Decoding Deep-red and Infrared Sensing in Beetles Scholarship

Expressions of Interest

Scholarship code: SRS-26037

Insects use tiny sensory systems to detect and rapidly combine information from multiple senses to perform complex behaviours. The underlying processes are poorly understood, particularly for less common senses. This project aims to understand how jewel beetles detect and integrate deep-red light and heat information to drive behaviour. 

The PhD student will have the option to conduct field and laboratory studies, including electrophysiology, microscopy, and behavioural assays, depending on their interests. They will join an international research team (Dr Amanda Franklin, Dr Patricia Jusuf, Prof Kentaro Arikawa, Prof Gregor Belušič) and have the opportunity to complete research visits with these groups.

Benefits of the scholarship

• a stipend scholarship for three and a half years, with a value of $36,000 per annum, to support your living costs
• a fee-relief scholarship for up to four years
• opportunities to work with La Trobe's outstanding researchers, and have access to our suite of professional development programs
• this scholarship is supported by an ARC Discovery Project, which also includes some funding to attend conferences and to visit our collaborators labs (e.g. Slovenia, Japan)