Environmental drivers shaping bat diversity, activity, and predation on agricultural pests

About this project

Increase our knowledge of the ecological role of bats.

If you are passionate about a career in environmental science and interested in enhancing our knowledge about the ecological role of South Australian insectivorous bats, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within UniSA STEM

Kangaroo Island is a biodiversity hotspot of great significance to South Australia. Without foxes and rabbits, the island has retained a unique flora and fauna, with significant positive impacts on the economy via tourism and the green image of agriculture. 

Strangely, the number of mammal species is uncertain for this biodiversity hotspot because bats were not studied there until our work started in 2019. Our preliminary data suggest that the island could host more than the seven species known to occur there.

Our project will, for the first time, identify the mammal species of our primary biodiversity hotspot, their ecological needs, and the environmental variables that affect them, allowing us to make recommendations for conservation. 

We will also evaluate their role in agriculture as pollutant-free insect control, including the novel idea of examining bats’ potential to control fly strike in sheep. This research will thus lead to the improvement of agricultural capacity.

Our project aims to determine what bat species are active and roost where and as a function of what environmental parameters, taking into account the impacts of the 2019–2020 bushfires that burnt half of the island. 

You will be based within UniSA STEM. Encompassing several multidisciplinary fields, UniSA STEM offers you access to worldclass expertise, facilities and resources. You will benefit from a collaborative environment in which you will be encouraged to share your research and receive feedback and guidance. 

Direct collaboration with our partners will also ensure that you gain valuable hands-on industry experience and knowledge, giving you the competitive edge in the job market. 

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will engage both the conservation and farming communities over a common goal and deliver a series of high-profile journal publications and reports for the general public. 

We expect a great improvement in knowledge to guide biodiversity action with positive impacts for the public and agriculture. You will play an influential role in generating important knowledge that has the potential to affect policy. 

Where you’ll be based

You will be based in UniSA STEM. We link engineering, mathematics, science, defence, cybersecurity, construction management, environmental science, aviation, information management, information technology, and project management, harnessing the connections across disciplines to bring big ideas to fruition. 

Our researchers deliver technical expertise and advice to industry, government and community groups to make commercially viable and sustainable impacts. The Future Industries Institute, Innovation and Collaboration Centre and Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments all provide consultancy and access to advanced technology. 

We integrate research into our teaching, with students working alongside researchers in first-class facilities. What’s discovered one day is taught the next.  

In an information-rich world, our people think big, combatting problems, testing solutions and making data-driven decisions. Our graduates are entrepreneurs and trailblazers, who design and build the world they want to live in. Financial Support 
This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 per annum (2025 rate) is available to eligible applicants. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $50,291 per annum. A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information for domestic students or international students.

Eligibility and Selection 

This project is open to application from both Domestic and International applicants. 

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. Additionally applicants must meet the project selection criteria: 

• Experience with ecological research 
• Experience with coding and the use of AI in bat call identification

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our Mawson Lakes campus in the north of Adelaide. Note that international students on a student visa will need to study full-time.

Essential Dates 

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Thursday 7 November 2024.