HDR Scholarship - Development of the avian clock

We are seeking an outstanding, highly motivated PhD candidate to work on a new project examining the role of photoperiod in determining the ontogeny of the avian clock, as well and the timing of life events, such as hatching and reproduction in wild zebra finches. The student will build on our earlier work demonstrating the fundamental role which early life conditions play in determining developmental programming for later life conditions.

The student will quantify the role of photoperiod for reproductive timing, running a common garden experiment quantifying gene expression, development and behaviour. The work will involve remote fieldwork, catching wild birds to relocate to breed in captivity. The student will be working under local ethics permission to collect tissues from embryonic birds and whilst supported would need to be personally responsible for some limited euthanasia and sample collection.

The PhD student will work in a vibrant and productive research team testing the role of environmental cycles for early avian development. The student can potentially learn a range of molecular techniques, endocrine and behavioural assays, neural gene expression and genomics analyses to assess physiological processes, as well as functional impacts. The student will be based at Deakin University, Geelong and co-supervised by A/Prof F Gachon (University of Queensland).

Applications close 5pm, Friday 15 September 2023

This scholarship is available over 3 years.

• Stipend of $33,500 per annum tax exempt (2023 rate)
• Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
• International students only:  Tuition fees offset for the duration of 4 years. Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.

To be eligible you must:

• be a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
• meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
• be enrolling full time and hold an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component.

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.

Additional desirable criteria include:

• must have an interest in birds and hold a full driving licence.
• will be required to work in remote areas, with appropriate support.
• will be required to perform limited euthanasia of embryos or adult birds to enable tissue collection.