Domestic PhD Opportunity in Kelp Forest Conservation and Policy

Company Description The Kelp Forest Alliance is a knowledge-driven, not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring kelp forests, which support hundreds of millions of people yet are rapidly disappearing. The Alliance conducts targeted research on strengthening human and ecological connections to kelp forests, preventing their loss, and restoring degraded ecosystems. It convenes a global community of practice, currently including 900 individuals from 420 organizations across 30 countries, to share information and collaborate across cultural, professional, and linguistic boundaries. As a supporting member of the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration, the Alliance represents kelp forests in major international forums such as COP31 (UNFCCC), COP17 (CBD), and the UN Ocean Conference, offering significant visibility and impact for those working with the organization.

Role Description This is a PhD Opportunity in Kelp Forest Conservation and Policy based in Sydney, at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) with some flexibility to work from home. The PhD candidate will conduct original research on kelp forest conservation, restoration strategies, and policy mechanisms, integrating ecological science with governance and community engagement.

The PhD will involve designing and implementing research projects, collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, reviewing scientific and policy literature, and preparing research outputs such as theses, reports, and peer-reviewed publications. The role also involves collaborating with the Kelp Forest Alliance’s global network, contributing to policy briefs and evidence-based recommendations for decision-makers, and presenting findings at conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings. The candidate will work closely with supervisors and partners to ensure that research outcomes inform real-world conservation actions and international policy discussions.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated research skills, including literature review, study design, data collection, and analysis in marine science, ecology, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of, or strong interest in, conservation policy, environmental governance, and the interface between science and policy, ideally related to marine or coastal ecosystems.
• Strong academic writing and communication abilities, including preparing reports, manuscripts, and presentations for scientific, policy, and community audiences.
• Capacity to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary and cross-cultural teams, and to engage with diverse stakeholders such as NGOs, community groups, and policymakers.
• Eligibility for admission to a domestic PhD program at a partner university in Australia, typically including an Honours degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work independently in a hybrid environment based in Sydney, NSW.
• Experience or coursework in statistics, data analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, GIS), or social science methods is highly beneficial.
• Prior experience in marine conservation, kelp forest