PhD Opportunity: Oyster Reef Restoration for Biodiversity Outcomes (University of St. Andrews - Macquarie University)

Job title

PhD Opportunity: Oyster Reef Restoration for Biodiversity Outcomes.

Company

University of St. Andrews - Macquarie University.

Description of the job

The University of St. Andrews and Macquarie University offer a scholarship funded by both institutions to support an exceptional student undertaking doctoral research. This scholarship supports research into how oyster reef structure influences biodiversity. The project focuses on understanding interstitial spacing to improve reef restoration designs and enhance ecological outcomes.

Context:

Oyster reefs are important estuarine habitats that provide shoreline stabilisation, water filtration, and nursery habitat for fish and invertebrates. However destructive industrial harvesting during the 19th and 20th centuries caused the collapse of 85 per cent of oyster reefs globally, making them one of the most imperilled marine ecosystems.

To counteract losses, restoration efforts are increasing, often aimed at biodiversity and fisheries enhancement. Restoration typically involves providing a hard base for reef growth and/or seeding oysters at suitable locations. Success, however, is variable, and monitoring is critical to identify methods that maximise success.

A key knowledge gap lies in the relationship between oyster reef structure – particularly interstitial spacing – and associated biodiversity. High oyster density is often assumed to be a desirable attribute, but preliminary observations by Bishop and McDougall suggest it may reduce species abundance and diversity – potentially by limiting protective spaces between oysters or increasing mortality of larvae of colonising species through filtration.

This project aims to fill a critical knowledge gap regarding how interstitial spacing influences biodiversity of oyster reefs across biogeographical regions, informing reef restoration design to maximise ecological benefits.

This project 'Optimising the design of oyster reef restoration projects for biodiversity outcomes' will be co-supervised by Professor Melanie Bishop and Dr Carmel McDougall.

Duration of award:

• Up to three and a half years.
• The student will be expected to spend half of the award term at the University of St Andrews and half at Macquarie University.
• The successful candidate will be expected to have completed the doctorate degree by the end of the award term.

Mode of study:

• Full-time.

Year of entry:

• 2026-2027 academic year (St Andrews), 2026 academic year (Macquarie).
• Students will enrol at both institutions from the outset.
• Entry point for students beginning at St Andrews is 27 September.
• If beginning at Macquarie, entry point is 1 October.

Requirements

• Admission and scholarship criteria of both universities must be met.
• Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree.
• Applicants must not be matriculated for a doctoral degree at the University of St Andrews, Macquarie University, or another institution.
• Must meet the PhD entry and English language requirements of both institutions.

Location

St. Andrews, United Kingdom and Sydney, Australia.

Salary

Not specified. 

How to apply

Students are to submit their expressions of interest to the MQ and St Andrew's supervisor and cc gr.globalprograms@mq.edu.au.

The participating schools at St. Andrews and the Graduate Research Academy at Macquarie in coordination with the academic supervisors will be expected to complete the selection process.

EOI documents to be submitted:

• CV including information about publications.
• Transcripts of most relevant or recent degrees.
• Information about thesis components (thesis mark, word count, weight or length in comparison to the degree overall).
• Statement of suitability as a candidate for the project (max 500 words).
• Indication that the student meets the English language requirements for entry into a PhD program at both universities, or willingness to obtain relevant English language proficiency test results.

Students who are nominated for the award will be asked to formally apply for the relevant PhD course code and Cotutelle/joint PhD scholarship through the MQ application portal.

Deadline

03/12/2025.

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