PhD Opportunity: 2 x PhD positions available – mapping and protecting black cockatoo breeding habitat in the Northern Jarrah Forest

Harry Butler Institute and School of Environmental Sciences and Conservation, Murdoch University

Perth, WA

Full time

$45,000 pa ($37,000 pa Research Training Program Stipend + $8,000 pa top-up)

About the opportunities The Northern Jarrah Forest (NJF) is one of the few regions in south-west Western Australia where Carnaby’s cockatoo (Zanda latirostris), Baudin’s cockatoo (Zanda baudinii) and the Forest red-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) co-occur. All three species are threatened, and their dependence on large hollow-bearing trees make breeding and foraging habitat key conservation priorities. However, we still have limited knowledge of how these species use the NJF and which characteristics of remnant and restored forest support their populations.

We have two PhD positions which will investigate black cockatoo occupancy and habitat use in the Northern Jarrah Forest, combining acoustic monitoring, automated species recognition, field surveys, occupancy modelling, vegetation mapping, and drone imagery.

The projects will develop and test automated methods for distinguishing the calls of all three black cockatoo species and co-develop and ground-truth a drone-based method for predicting hollow-bearing tree density.

About the candidate

We are seeking two highly motivated candidates with a strong interest in ecology, conservation biology and applied wildlife research.

Applicants should have

- an Honours degree or Master's degree in ecology, zoology, conservation biology, environmental science or a related discipline;
- an interest in quantitative ecology and wildlife monitoring;
- strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
- demonstrated experience using R or other statistical programming languages
- the ability to undertake fieldwork, including in remote locations;
- hold a current driver's licence (required for undertaking fieldwork); and




- good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- the ability to receive and respond to feedback

Experience in analysing acoustic data, occupancy modelling, GIS, remote sensing, drone surveys, and bird identification would be advantageous, but applicants do not need experience in all of these areas.

What will the PhD involve?

The candidate will:

- deploy and analyse data from acoustic recorders;
- undertake field surveys to support habitat and demographic research;
- collect and analyse drone data;
- contribute to conservation prioritisation and the development of practical monitoring and management tools.

The projects will involve collaboration with BirdLife Australia, DBCA (Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions), CCWA (Conservation Council Western Australia), and citizen scientists, providing opportunities to develop community capacity for black cockatoo monitoring.

Research environment The PhD will be based at Murdoch University, the Harry Butler Institute and the School of Environmental Sciences and Conservation within a multidisciplinary research team focused on applied conservation science.

The advisory team includes Primary Supervisor Dr Jill Shephard, as well as Co-Supervisors Professor Rachel Standish and Dr Zoe Kissane.

How to Apply To submit an expression of interest, please send the following to Dr Jill Shephard at [email protected] with the subject header “PhD Prospect – NJF”:

· A brief Cover Letter outlining your interest and relevant experience;

· A brief Curriculum Vitae

· An example of academic writing (e.g., peer-reviewed publication, thesis, or dissertation);

· Academic Transcript;

· Evidence for meeting Murdoch University’s English language proficiency requirements.

For further enquiries, please contact Dr Jill Shephard via email [email protected]

Commencement date: December 2026/January 2027

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged.

Closing Date: 30/10/2026

📌 PhD Candidate - Ecology Scholarship (Perth)
🏢 Harry Butler Institute
📍 Perth