PhD Opportunity in Functional Ecology: The University of Sydney is offering a PhD opportunity for highly motivated individuals to join an Australian Research Council (ARC)-funded project focused on ant invasion and its impact on biodiversity and ecosystems. The successful candidate will engage in groundbreaking research on how invasive ants alter ecosystem functions and how we can build ecological resistance against their spread. This is an exciting opportunity to work on a pressing global biodiversity and biosecurity issue.
PhD Opportunity in Ant Invasion and Functional Ecology – 2026
Summary Table:
| Designation | PhD Candidate in Ant Invasion and Functional Ecology |
|---|---|
| Research Area | Ecology, Biodiversity, Invasive Species, Ant Invasion, Functional Ecology |
| Location | The University of Sydney, Australia |
| Eligibility/Qualification | Bachelor’s degree with first or upper-second class honours in Ecology, Biology, or Environmental Science. Experience in ecological fieldwork and strong analytical skills. |
| Job Description | Conduct fieldwork and experiments on ant communities, develop methods to assess species traits and ecosystem functions, model biodiversity patterns, write scientific papers, and communicate findings. |
| How to Apply | Submit a cover letter, CV, research outputs, and referee contacts to Dr. Mark Wong at markwong.research[at]outlook.com. |
| Last Date for Apply | Early applications are encouraged; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. |
Designation:
PhD Candidate in Ant Invasion and Functional Ecology
Research Area:
Ecology, Biodiversity, Invasive Species, Ant Invasion, Functional Ecology
Location:
The University of Sydney, Australia
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Bachelor’s degree with first or upper-second class honours or equivalent in Ecology, Biology, or Environmental Science.
- Experience conducting ecological fieldwork.
- A strong passion for studying insects, especially ants.
- Proficiency in R programming and analytical skills, with a desire to expand data analysis capabilities.
- Strong writing skills and a commitment to improving communication.
- A current driver’s license (desirable but not essential).
Job Description:
The PhD candidate will be involved in:
- Conducting novel fieldwork and experiments on ant communities in both intact and invaded ecosystems in Australia.
- Developing and implementing methods to assess species traits and ecosystem functions.
- Utilizing advanced analytical tools to model biodiversity patterns.
- Writing scientific manuscripts on invasion ecology and functional ecology.
- Communicating research findings to stakeholders and the public, contributing to the global understanding of ant invasion impacts.
This project, led by Dr. Mark Wong in collaboration with esteemed experts at The University of Sydney, offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to ecological theory and practical solutions in biodiversity conservation.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following documents in a single combined PDF file to Dr. Mark Wong at markwong.research[at]outlook.com:
- A cover letter detailing your motivation and suitability for the role.
- A CV outlining relevant experience and qualifications.
- Copies of up to 3 representative research outputs.
- Contact details for two referees.
Last Date for Apply:
Early applications are strongly encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
