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Sensory Ecology PhD project (domestic students)
Location: La Trobe University, Bundoora with options for travel to Japan and/or Slovenia
Team: Dr Amanda Franklin (La Trobe University) & Dr Patricia Jusuf (University of Melbourne)
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; https://www.amanda-franklin.com/
Eligibility: Domestic student with an Honours or Masters thesis scored at 70 or above by La Trobe standards. Details here: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/courses/doctor-of-philosophy#/overview?location=BU&studentType=dom&year=2026
Start date: ideally second half of 2026, but open to discussion.
Project details: Deep-red vision and infrared sensing in jewel beetles
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 (Prof Kentaro Arikawa, Japan; Prof Gregor Belušič, Slovenia) and have the opportunity to complete research visits with these groups.