Predicting western spiny-tailed skink adaptation to changing environments

Predicting western spiny-tailed skink adaptation to changing environments

The western spiny-tailed skink (Egernia stokesii badia) is an endangered habitat-specialist endemic to semi-arid woodlands of Western Australia. Its persistence is tightly linked to specific microhabitat features such as log pile structure, rocky outcrops, and vegetation complexity, which are vulnerable to degradation from grazing, mining, and climate change.

In collaboration with Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Curtin University, and the Bandi Barna Aboriginal Corporation, this project will quantify the effects of climate change on E. s. badia by integrating microclimate variability, population thermal preferences with mechanistic modelling to predict future climate change risks.

Candidates with a strong interest in thermal ecology, mechanistic modelling, and establishing long-term connections with Badimia are encouraged to apply.

The position is available for domestic students only (Australian or New Zealand citizens)

The project includes one tax-free 3-year stipend to support the selected candidates. The candidate will be part of the Wu Ecological and Evolutionary Physiology Lab and based in the School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences (ECS ). ECS works closely with government, industry, NGOs, and Traditional Owners, and maintains a strong, supportive research culture for staff and higher-degree students.

The candidates will also be affiliated with the Harry Butler Institute Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability (TESS ), where researchers collaborate with community and industry partners to advance sustainable, biodiverse ecosystems. TESS includes 17 academic staff and over 100 HDR students committed to rigorous science underpinning biodiversity conservation. 

Provider:
Murdoch University
Duration of Award:
See scholarship details
Level of study:

• Research

• Eligibility
• How to Apply

Eligibility

Applicants must be full time and meet the admission requirements of the required HDR degree to be eligible (first or upper second-class Honours degree, Masters degree by research, or equivalent).

Applicants must possess a First Class Honours degree, H2A (or equivalent) or a Masters with a significant thesis component.

Selection criteria

The successful applicant should:

• Hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) Research Master's degree.
• Have a background in movement ecology and/or physiological experiments, and strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Experience working with herpetofauna
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Hold a current driver's licence (required for undertaking fieldwork).
• Be willing to work remotely in the hot conditions of the Western Australian desert region.
• Adhere to the Expectations of Lab members of my lab.

How to Apply

Compile the required documents and submit your application to Dr Nicholas Wu ([email protected] ) with the subject heading “Skink PhD Project – First and Last Name”.

Required Documents

The application should include the following documents:

• an up-to-date curriculum vitae with two referees;
• a transcript for your academic qualifications;
• a one-page document that outlines your research experience and interest related to the project (including the selection criteria), a brief research proposal around their theme of interest, and a description of career goals and motivation for a PhD program.
  

Payment Method

The scholarship provides a stipend (tax-free) $37,000 AUD per year.

Scholarship Value:
$37,000 AUD per year
Opening Date:
1 Aug 2026
Closing Date:
30 Oct 2026
Student Type:
Domestic