Job Information
Organisation/Company: Monash University
Department: School of Biological Sciences
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biodiversity
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: PhD Positions
Application Deadline: 30 Oct 2026 - 12:00 (Australia/Melbourne)
Country: Australia
Type of Contract: Not Applicable
Job Status: Not Applicable
Offer Starting Date: 1 Feb 2027
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
Offer Description
The Community Ecology & Evolution lab led by Dr Giulia Ghedini at Monash University invites applications for a Doctoral Candidate position within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network ReDiLEEP (https://redileep.eu).
ReDiLEEP brings together leading universities, research institutes, and non-academic partners across Europe and beyond to advance response diversity research and translate new knowledge into ecosystem management, restoration, and biodiversity policy. To join the network, the Doctoral Candidate will be supported in applying for a PhD scholarship (domestic/international) via Monash University.
Expected start date: first half of 2027.
Note that, even if the work will be done in a MSCA-DN environment, the position is not recognised as a MSCA doctoral candidate because the lab is outside the EU. The successful candidate will be integrated in the network and have opportunities for international collaborations.
Research Project DC13: Physiological basis and consequences of response diversity
The Doctoral Candidate will investigate the physiological basis of response diversity in marine phytoplankton communities. This project will develop a mechanistic understanding of response diversity by studying how the variation and evolution of species physiology propagate through species interactions to stabilise ecological communities to global change. The Doctoral Candidate will use theory-informed laboratory experiments, physiological and eco-evolutionary assays, to test how differences in species energy use drive species persistence and recovery under global change and how these responses support community stability.
Find the full description on the "Join us" page of our website or click here.
Where to apply
E-mail: giulia.ghedini@monash.edu
Website: https://www.monash.edu/graduate-research/study/apply/submission-guide
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- A motivated researcher with a keen interest in community ecology.
- A Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours or equivalent grades for Master’s Degree in biology, ecology, marine biology, environmental sciences, or closely related field.
- A peer-reviewed publication (particularly as first-author) is not essential, but will strongly increase the chances of securing a scholarship.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
- A demonstrated capacity to work independently and as part of a team.
- A high level of motivation and enthusiasm for the research topic and to perform laboratory work.
- Experience in statistical analysis in R (or similar).
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Additional Information
Benefits
- A full-time PhD opportunity in a growing and friendly lab at Monash University, subject to securing a scholarship.
- Integration in an international MSCA Doctoral Network with opportunities to collaborate with researchers in Europe and Japan.
- Monash offers competitive generous scholarships that cover tuition fees, stipend, and typically include relocation allowance.
- An internationally recognized university that supports research excellence: Monash is part of the Group of Eight, an alliance of leading Australian Universities that supports excellence in research and teaching, with a broad network of international connections. Read more here.
- Access to Monash’ facilities for marine work, microscopy, flowcytometry, and world-leading facilities to measure species traits (Australian Synchrotron).
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must meet Monash University PhD scholarship eligibility criteria, including English language requirements, which can be checked on the How to Apply page.
Selection process
Recruitment will follow open, transparent, and merit-based recruitment principles. Applications will first be assessed by the main supervisor based on eligibility, scientific excellence, motivation, fit with the project, and potential to contribute to the ReDiLEEP doctoral network. Selected students will be supported to apply for a Monash scholarship and will then be ranked competitively according to Monash scholarship regulations and ranking guidelines.
Website for additional job details: https://www.giuliaghedini.com/join-us.html
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Monash University
Country: Australia
State/Province: Victoria
City: Clayton
Postal Code: 3800
Street: 18 Innovation Walk
Contact
State/Province: VICTORIA
City: Clayton
Website: https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/biological-sciences/staff/giulia-ghedini
Street: 25 Rainforest Walk
Postal Code: 3800
E-Mail: giulia.ghedini@monash.edu