School of Science Marine Heatwaves PhD Scholarship

This PhD project will form part of a collaborative research effort to advance predictions of marine heatwaves (MHW) and impacts on marine ecosystems, particularly key fishery species. The PhD research will focus on the evaluating the relationship between MHW features (e.g. intensity, duration, extent) and fishery species population and catch data. Projected outcomes from this research include an improved ability to predict the effect of MHW on fishery species into the future.

Project title: Advancing prediction of marine heatwaves and the impact on fisheries.

WA marine ecosystems and dependent industries such as fisheries have endured prolonged, extremely warm water events (marine heatwaves) that are projected to increase in frequency and duration. Marine heatwaves (MHW) have led to ecological and economic impacts along the WA coastline. This PhD project will evaluate the relationships between MHW features (e.g., intensity, duration, extent) and fisheries species population and catch. This will support the formulation of models for the prediction of MHW and the impact on some key fisheries in WA. The outcomes from this project are critical to the ongoing sustainable use and conservation of Western Australia marine resources and the overall health of the ocean environments.

The successful candidate will be based at ECU, Joondalup in the School of Science and will be supervised by a team of multidisciplinary academics (in applied statistics, geostatistics, coastal biology and ecology).

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship of $33,000.00 per year for 3 years pending compliance with milestone and candidacy requirements.

To be eligible, you must meet the entry requirements for a PhD at ECU

Specifically, the preferred candidate must have

• Master’s or Honours degree in Statistics or related disciplines.
• Demonstrable skills in statistical modelling (preferably spatio-temporal modelling) with focus on downscaling algorithms, and Bayesian inference.
• Proficiency in using R and/or Python, with some programming skills.

To apply please send your CV, academic transcripts, and a brief document (at most 2-pages) addressing the following criteria.

• Understanding of marine heatwaves (MHW) and their potential impact on fisheries resources
• Experience in data assimilation, application of spatio-temporal and scenario modelling and Bayesian inference.
• Proficiency levels in R and/or Python and programming skill.

Applications due by September 30th , 2023. Email to Dr Eben Afrifa-Yamoah

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, and the successful candidate will be recommended for admission.

Please contact Dr Eben Afrifa-Yamoah or Dr Johnny Lo for further details.