Macquarie University and Sharks And Rays Australia are looking for a suited PhD candidate to work with us on freshwater whiprays, Urogymnus dalyensis, in various locations in Far North Queensland. The student will be enrolled at Macquarie University in Sydney but will be largely based in Cairns, and work closely with Dr Barbara Wueringer at Sharks And Rays Australia (SARA, Associate Supervisor) and Prof Jane Williamson (Macquarie University, Primary Supervisor) The project will be implemented in collaboration with various established Aboriginal Land and Sea ranger groups through existing partnerships with SARA.
Freshwater whiprays are a large bodied ray that is found across Northern Australia. It’s biology and ecology are not well understood. For example, the species is thought to not occur on the east coast of Queensland, but our recent work uncovered that the species is present here. These animals can grow to around 150 cm disk width.
Potential research questions, depending on interest and skilbase:
- Movement and behaviours of the east coast population in Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) (acoustic tracking, habitat assessment
- Assessment of biological parameters (morphometric)
- Identification of life history traits through non-invasive methods (ultrasound, hormone analysis, blood)
- Population dynamics (genetics)
- Species Distribution Modelling
Non-negotiable qualifications (confirmed via appropriate documentation):
- Australian Citizen or Permanent resident
- Successful securement of a Macquarie University (or equivalent) PhD scholarship.
- Publication record with one first author publication (in order to be competitive for scholarships)
- 4WD experience (river crossings, corrugations, towing trailers, etc). You do not necessarily require a 4WD course certificate, but proven experience is a must.
- Experience driving a boat in shallow waters, recreational boating licence
- Willingness and experience in working in remote locations, incl. camping
- Experience using Microsoft Office
- Good writing and communication skills, including report writing
- Experience in data analysis and scientific paper writing
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience in handling animals and willingness to complete basic animal ethics training
- Current first aid course
Additional desirable qualifications:
- Experience in handling large, potentially dangerous animals (this could be snakes, sharks, teleosts, crocodiles, rays)
- Experience working in Cape York
- Previous experience in working with Aboriginal Communities, TOs and/or Land and Sea Rangers
- Current Coxswains ticket
- Experience in working with various levels of government
- A sound understanding of the principles of conservation biology, ecological management, endangered species management and a willingness to expand this knowledge in pursuit of SARA’s mission
Please send a cover letter outlining how your qualifications and previous experience address the essential and desirable qualifications outlined above, along with your CV, to Dr Barbara Wueringer (barbara@saw.fish). Include contact details for two academic referees.