We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to join our research team in the examination of faunal communities in Australia following human arrival on the continent. The primary focus of this role is to investigate the nature and direction of changes in Australian fauna in response to natural and anthropogenic factors. This project includes analysing fossil material from various archaeological and palaeontological sites across Australia to examine morphological and biogeographical changes of select species through time. Success in this role may require collaboration with interdisciplinary experts in archaeology, geochemistry, genetics, and palaeoecology, as well as with Indigenous communities to ensure the ethical and respectful use of Indigenous knowledge and materials.

This project will be undertaken through the Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution (ARCHE), with cross supervision from the Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, Germany. ARCHE is a world leader in research and education on all aspects of human evolutionary studies. We provide a dynamic and cooperative research environment that seeks to understand how humans and their societies across the globe evolved over time. We emphasise the study of the biological and cultural evolution of humans and our place in the natural world, with a growing focus on Indigenous peoples of Australia, Asia, and the Pacific. Prof Julien Louys is based in ARCHE and has a wealth of experience in studying past environmental change, human-faunal interactions through time, and the use of genetic and phylogenetic data to examine evolutionary questions. Professor Nicole Boivin’s research explores how archaeological data can inform present-day issues ranging from climate change and the Anthropocene to globalization, food security and migration.

At ARCHE, our goal is to cultivate an innovative and cooperative atmosphere that nurtures the upcoming cohort of human evolutionary scientists. We provide a diverse selection of research and educational prospects for students of every level, including undergraduates, honours, masters, and PhD students. Our exceptional supervisors and researchers, who possess the expertise to connect students with national and international research networks, field locations, and professional organizations, work alongside our students to offer a world-class learning experience. Our advanced facilities offer cutting-edge resources to facilitate research and learning on every facet of human evolution.

This position will be held at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan).

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful in a research project on faunal change through in Australia, you will be able to demonstrate a strong foundation in palaeontology and systematics, as well as familiarity with ecology, genetics, and anatomy. You will have evidence of a passion for understanding ecosystems and a desire to address the application of fossil data to ecological and conservation problems. You will ideally have experience in fieldwork, data collection, and analysis, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Overall, a successful candidate for this research project will be highly motivated, innovative, and committed to making a positive impact on the environment.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first or second class division A class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure.  For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:

1. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
2. A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
3. A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19

About the scholarship
The 2025 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $34,752 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

What Griffith offers
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

EOI Process
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to j.louys@griffith.edu.au containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Research  proposal
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section, including a  copy of your academic transcript
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
• Names of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Friday 30 May 2025 at 5pm AEST 

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line

For project related enquiries please contact:
Professor Julien Louys
Email: j.louys@griffith.edu.au

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Email: hdr-scholarship@griffith.edu.au