Doctoral Candidate in Physiological Basis of Response Diversity in Marine Phytoplankton

This PhD position at Monash University’s Community Ecology & Evolution lab, led by Dr. Giulia Ghedini, focuses on investigating the physiological basis of response diversity in marine phytoplankton communities. The successful candidate will conduct theory-informed laboratory experiments and eco-evolutionary assays to understand how species physiological variation influences community stability under environmental change. Integrated into the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network ReDiLEEP, the candidate will collaborate internationally while being based in Australia. The project aims to develop mechanistic insights into how energy use differences among species drive persistence and recovery, ultimately supporting ecosystem management and biodiversity policy. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of ecology, physiology, and global change biology.

• Conduct theory-informed laboratory experiments to investigate physiological mechanisms driving response diversity in marine phytoplankton communities.
• Design and execute eco-evolutionary assays to assess how species physiological variation influences community stability under environmental change.
• Analyze data to determine how differences in energy use among species affect species persistence and recovery in changing environments.
• Collaborate with international partners within the ReDiLEEP network to translate research findings into ecosystem management and biodiversity policy.
• Develop and present research findings through academic publications, conference presentations, and network meetings.
• Integrate into the broader research community at Monash University and contribute to ongoing projects in community ecology and evolution.