Monash University ReDiLEEP PhD Scholarship 2027, Australia
The Monash University ReDiLEEP PhD Scholarship 2027 offers an exciting research opportunity for international applicants interested in ecology, marine biology, environmental science, physiology, evolution, and biological sciences. The doctoral project is part of the international ReDiLEEP Doctoral Network and will examine how marine phytoplankton communities respond to environmental change.
The research project, titled “Physiological Basis and Consequences of Response Diversity,” will investigate how differences among species influence the stability, persistence, and recovery of ecological communities under changing environmental conditions.
Importantly, applicants should understand that this is not an automatically funded MSCA doctoral position. The successful project candidate will be supported in competing for a Monash University graduate research scholarship, meaning admission to the project and receipt of funding are separate stages.
The application deadline is 30 October 2026 at 12:00 Melbourne time, with the expected PhD commencement in the first half of 2027.
Monash University ReDiLEEP PhD Scholarship 2027 Quick Facts
- University: Monash University
- Country: Australia
- Degree: PhD
- Research Project: Physiological Basis and Consequences of Response Diversity
- Research Area: Ecology, marine biology, environmental science, physiology and evolution
- Applicants: International applicants
- Expected Start: First half of 2027
- Application Deadline: 30 October 2026 at 12:00 Melbourne time
- Funding: Competitive Monash doctoral scholarship
- Supervisor: Dr Giulia Ghedini
- Project Location: Monash University, Australia
- Application Contact: giulia.ghedini@monash.edu
Degree Level
- PhD
Available Subjects
The research focuses on response diversity, which describes differences in how species respond to the same environmental disturbance.
These differences can be important for determining whether an ecological community remains stable, adapts to environmental changes, or experiences significant decline.
At Monash University, the doctoral researcher will study marine phytoplankton communities to understand how variation in species physiology affects the persistence and recovery of communities facing global environmental change.
The project brings together several areas of research, including:
- Community ecology
- Marine biology
- Physiology
- Evolution
- Experimental biology
- Eco-evolutionary research
- Environmental change
- Quantitative ecological analysis
The research is particularly relevant to students interested in climate-change biology, biodiversity resilience, marine ecosystems and ecological stability.
What Will the PhD Researcher Study?
The project is titled “Physiological Basis and Consequences of Response Diversity.”
The researcher will investigate whether differences in physiological characteristics among species can influence the stability of an entire ecological community.
The research is expected to involve laboratory experiments, physiological measurements and eco-evolutionary assays. The work will use marine phytoplankton as a model system to explore how species respond to environmental changes.
One important research question is how differences in the way species acquire and use energy may affect the ability of ecological communities to withstand environmental disturbances.
This makes the project particularly suitable for applicants whose previous research has involved experimental ecology, marine organisms, species interactions, environmental stress or physiological responses.
Benefits
Is This an MSCA Doctoral Position?
The project is connected to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network ReDiLEEP, but applicants should not assume that this Monash position automatically provides the standard MSCA doctoral salary and allowances.
The important distinction is that Monash University is located outside the European Union, so this particular position is not formally classified as an MSCA Doctoral Candidate position.
Instead, the selected candidate will participate in the ReDiLEEP network and benefit from its international research environment while pursuing funding through Monash University's doctoral scholarship system.
Therefore, applicants should carefully distinguish between:
ReDiLEEP network participation and guaranteed MSCA doctoral funding.
What Funding Is Available?
The project itself does not guarantee a specific scholarship amount at the initial application stage.
The successful project candidate will be supported in competing for a Monash University graduate research scholarship.
Depending on the scholarship awarded, graduate research funding can potentially include:
- Living stipend
- Tuition-fee support
- Relocation allowance where applicable
Because the funding is competitive, applicants should not describe this opportunity as an automatically fully funded PhD.
A more accurate way to understand the process is:
First, you are selected as the preferred candidate for the research project. Then, you compete for the relevant Monash doctoral scholarship.
How Competitive Is the Scholarship?
The scholarship stage can be highly competitive.
Applicants are assessed on factors such as:
- Academic excellence
- Research experience
- Research fit
- Motivation
- Scientific potential
- Relevant technical skills
- Potential contribution to the ReDiLEEP network
This means that applicants should tailor their application specifically to this research project.
