Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

Wild populations are becoming smaller and more isolated; whilst simultaneously having to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and climate. Against this stark dichotomy of adapt or perish, it is imperative that we learn how best to support small, fragmented populations. While lab-based systems exist to guide us, there are few robust natural systems within which we can develop our understanding. We have PhD projects available which leverage a natural lizard system whose unique population dynamics mimic those of many threatened species, underpinned by over 600 whole genome sequences.

We are powerfully placed to determine the relationships between natural and sexual selection and genomic parameters in the wild with our long-term study system, the ornate dragon lizard (Ctenophorus ornatus). There are over 3,500 individuals sampled from over 80 wild populations dating back ~28 years. The ornate dragon resides on isolated granite outcrop ‘islands’ within a ‘sea’ of wheat fields, providing the level of replication and population variation required to establish the predictors of extinction and adaptation. The ornate dragon genome is sequenced and annotated, with 623 lizards from 45 populations recently whole genome sequenced, including 22 populations through time.

This is a project opportunity only, and does include stipend/tuition fee scholarship support. 

Applicants are encouraged to apply during the relevant scholarship round. Please be aware of the following deadlines:

The 2027 International Scholarship Round closed on 15 September 2026. They 2028 International Scholarship Round will open around the same time next year. 

2027 Domestic Scholarship Round (Including UWA international graduates) 

• Open: 1 October 2026 (9:00am AWST)
• Close: 31 October 2026 (11:59pm AWST)
• Commencement: February 2027

More information and advice for applicants can be found on the HDR Scholarships webpage. 

If you are interested, please email us with a CV, academic transcripts and brief letter stating your interest and background and we will let you know whether we think your skillset and academic record would place you well against the competition.

Please contact Dr LeBas.

To be a successful applicant you would ideally have a background in population genetics/bioinformatics, evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, conservation or ecology, depending on project preference (ie non-genomic projects are available). There is a project on camouflage that has a large image analysis component for which an engineering and maths background would be valued. You would either have, or be predicted to get, a first-class Honours or Master’s degree at an institution of high repute. The degree must have included a research project that represents a significant contribution to the final mark (>25%). While papers are important evidence of research ability a high GPA weighs more on the ranking process, so if your GPA is good but you have no publications please consider applying.

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.