Bridging data gaps: sclerochronology for threatened and commercially important sharks

About the project 

Advance our understanding and use of sclerochronology 

If you are keen to pursue a career in data analytics and passionate about harnessing technology to improve conservation management, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within Future Industries Institute (FII). 

Cartilaginous fish (sharks, skates, rays) play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems and supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities around the world. Alarmingly, one third of cartilaginous fish species are now threatened with extinction due to human activity.  

We urgently need to develop effective management strategies but collecting the data required to inform these strategies is expensive and challenging, leaving critical gaps in our understanding of their ecology. 

Sclerochronology, which involves the study of growth increments and chemical variations in the hard tissues of animals, offers a promising solution. This methodology enables the opportunistic collection of ecological and environmental data over broad spatial and temporal scales at relatively low cost.  

Our project will develop novel sclerochronological methods to gather critical data on commercially important and vulnerable cartilaginous fish species. Through our collaborations with scientists, industry stakeholders, government and non-government organisations, our project aims to enhance our understanding of these species and translate this understanding into real-world impact.  

We will support enhanced understanding of cartilaginous fish ecology via our species-specific data for commercially important and threatened species, supporting conservation management and policy decision-making.  

You will be based within the FII, where you will join a vibrant and collegial cohort of both early career and senior researchers. You will benefit from access to worldclass facilities and resources and be mentored by leaders in their fields.  

The FII’s focus on collaborative partnerships that produce research that translates into real societal impact will ensure that you have every opportunity to build up a strong professional network within academia, government and industry.  

What you’ll do 

In this project-based research degree, you will collaborate with museums, industry, and non-government organisations to collect and anlayse data. This includes gathering samples from threatened and commercially important species (e.g. eye lenses and vertebrae) and developing novel sclerochronological methods that enable the cost-effective collection of life history data, which can be then used in future research.  

You will also collect life history data to inform management and conservation practices (e.g. age, growth and movement data) and build a comprehensive tissue sample library for reuse. 

Where you’ll be based 

You will be based in FII. We partner with industry and the professions to deliver innovation and technological advances to solve real world challenges. With research strengths across 5 sectors that cross disciplines from biomaterials engineering to minerals processing, FII creates local and global impact. Our research degree students partner with industry and end-users to develop their skills and relevant career experience and our state-of-the-art facilities support research growth and expertise. We work with SME’s via the Institute’s Testlab and provide R&D services that support industry challenges which is part of our $80million of infrastructure that consists specialised laboratories and equipment. 

For further information about FII, including our staff, partnerships, major initiatives, grant success, research engagement and more, please explore the website. Financial Support 

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 (2025 rate) per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). 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. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Eligibility and Selection 

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. 

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. 

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 Friday, 15 November.