Postdoc positions
We do not currently have any funded postdoctoral positions available. There are possibilities for highly motivated researchers with complementary research interests to apply for external Fellowships to support their research in the lab. Please contact Camilla for more information.
PhD projects available
We offer unique opportunities for outstanding and highly motivated students to enrol in PhD research projects focusing on questions related to our research.
Examples of current PhD opportunities:
Evolution of pregnancy in fish, reptiles, or mammals
The best of both worlds: oviparity and viviparity within a species
Other projects related to our resarch interests
About the candidate:
The ideal candidate will have a strong academic record and graduate degree(s) in Biology, Physiology, Genetics/Genomics, or a related field. A keen interest in evolutionary biology, or genetics or genomics is ideal.
Our projects often involve some field work, and candidates will be expected to have a valid driver’s licence.
About the campus:
The University of Sydney is one of Australia’s leading universities, situated in the
heart of Sydney. This project will be based at the Camperdown/Darlington campus,
which boasts 72 hectares of state-of-the-art teaching and learning technology,
including six libraries, art galleries, historical museums, and a diverse and vibrant
body of students and staff. For more information about the university, please visit
To apply:
Please email Dr Camilla Whittington and for more information. Applications are assessed as they are received. Students (domestic or international) with a high level of relevant qualifications, research experience and enthusiasm will be invited to apply for a competitive Australian Postgraduate Award scholarship or University of Sydney Postgraduate Award Scholarship (Domestic students) or international postgraduate research scholarship (International students). Students may also be eligible to apply for top-up scholarships from the University of Sydney.
To rank highly, students will need to have completed a Masters by Research (or international equivalent) or first class Honours (domestic students), and have at least one publication or extensive research experience.
Honours projects available
We offer opportunities for Honours projects through the University of Sydney. Please email Camilla for further information. Please note that if your project involves field work, you will be expected to have a valid driver’s licence.
Possible projects:
Projects examining the evolution of lizard viviparity
Projects examining the physiology of pregnancy in male seahorses
Projects on the genomics of reptile, fish, or mammal reproduction
Evolution of insect reproductive complexity
All our projects are student-directed, and you will be expected to be the driver of your research project, with our guidance. We welcome students who would like to design their own projects within our fields of research interest.
Volunteering in the lab
--- Volunteering positions and research placements are currently suspended ---
Are you interested in spending time in the Whittington Lab, learning about what it's like doing research on one of our varied projects? We offer opportunities for volunteering in the lab, as well as professional experience that forms a component of some science-based degrees. Availability of volunteer positions varies across the year depending on the research we are doing at the time, and positions fill up quickly, so it's advisable to contact us in advance. If you are interested in volunteering, we welcome your application. Please email Camilla with the following information:
1. A 1 page statement about why you're interested in volunteering in the lab, why you're interested in our research, and including a brief statement about your future plans after your Bachelor's degree
2. A brief CV and your academic transcript
3. Whether you have a current driver’s licence, which may be required for some field work.