Harmful algal bloom species in coastal waters of central Queensland

The purpose of this PhD scholarship is to advance research on harmful algal blooms (HABs) in central Queensland, following the recent identification of multiple toxin-producing and bloom-forming benthic dinoflagellate species within the Gladstone region. These species belong to genera associated with a range of harmful impacts, including ciguatera poisoning, shellfish toxin contamination, fish kills, and broader ecosystem disruption. 

The successful candidate will undertake a project that will develop an integrated multi-scale monitoring framework combining molecular detection, toxin analysis, ecological assessments and predictive modelling to evaluate public health risks associated with ciguatera and other HAB-related incidents in central Queensland coastal waters. 

This research will provide a comprehensive ecological characterisation of potentially harmful microalgal species across subtropical coastal habitats, where baseline knowledge remains limited. Outcomes will contribute to regional and national HAB monitoring programs and datasets, while supporting broader global efforts to better understand the environmental drivers, ecological dynamics and potential triggers of HAB events. Research activities will investigate how environmental conditions, land management practices, and water quality influence HAB occurrence, while also considering social, economic and cultural impacts on coastal communities. The project will encourage engagement with industry stakeholders, Traditional Owners and local communities to incorporate historical and local ecological knowledge. 

The project directly supports the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan by addressing climate change, water quality, nutrient inputs, and habitat degradation. It will also complement a Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) and CQUniversity research project investigating coral reef and macroalgal interactions in Gladstone Harbour, contributing to a more holistic understanding of ecosystem health and resilience in the region. Together, these research outcomes will improve understanding of HAB development in central Queensland, the environmental drivers influencing bloom formation, and implications for marine ecosystems, public health and coastal communities. The scholarship will contribute valuable knowledge to both regional management efforts and the global HAB research community. 

We are seeking a highly motivated and passionate candidate with demonstrated experience in HAB research, including species identification, field collection, sample processing and molecular techniques such as DNA-based analyses. Experience with marine fieldwork, including scientific diving, is highly desirable. The successful candidate should be willing to undertake fieldwork across the central Queensland coastline and actively engage with stakeholders throughout the research process. This scholarship offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to nationally significant research addressing emerging environmental and public health challenges, while advancing knowledge of marine ecosystem health and the vital ecosystem services these environments provide.