[APES Jobs] FW: [saabnet] PhD opportunity--Wright lab, Macquarie University

[Bursaries, Employment and Career Opportunities in Environmental Fields]

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From: SAAB Secretary [forsaab at telkomsa.net]
Sent: 25 February 2013 01:38 PM
To: saabnet at kendy.up.ac.za
Subject: [saabnet] PhD opportunity--Wright lab, Macquarie University

PhD opportunity - Wright lab, Macquarie University
A 3.5 year PhD (MQRES) scholarship is available for a bright and energetic candidate to join Dr Ian Wright’s plant ecology group<http://wrightlab.wordpress.com/> at Macquarie University, Sydney Australia. The scholarship is associated with the ARC-funded project “Scaling functional traits to whole-plant growth”, in which we’re quantifying the role of traits and biomass allocations in generating differences among species in their growth rates — across life history stages, and across a range of Australian forest types. We view growth rates as pivotal in vegetation ecology and a core element of plant ecological strategies.
Within that framework the precise nature of the PhD project will depend on the interests of the successful candidate. E.g. the project may involve one or a combination of field- or glasshouse-based ecophysiological experiments, analysis of historical environment-growth rate datasets, and/or modelling/theory of trait - growth relationships. Please note the focus is on native species, their traits and growth rates; it is not an agricultural or horticultural project.
This scholarship is open to both domestic and (exceptionally qualified) international applicants. A demonstrated ability to conduct independent research (research, data analysis & write-up) is essential. Domestic candidates should have an undergraduate degree with first class Honours or equivalent; international applicants should have a Masters degree or equivalent. Experience in leading or coauthoring peer-reviewed publications would be very highly regarded.

Closing date is 7th April 2013. More project details are here<http://www.hdr.mq.edu.au/information_about/scholarships/hdr_scholarships_domestic_and_international> (see scholarship reference #2012068. The 2013 MQRES full-time stipend rate is $24,653 per year (tax exempt) for 3.5 years. Students on scholarships are not obliged to contribute to teaching, but may do so to supplement their income, if desired. (note: Sydney is an expensive place to live). Up to AU$20,000 will be available to cover research expenses and support travel to overseas laboratories and international conferences. Our department offers its many doctoral and postdoctoral researchers a vibrant and supportive intellectual environment. It is a leading Australian location for plant ecological and physiological research.
Initial inquiries should be directed to Dr Ian Wright, email: ian.wright at mq.edu.au<mailto:ian.wright at mq.edu.au>




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Dr Ian J Wright. Dept. of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University 2109, Australia.
ph +61 (2) 9850 4228<tel:%2B61%20%282%29%209850%204228> | ian.wright at mq.edu.au<mailto:ian.wright at mq.edu.au> | http://wrightlab.wordpress.com/
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