17/08/2026
PhD project opportunity
The last of its lineage: Ecology, connectivity and conservation of the relict gastropod Campanile symbolicum
Project overview
How does an evolutionarily unique marine species persist when its populations are isolated, its dispersal capacity is extremely limited, and its environment is changing?
Campanile symbolicum, commonly known as the lighthouse snail, is one of Western Australia's most distinctive marine gastropods. It is the only living representative of the once diverse and widespread family Campanilidae, making it an extraordinary relict of marine evolutionary history. Today, the species is endemic to southwestern Australia, where it occurs in patchily distributed populations in shallow coastal habitats.
Despite its evolutionary and ecological significance, surprisingly little is known about its biology, population ecology or vulnerability to environmental change.
Research at UWA over recent years has begun to change this. Our work has investigated population connectivity, growth and seasonal spatial ecology and, importantly, has recently confirmed that C. symbolicum has direct development.
These findings raise important ecological and conservation questions. How connected are populations along the Western Australian coastline? How far can individuals disperse? What maintains isolated populations? Are populations locally adapted? Where are the species' strongholds, and where has it disappeared? How will geographically isolated populations respond to warming oceans, coastal development and habitat change?
Research objectives
The project can be developed around the interests and expertise of the successful candidate, with potential research spanning interconnected themes: ecology and population dynamics, reproductive and life-history ecology, biogeography and connectivity, and conservation under environmental change.
Ecological, demographic and spatial data generated through the PhD will contribute directly to assessing the conservation status of C. symbolicum and addressing the information currently preventing a robust IUCN Red List assessment.
Experience in field ecology, quantitative analysis, GIS, genetics or marine invertebrate research would be advantageous but is not essential.
Applicants may have backgrounds in:
Marine biology, Ecology, Zoology, Conservation biology, Evolutionary biology, Environmental science, Population genetics/genomics, Spatial ecology, or other related disciplines.
The project will involve marine fieldwork, so applicants should be comfortable working in and around the marine environment. SCUBA qualifications would be advantageous, although the specific field methods will depend on the direction taken by the successful candidate.
Highly motivated candidates with excellent academic records and strong communication skills are encouraged to apply.
Scholarships
This project is suitable for applicants seeking competitive:
• Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships (international and domestic)
Additional top up scholarships: Forrest research foundation scholarship
Both domestic and international applicants are encouraged to apply.
Scholarships are awarded competitively and applicants should normally have First Class Honours (or equivalent) or a Master's degree with a substantial research component.
Supervisory team
Drs Renae Hovey and Jane Prince, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia. Dr Inês Leal, Marine Science Program, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
The supervisory team brings complementary expertise in marine invertebrate ecology, spatial and population ecology, marine conservation and applied marine science.
About UWA
The University of Western Australia is consistently ranked among the world's leading universities and is internationally recognised for excellence in marine science. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research group working on marine ecology, ecosystem restoration and coastal resilience across Western Australia.
How to apply
Interested applicants should email the following to [email protected]:
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts
• Brief statement outlining research interests and motivation
• Contact details for two academic referees
Please include "PhD project interest – marine gastropod project" in the email subject line.
Applications are invited from outstanding domestic and international candidates seeking competitive PhD scholarships.
UWA School of Biological Sciences
