Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

With the systemic rise in ocean temperatures, the survival of coral reefs depends on the capacity for thermal adaptation at a scale that matches the magnitude of the global climate crisis. This research shifts the focus from isolated laboratory trials toward high-throughput applications by investigating the pace and mechanisms of Symbiodiniaceae evolution through the use of automated stress-testing platforms. By experimentally evolving symbionts, the project aims to identify the upper thermal limits of these microalgae and the subsequent physiological impacts on coral hosts, while optimizing the protocols required for scaling the production of heat-tolerant strains. Moving beyond static proof-of-concept experiments, this work integrates genetics, predictive modeling with targeted field tests to assess the performance of these symbionts within restoration pipelines, providing critical insights into the future trajectory of reef resilience and the practical feasibility of proactive, interventionist conservation in warming oceans.

Fully-funded UWA scholarship.

Dr. Kate Quigley

kate.quigley@uwa.edu.au 

• A successful PhD candidate in this project requires strong skills in experimental design, molecular biology, and ecological genomics to conduct and analyze evolution experiments with coral-algal symbioses.

• Additionally, proficiency in field-work, statistical modelling, bioinformatics, and data visualization is essential to interpret complex physiological and evolutionary data in the context of climate change.

• Experience in laboratory techniques for culturing algae or cells is preferred, as this project involves maintaining and experimentally evolving Symbiodiniaceae strains. Hands-on expertise in algal or cell culture methods will be ideal for conducting controlled experiments and ensuring the consistency of symbiont populations across various environmental conditions.

Potential candidates should undertake the following:

(1) International & Australian candidates confirm fulfilment of all admission requirements at UWA PhD Program.

(2) Send a CV & cover letter, briefly outline research interests.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a program of independent, supervised research that is assessed solely on the basis of a thesis, sometimes including a creative work component, that is examined externally. The work presented for a PhD must be a substantial and original contribution to scholarship, demonstrating mastery of the subject of interest as well as an advance in that field of knowledge. 

Visit the course webpage for full details of this course including admission requirements, course rules and the relevant CRICOS code/s.