ProfessorDamien Higgins

Project Opportunities

Title: Koala Health Hub, Koala Infectious Diseases Research Group

Summary of opportunity:

We are always interested in expressions of interest in our PhD program or development of postdoctoral opportunities. Koala numbers have been in severe decline for many years and in most states the species’ status is listed as “vulnerable”, based on a dramatic reduction in koala numbers over the past 5-10 years, over most of its range. The threat facing koala populations today is complex and based on numerous challenges including; habitat loss, widespread and serious disease, urbanization, domestic dog attacks, motor vehicle collisions, and climatic extremes. Without assistance to overcome these issues, the long-term outlook for koalas in Australia is bleak. The Koala Health Hub connects researchers in pathology, ecology, pharmacology, microbiology, immunology, genetics and the social sciences with those on the coalface of koala care and management; in koala hospitals and in the wild, so that research can better inform management, and so managers can better direct research, to find the answers they need. 
The Koala Health Hub is hosted in a Faculty with a long history of research in koala health, and in wildlife health and conservation in general.

Opportunity synopsis:

Those interested in pursuing a PhD or developing a postdoctoral position in any aspect of koala health and conservation are encouraged to contact Prof Damien Higgins directly to discuss potential projects. 
The successful PhD applicant must apply for and be awarded a scholarship (stipend) for example, an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP). Students must have a scholarship which covers full tuition fees and a living allowance.

----------Current Research Projects----------

See current students and funding