PhD Scholarship in Australian scorpion evolution

Description

Flinders University invites applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship linked to the ARC-funded project Defining the Evolution of Apex Arthropod Predators. The project will be supervised by Dr Russell Bicknell, with potential co-supervisors including Dr Bruno Buzatto, Professor Mike Lee, and/or other members of the Flinders palaeontology group.

Arthropods (animals with exoskeletons) have been dominant predators for more than half a billion years and continue to shape modern ecosystems, making up ~75% of living species. Their extraordinary diversity includes a wide range of specialised predatory structures. Modern three-dimensional modelling techniques have become essential for testing the performance of these structures and exploring their evolutionary implications.

Scorpions, in particular, show striking diversity in form, size, and ecological strategies. Yet, despite their ecological importance, Australian scorpions remain poorly studied from comparative, evolutionary, and biomechanical perspectives. This project will use cutting-edge approaches to document and analyse Australian scorpions, providing fresh insight into their role as predators and their evolutionary history.

Research Directions

The project is highly flexible and can be tailored to the interests of the successful candidate, with opportunities for lab and field work. Possible avenues include:

• 3D scanning and biomechanical modelling (e.g., finite-element analysis) of scorpion species.
• Exploring evolution and biodiversity of Australian scorpions through methods such as phylogenetic analysis, geometric morphometrics, distribution modelling or ecomorphological analysis.
• Uncovering the largely undocumented diversity and describing new species of Australian scorpions.
• Documenting and comparing exoskeletal features across Australian scorpion species.

Benefits

• Stipend: $33,500 per year (2025 rate, tax-free)
• Research support for study travel, lab expenses, field work.
• Duration: 3 years (+ 6 months if required), full-time
• Start date: Early to mid 2026.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be an Australian; or New Zealand citizen; or have been granted permanent resident status; and
• Meet Flinders University PhD admission requirements
• Be available to commence as a full-time PhD student at Flinders University in 2026

Desirable Background

We welcome applicants with interests in evolutionary biology, palaeobiology, or ecology. Experience in one or more of the following areas will be an advantage:

• Arthropod evolution, biomechanics, or taxonomy
• Handling and analysing large computational datasets
• Experience in scientific writing