieldwork, consumables, equipment, analysis).

To be competitive for this scholarship, applicants must have an outstanding academic track record, at least a 4-year Bachelor degree, an Honours degree or Master’s degree (that includes at least 25% research). Applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds need evidence of English abilities.

How to apply: This is a project offered as part of a broader call by the School of Biological Sciences at Monash University. You need to apply through the web form via this link: https://forms.gle/ia9t4KPD3FKTz1bs8 (or email matthew.piper@monash.edu to request the link).

For questions about this project, contact anne.peters@monash.edu.

Application deadline: 15 November 2026