Optimising seagrass restoration (PhD project)

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The role

This PhD project will advance understanding of seagrass restoration opportunities in Tasmanian ecosystems, with an emphasis on improving habitat for Critically Endangered red handfish (Thymichthys politus). The research will explore key aspects of seagrass biology and physiology, particularly flowering, growth and resilience, in response to key environmental drivers such as temperature, light and nutrient availability. By integrating field and laboratory surveys and experiments, the project will inform best-practice restoration methods at the red handfish sites and beyond. These include seedling propagation, transplanting strategies, habitat enhancement, and long-term management approaches.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the influence of key environmental variables (e.g. temperature, nutrients, light) on seagrass flower development, health, and timing through controlled laboratory experiments.
• Develop and test restoration techniques for seagrass at red handfish site(s), including seedling propagation, transplanting, habitat enhancement, and best practices for long-term meadow management and threat mitigation.
• Identifying optimal restoration windows by analysing existing monitoring data in combination with key environmental drivers to guide timing of seagrass restoration efforts in Tasmania.

Qualifications and experience

Required

• Expertise in marine biology and ecology: a strong background is critical for understanding the biological and ecological aspects of seagrass meadows
• Marine field-work experience, including Advanced Open Water SCUBA qualification (or preferably Scientific Diver)
• Data collection and analysis skills: ability to analyse observational data using statistical and computational methods
• Project management skills to coordinate experimental design, data collection, and analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desirable

• Experience with marine restoration projects, particularly those involving key habitats
• Proficiency in advanced statistical methods and computational tools for analysing complex ecological data
• Collaboration and networking skills with research institutions, government agencies, and industry partners
• Public engagement and outreach experience

Salary and benefits

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides a living allowance stipend of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years, a relocation allowance of up to $2,000, and a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only). A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment.

Location and schedule

Hobart. Primary supervisor: Dr Jemina Stuart-Smith.

Deadline and how to apply

Apply prior to 1 October 2026. Contact Dr Jemina Stuart-Smith to discuss your suitability, then apply through the University of Tasmania research degrees application portal, copying the project title into your application and submitting a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of two referees, and a project research proposal.