PhD or MPhil Position: Ancient DNA of Antarctic Seabirds
The Australian Centre for Ancient DNA at Adelaide University, South Australia in collaboration with the Australian Antarctic Division, Tasmania is seeking a PhD or MPhil student to investigate long-term ecosystem change in Antarctica using ancient environmental DNA preserved in seabird excreta deposits.
This project aims to reconstruct Antarctic coastal ecosystem dynamics over thousands of years using ancient environmental DNA and ecological modelling. It will investigate long-term changes in biodiversity, seabird populations, food webs, and disease dynamics, and use these insights to forecast ecosystem responses to future climate change.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative team of geneticists and ecologists with strong links to the Australian Antarctic Division. The position is fully funded and is open to both Australian and international candidates.
Applicants should have a BSc (Honours) or Master's degree (GPA >5) in a relevant field such as ecology, genetics, bioinformatics, marine science, environmental science, zoology, or conservation biology. Experience in molecular laboratory work is desirable, as are bioinformatic skills, strong communication and the ability to work effectively in a team. Applicants must have a genuine interest in Antarctic conservation.
The supervisory team includes Dr Theresa Cole, Prof. Damien Fordham, Assoc. Prof. Bastien Llamas (Adelaide University), and Dr Louise Emmerson (Australian Antarctic Division). Please contact theresa.cole@adelaide.edu.au regarding the project and role.
To apply, please visit "https://adelaide.edu.au/research/research-degrees/research-projects/“ and search for SRTSR0178
Applications close 30 September 2026.

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