Flinders and Eyre Shellfish Ltd Industry Enterprise PhD Scholarship in Aquaculture

Change lives and change the world with impactful PhD research co-funded by Flinders and Eyre Shellfish Ltd

• Receive a $33,990  and a top-up pay of $10,000 per annum (2024 rate only, indexed annually) scholarship tax-free, for up to 3.5 years
• Apply your research skills during an internship with Eyre Shellfish Ltd

Flinders University and Eyre Shellfish Ltd are offering an Industry PhD Scholarship to undertake innovative research into the reproduction and larval rearing of razorfish as a new species for aquaculture.

Flinders University and Eyre Shellfish are collaborating on this research project to develop novel hatchery technology for a new aquaculture species, the razorfish.  Specifically, we will first understand the requirement of holding environments for broodstock razorfish, develop spawning technology to produce live progeny, and finally develop larval rearing technology towards spat supply to the grow-out facilities.  Eyre Shellfish is Australia's leading oyster hatchery and nursery, located in Cowell, SA. It has existing facilities for oyster aquaculture, which can be modified to adapt to razorfish cultivation.  Flinders University is also committed to this PhD project and training the next generation of scientists through high-quality education programs.

This project aims to advance applied science, create new technologies, and foster interdisciplinary collaborations in aquaculture.  Together we are seeking innovative solutions to this challenging area of aquaculture research through this PhD project. 

This inspiring project explores novel technologies for broodstock conditioning, spawning, and larval raring through a joint effort of Eyer Shellfish and Flinders University through a co-funded PhD project. The success of this project will lead to the development of a new aquaculture species to meet the demand of seafood consumers.

The Flinders Industry PhD Scholarship also includes an internship of at least 60 full-time equivalent days, agreed to in written form within 18 months of candidature, undertaken and completed prior to completion of the PhD, during which you will be embedded with the Industry Partner team, developing your network, and gaining insight into the everyday research practices of an industry-leading service driven organisation.

This Scholarship offers:

• $33,990 (2024 full-time rate, indexed annually) plus a top-up pay of $10,000 per annum tax free, for up to 3.5 years
• A 3-month industry internship allowing you to apply your research into practice during candidature
• Access to academic and industry expertise through joint supervision
• A supportive environment to learn leading-edge research methods and become an expert in aquaculture
• The opportunity to manage a complex research project and respond innovatively to challenging problems
• A collaborative research community where you can enhance your skills and build your network to progress your research career

To be eligible for the Scholarship you will need:

• to be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or have, or are eligible to apply for, a relevant international visa; and
• meet Flinders University PhD admission requirements – an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8) in marine biology or aquaculture, or evidence of equivalent research qualification, such as refereed publications or significant experience as a lead researcher; and
• Scholarship recipients are expected to take up their studies as soon as practicable within a timeframe specified by the Office of Graduate Research in consultation with the College of Science and Engineering and Eyre Shellfish Ltd, up to a maximum of 3 months from the time of acceptance of the scholarship.  In exceptional circumstances and with the approval of the Industry Partner and the University, this time may be extended to 6 months.
• Clearance for a National Police Criminal History Check.

It is desirable for applicants to also have:

• Research experience in aquaculture or marine biology
• Working experience in aquaculture, preferably molluscan aquaculture
• Quantitative skills in biological sciences or equivalent