This project is closed for international students.
Project summary
- Program
- PhD
- Location
- St Lucia
- Research area
- Biological sciences, Environmental sciences
Project description
Coral reef fishes are increasingly exposed to altered light environments caused by rising turbidity, artificial light at night (ALAN), and movement to deeper waters. This project investigates how these changes affect the visual systems and brains of reef fishes, with a focus on their ability to adapt through visual and neural plasticity. Seeking a student with a functional imaging and/or strong molecular biology background, the work will combine neuroimaging with new molecular approaches—such as single-cell RNA sequencing and MRI-based tractography—to investigate how visual pathways and brain regions respond to changing light conditions. Through this integrated approach, the project aims to reveal how sensory and neural flexibility help reef fishes cope with rapid environmental change, while providing the student with hands-on experience in marine fieldwork and neuroethology.
Research environment
The project is embedded in a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment at the University of Queensland, offering access to a collaborative community of researchers and students across all stages of academic career. Fieldwork will be conducted at established marine stations, complemented by state-of-the-art laboratory approaches including MRI-based brain imaging, sophisticated behavioural assays, and single-cell RNA sequencing to link molecular, anatomical, and functional plasticity. Students will benefit from professional development opportunities, including mentorship within a dynamic research group, exposure to advanced techniques, and training in both molecular and ecological approaches. This environment offers an exceptional platform for studying sensory and neural adaptation in reef fishes while developing a broad, multidisciplinary skill set
Scholarship
This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.
The scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
- your tuition fees covered
- single overseas student health cover (OSHC).
Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.
Supervisor
Principal supervisor
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history.
A working knowledge of neuroimaging, transcriptomics and genomics, behavioural experimentation, marine fieldwork would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of marine biology, ecology, neuroethology and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of animal sensory biology is highly desirable.
How to apply
This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 2, 2026. You can start in an earlier research quarter.
You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by the closing date for the research quarter (RQ) you want to start in:
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Dr Fabio Cortesi (f.cortesi@uq.edu.au).
When you apply
To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI
In your EOI, complete the 'Scholarship/Sponsorship' section with the following details:
- Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
- Project: 'Fellowship project scholarship'
- Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: CORTESI-261125
- Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/coral-reef-fish-visual-plasticity-anthropocene