PhD Scholarship – Investigating macroalgal dynamics to enhance inshore coral restoration

$AU40,000 Stipend per year, plus $AU15,000 Research Operation Funding ($AU135,000 Total)

3 Years (3 EFTSL)

1

April 8, 2025

May 4, 2025

Research

Coral reef degradation is often linked to seaweed (macroalgae) proliferation, with phase shifts from coral to seaweed dominance posing a significant challenge to reef resilience. Seaweed can physically inhibit coral recruitment, produce bioactive compounds affecting coral health, and/or alter microbial communities, yet these competitive interactions remain understudied in tropical and inshore reef systems.   This PhD project builds on over a decade of coral health monitoring and restoration efforts by the Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) focusing on the impacts of severe flooding and recent heatwave events on coral ecosystems in the Port of Gladstone (PoG). This PhD project will investigate the ecological dynamics between seaweeds and corals, where increasing seaweed cover poses a challenge to restoration efforts. The research will assess seasonal seaweed growth patterns, their impacts on coral survival under thermal stress, and potential management strategies to enhance coral transplantation success. By integrating ecophysiology, phenotyping, omics, microbial community analysis, and identifying suitable substrates for minimising seaweed growth, the project will identify key competitive mechanisms and restoration windows where coral out-planting can be optimized.   This research, in collaboration with leading research institutions – Central Queensland University (CQU), the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) – along with industry partners GPC and Monsoon Aquatics, will play a key role in developing science-driven restoration strategies for inshore reef habitats. These efforts will support broader conservation initiatives for the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), contributing to its long-term resilience. Join us in driving innovative solutions for coral reef restoration and sustainability.


We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a background in marine biology, aquaculture, ecology, or a related field. An ideal candidate should have -

  • Strong interest in coral reef ecology, seaweed dynamics, and marine conservation.
  • Fieldwork experience, including marine surveys, species identification, or experimental design.
  • SCUBA diving certification (minimum PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent) and the ability to conduct underwater research.
  • Experience/desire to learn physiological, molecular, or microbial techniques relevant to coral and macroalgal interactions.
  • Skills in data analysis (R/Python), GIS, or ecological modelling would be an advantage.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team and industry partners.

What We Offer:

  • Fully funded PhD position (stipend $40,000) 
    Research operation funding ($15K)
  • Collaboration with Traditional Owners, industry leaders, port managers, and natural resource managers.
  • Access to CMERC’s state-of-the-art research facilities, including seaweed laboratory and field-based restoration sites.
  • Opportunities for training OMICS techniques at UniSC, ecosystem service assessments, and stakeholder engagement.

Key Research Areas:

  • Identify key seaweed species and their seasonal patterns in coral reefs
  • Heat stress and seaweed shading on coral health – OMICS insight
  • Seaweed allelochemicals affecting coral recruitment
  • Reef structures supporting coral recruitment over seaweeds
  • New knowledge supporting Great Barrier Reef conservation strategies

To apply, please submit:

  • A cover letter outlining your research interests and suitability for the project.
  • Your CV detailing relevant experience.
  • Contact details for two academic referees.
  • Academic transcripts (if applicable).

For more information or to submit your application, contact cmerc-admin@cqu.edu.au

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by email.

CQUniversity Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC)