Understanding threats to native stingless bees

Native stingless bees are essential pollinators for Australian ecosystems and agriculture, yet their basic ecology, population trends and climate sensitivity remain poorly understood, particularly in southeast Queensland. This project will build a long-term research program to understand how native stingless bees respond to environmental change as pressures increase, including climate extremes, habitat change and other emerging threats.

HDR candidates will join an interdisciplinary team to (1) quantify bee abundance, nesting ecology and foraging networks across landscapes, (2) measure physiological and molecular indicators of health and resilience, and (3) apply genomic and bioinformatic approaches to investigate population structure, connectivity and adaptive potential. A distinctive arm of the project is co-designed with Aboriginal partner organisations, focusing on cultural significance, insect ethics and appropriate research practice for culturally significant species. You will have opportunities to work on Country with Traditional Owners and community partners, and to contribute to Indigenous-led monitoring priorities and governance.

We are seeking highly motivated, independent students who enjoy fieldwork and data analysis, are keen to work across disciplines, and are committed to respectful, collaborative research practice. This is an applied, interdisciplinary project with direct conservation and agricultural relevance, and strong scope for high-impact publications, training and partnerships.

The project is based at The University of Queensland, within the School of the Environment, and is supported by the UQ meliponaries and managed stingless bee colonies at partner sites. Facilities enable year-round access to colonies and controlled field experiments. Fieldwork will use standard survey equipment, and bee activity and microclimate monitoring will be supported by novel hive-mounted sensors and automated counters. Lab access supports physiological assays, molecular workflows and genomic sample processing, and HDR students will receive training in field ecology, experimental design, and reproducible analysis.

This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $37,500 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered

Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.

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 ecology and insect biology (including survey design, specimen handling, and basic statistics), and or bioinformatics (genomic data handling, reproducible workflows in R) would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of ecology, conservation biology, entomology, environmental science, evolutionary biology, ecological physiology, genomics and bioinformatics, Indigenous studies or cross-cultural research practice and the potential for scholastic success.

Experience working respectfully with communities, willingness to undertake fieldwork in remote and regional settings (including on Country), and a strong commitment to ethical research and collaborative practice will be highly regarded. Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. If you’re unsure whether you’re a good fit, please get in touch. We welcome enquiries from students across disciplines, and there is scope to tailor specific research questions within the broader project to match your interests and strengths.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 1, 2027. 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

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Dr Coen Hird (c.hird@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:

1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
2. Project: 'Fellowship project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: STINGLESS-HIRD
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/understanding-threats-native-stingless-bees

Submit an EOI