PhD Position in the Molecular Mechanisms of Social Behaviour - University of Tasmania, Australia
The Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology Research Group at the University of Tasmania is seeking a motivated PhD student to join an Australian Research Council Discovery Project investigating how family life evolves?
This project will investigate the molecular mechanisms that shape social behaviour using Australian family-living lizards as a model system. The successful candidate will combine behavioural ecology with transcriptomics and comparative genomics to identify the gene regulatory pathways underlying key social behaviours, including social tolerance and maternal aggression. The project forms part of a larger research program examining the ecological and molecular origins of family living and will provide opportunities to work with one of the world's longest-running studies of family-living lizards. The student will join an internationally collaborative research team, working with researchers at the University of Tasmania, Macquarie University, the University of Sydney, Lund University (Sweden), and the Max Planck Institute (Germany).
Applicants should possess:
- A First Class Honours or research Master's degree in evolutionary biology, ecology, molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, behavioural ecology, or a related discipline.
- Experience with genomic, transcriptomic, or other large biological datasets.
- Strong quantitative skills, including experience using R.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- An interest in behavioural ecology, evolutionary biology, genomics, or bioinformatics.
- Field or laboratory experience with vertebrate systems.
The successful applicant will receive a competitive PhD scholarship, opportunities for conference travel and international collaboration, and interdisciplinary training spanning behavioural ecology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and evolutionary genomics.
To apply, please send:
- a brief expression of interest outlining your research experience and motivation,
- your curriculum vitae, and
- the contact details of two academic referees
To: Associate Professor Geoff While, Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, University of Tasmania, Email: gwhile @utas.edu.au
Expressions of interest should be received by the 1st of September 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to discuss the project before being supported through the formal University of Tasmania PhD application process. Please see the UTAS PhD Project page (https://www.utas.edu.au/research/degrees/available-projects) or the Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology Research Group page (https://beergrouputas.wordpress.com/2026/06/27/two-phd-opportunities-exploring-the-evolution-of-family-life/) for more information.

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