A generic PhD application discussing a broad interest in environmental science is unlikely to be as convincing as an application that directly connects previous research experience with response diversity, community stability, physiology and environmental change.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply for the Monash ReDiLEEP PhD?
The project is aimed at applicants with a strong academic and research background in a relevant discipline.
Suitable academic backgrounds may include:
- Biology
- Ecology
- Marine biology
- Environmental science
- Biological sciences
- Evolutionary biology
- A closely related discipline
Applicants should generally have First Class Honours or equivalent Master's-level academic performance.
However, academic eligibility alone is not enough. Because this is a research-intensive project, applicants should be able to demonstrate that their previous education and research experience prepare them for experimental and quantitative ecological research.
What Skills Will Strengthen Your Application?
Applicants should make relevant research and technical experience clearly visible in their application.
Particularly useful skills may include:
- Laboratory research
- Experimental biology
- Ecological statistics
- Data analysis
- R programming
- Physiological measurements
- Marine biology research
- Community ecology
- Evolutionary ecology
- Experience with environmental-change research
Rather than simply stating that you are interested in biodiversity or climate change, your application should demonstrate what you have already researched and what methods you have used.
For example, applicants can explain a previous research project, identify the ecological question they investigated, describe their methodology and explain how the experience prepares them for this PhD.
Is a Publication Required?
A peer-reviewed publication is not mandatory, but having a strong publication record can strengthen your application.
A first-author peer-reviewed research paper may be particularly valuable because the scholarship selection process is competitive.
Applicants without publications can still apply. Other achievements can also demonstrate research potential, including:
- A strong Master's thesis
- Honours research
- Conference presentations
- Research assistant experience
- Laboratory experience
- Academic awards
- Strong research methodology skills
- Relevant quantitative or statistical experience
The key is to demonstrate research ability and potential, rather than relying only on academic grades.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency and satisfy Monash University's applicable English-language requirements for PhD admission.
The project advertisement does not specify a particular IELTS, TOEFL or PTE score.
Therefore, applicants should check the current Monash graduate research English-language requirements based on their previous education and circumstances.
Meeting the English requirement should be treated separately from meeting the academic and research requirements of the project.
Application Procedure
The project is led by Dr Giulia Ghedini in Monash University's Community Ecology & Evolution Lab.
Applicants interested in the position should approach the application as a research-fit opportunity, rather than sending a generic PhD supervision request.
Your initial communication should clearly explain:
- Your academic background.
- Your previous research experience.
- Your relevant laboratory or experimental skills.
- Your experience with ecological or quantitative research.
- Any experience using R or similar statistical tools.
- Your publications or research outputs, if applicable.
- Why this particular project matches your research interests.
- How your previous work prepares you for the proposed research.
The application/project enquiry email is:
giulia.ghedini@monash.edu
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the project is:
30 October 2026 at 12:00 Melbourne time.
The expected PhD commencement is in the first half of 2027.
International applicants should allow sufficient time to prepare their academic documents, research materials and correspondence with the research team before the deadline.
Why Consider This PhD Opportunity?
The Monash ReDiLEEP project could be particularly attractive to researchers who want to work at the intersection of ecology, physiology, evolution and environmental change.
Rather than being a broad ecology doctorate, the project has a clearly defined scientific question centered on response diversity and ecological stability.
Researchers will also have the opportunity to participate in an international doctoral network involving collaboration beyond Australia.
For applicants with previous experience in marine biology, experimental ecology, environmental science or related fields, the project may provide a strong opportunity to develop specialized research expertise.
Final Thoughts
The Monash University ReDiLEEP PhD Scholarship 2027 is an opportunity worth considering for international applicants with a strong background in ecology, marine biology, environmental science, physiology or related biological sciences.
However, applicants should understand the funding structure before applying. Selection for the project does not automatically mean that the applicant has already secured a funded PhD. The preferred candidate will subsequently compete for a Monash doctoral scholarship.
The strongest applications will likely demonstrate a combination of academic excellence, relevant research experience, experimental skills, quantitative ability and a clear research fit with the response-diversity project.
With the deadline set for 30 October 2026, eligible candidates should begin preparing their application well in advance.
