Fully-funded PhD examining biotic and abiotic filters of weed invasion in New Zealand scrublands
The Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, New Zealand, is offering a fully funded PhD fellowship through Bioprotection Aotearoa, a newly established National Centre for Research Excellence (bioprotection.org.nz). This is a fantastic opportunity for a student to work on cutting-edge research addressing the role that biotic interactions (seed dispersers, seed predators, soil pathogens) play in limiting or facilitating plant invasions. The student will become an integral member of a national research team undertaking a high-profile project.
The aim of this PhD is to quantify how biotic and abiotic factors interact to filter biological invasions in a single ecosystem type. It aims to address the following questions:
1. What plant traits (e.g., dispersal mode, shade tolerance etc.) underpin invasion success?
2. Which factors (e.g., dispersal, seedling establishment) are most limiting to plant invasions
3. How do aspects of the ecosystem (e.g., age, fragmentation etc.) influence levels of invasion.
Research within this PhD will apply state-of-the-art experimental approaches to examine how the role of plant mutualists (e.g., seed dispersers, mycorrhizal fungi) and antagonists (e.g., herbivores, soil pathogens) act at different spatial scales to determine plant invasions. The successful candidate will join one of the world’s leading research groups studying plant invasions and benefit from a stimulating academic and supportive environment. Further details can be found here:
https://bioprotection.org.nz/vacancies/biotic-and-abiotic-filters-of-weed-invasion-in-new-zealand-scrublands/
Besides their own research, the PhD fellow will attend courses and workshops in relevant transferable skills like scientific writing and project management, as well as participate in our biennial Bio-Protection symposium, weekly seminar series and group meetings. The PhD student will receive individual supervision and mentoring and will be guided in her/his research work by Distinguished Professor Philip Hulme.
Applicants for this project should hold a first class or high 2A honours degree, or Masters, in a relevant area, preferably with interest in plant ecology or weed invasions and experience in undertaking field studies or experiments. The position is open to applicants of any nationality, provided they are fluent in English, able to obtain a student visa and eligible for admission to the PhD program at Lincoln University, New Zealand. Applications should include evidence of qualifications and research experience, together with a curriculum vitae and contact details of three academic referees who can be contacted. Applications should be supported by a cover letter that states a) why you are interested in continuing your studies to obtain a PhD; b) what specific aspects of this particular PhD attracted you; and c) how your qualifications and experience would map onto the proposed research. Please email complete applications to [log in to unmask] before 13th September 2021. Preferred candidates would then need to apply to study at Lincoln University and meet the institutional criteria for entry prior to the scholarship being confirmed.
Funding Notes
The three-year scholarship provides an annual stipend of NZD$28,000 a year tax- free, covers full university fees and includes up to approximately NZD$5,000 additional support a year towards operating expenses. The PhD will be run through the Bio-Protection Research Centre at Lincoln University, New Zealand. The duration of the scholarship is three years
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