Establishing faunal baselines in Western Arnhem Land to understand the impact of the Australian Anthropocene
We are currently seeking a motivated PhD candidate to become a part of our dynamic Australian Anthropocene research team. In this role, you will delve into the fascinating realm of biodiversity changes in the culturally and biologically rich region of Western Arnhem Land through a unique multidisciplinary approach. Drawing upon fossil records, ecological data, rock art insights, and Indigenous knowledge, you will examine shifts in species distributions from the Late Pleistocene to the present day. Investigating evidence for species extirpations, extinctions, and introductions, you will work at the forefront of multidisciplinary research that integrates modern mammal distributions with data from palaeontology, zooarchaeology, and rock art studies. By harnessing this rich tapestry of information, the project will establish critical faunal baselines across key points in Australian natural history, spanning both pre- and post-European arrival periods.
Our mission is to illuminate the transformations in Australia's northern ecosystems over the last few centuries, informed by the deep time record, using a combination of modern distribution data and historical datasets. Collaboration lies at the heart of this endeavour, as you will work closely with interdisciplinary experts in archaeology and palaeobiology. Additionally, engaging respectfully with Indigenous communities will be pivotal to ensure the ethical and culturally sensitive examination of heritage materials and Indigenous knowledge. This role promises an exciting opportunity to contribute to the fields of ecosystem change, conservation, and ecological restoration. If you are passionate about shaping the future of archaeological and palaeontological research and forging meaningful collaborations between disciplines to address current biodiversity issues, we invite you to apply. Thesis will be by publication, ensuring you will be best placed to capitalise on academic or industry career opportunities following graduation.
Scholarship details
This project will be undertaken through the Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution (ARCHE), with cross supervision from the Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research (GCSCR) and the Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, Germany. ARCHE is a world leader in research and education on all aspects of human evolutionary studies. We provide a dynamic and cooperative research environment that seeks to understand how humans and their societies across the globe evolved over time. We emphasise the study of the biological and cultural evolution of humans and our place in the natural world, with a growing focus on Indigenous peoples of Australia, Asia, and the Pacific.
The Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research (GCSCR) is dedicated to increasing our understanding of current challenges facing the modern world. Through the application of innovative humanities and social science research, incorporating the knowledge of academics from a broad range of interrelated disciplines, GCSCR is at the cutting edge of humanities and social science discourse.
A/Prof Julien Louys is based in ARCHE and has a wealth of experience in studying past environmental change, human-faunal interactions through time, and fossil data to examine evolutionary questions. Prof Paul Tacon is based in GCSCR, and is an affiliate member of ARCHE as well as one of Australia’s foremost rock art experts, with over 43 years of experience in the study of Australian rock art in close consultation with Indigenous communities. Prof Nicole Boivin’s research explores how archaeological data can inform present-day issues ranging from climate change and the Anthropocene to globalization, food security and ecological conservation.
This position will be based at Griffith University, Nathan Campus.
The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful in a research project on the palaeobiology of rock art in Australia, you will be able to demonstrate a strong foundation in palaeobiology, palaeontology, palaeoecology and/or rock art studies, as well as a familiarity with conservation biology, archaeology, and wildlife management. You will have evidence of a passion for biodiversity conservation and a desire to work with Indigenous communities. You will ideally have experience in fieldwork, data collection, and analysis, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Overall, a successful candidate for this research project will be highly motivated, innovative, and committed to making a positive impact on the environment.
- Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
- Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Policy. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.
International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:
- A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
- A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
- A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19
The 2023 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $32,192 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).
At ARCHE, our goal is to cultivate an innovative and cooperative atmosphere that nurtures the upcoming cohort of human evolutionary scientists. We provide a diverse selection of research and educational prospects for students of every level, including undergraduates, honours, masters, and PhD students. Our exceptional supervisors and researchers, who possess the expertise to connect students with national and international research networks, field locations, and professional organizations, work alongside our students to offer a world-class learning experience. Our advanced facilities offer cutting-edge resources to facilitate research and learning on every facet of human evolution.
For project related enquiries please contact:
A/Professor Julien Louys
Email: j.louys@griffith.edu.au
Prof Paul Tacon
Email: p.tacon@griffith.edu.au
For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Email: hdr-scholarship@griffith.edu.au
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to ‘j.louys@griffith.edu.au or p.tacon@griffith.edu.au’ containing:
- Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
- Research proposal
- Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section
- A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
- Names of two referees
The closing date for expressions of interest is: Thursday 25th January 2024
The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line
Get in touch
If you have a question, need some help with your scholarship application, or would like to make a donation, feel free to contact us.