CSIRO Industry PhD Scholarship: Forecasting and managing extreme population events: Modelling mouse plagues in the Australian grainbelt

Funding and duration

four year scholarship package totalling approximately $48,000 per annum tax exempt (2026 rate); four-year scholarship and research training program.

Project overview

Project title

Forecasting and managing extreme population events: Modelling mouse plagues in the Australian grainbelt.

Project description

This Project will develop statistical and mechanistic models of invasive house mouse populations across Australia’s grain growing regions. Expected outcomes are more accurate forecasts of mouse outbreak risk and optimised management recommendations. Potential benefits include reducing the economic, environmental and health impacts caused by mouse plagues.

Supervisory team

University

Name of university supervisor | Andries Potgieter

Name of university | The University of Queensland

Email address | a.potgieter@uq.edu.au

Faculty | Science

CSIRO

Name of CSIRO supervisor | Dr Matthew Rees

Email address | matt.rees@csiro.au

CSIRO Research Unit | Health & Biosecurity

Industry

Name of industry supervisor | Dr Leigh Nelson

Name of business/organisation | Grains Research and Development Corporation

Email address | leigh.nelson@grdc.com.au

Further details

Primary location of student | The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia

Industry engagement component location | CSIRO Black Mountain Science and Innovation Park, Clunies Ross Street, Acton ACT 2601, Australia

Ideal student skillset | A background in environmental science, ecology, data science, applied mathematics or statistics.Proficiency in statistical analysis and data processing, including programming skills in R (preferable) or other statistical languages. Experience or interest in spatiotemporal statistics, machine learning, data integration or extreme value approaches would be valuable. Experience or interest in wildlife management and agriculture.Strong communication skills to understand stakeholder needs and effectively convey relevant concepts to end-users. Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, along with experience in literature review, scientific writing, and effective presentation of research findings.

Application close date | Open until position filled

Apply | UQ