ELS MQRES Ecologocal Disturbances PhD Scholarship
Closing Date: 30 June 2008
Effects of Physical Disturbances on Ecological Communities
A Ph.D. scholarship is available in the Department of Biological Sciences at Macquarie University for work with Dr. Joshua Madin investigating the consequences of physical disturbances on ecological communities (e.g., storms, floods, cyclones, tsunamis, etc.). Dr Madin will be joining Macquarie University during 2008, for more information on his research interests and past/current projects, please see www.nceas.ucsb.edu/~madin
The successful applicant is expected to design and pursue their own PhD project(s) that should include both fieldwork and theoretical components, and therefore mathematical and computer programming skills are desirable. Dr. Madin’s research focuses on ecological changes in coral reef systems following hydrodynamic disturbances (e.g., cyclones), and uses predictive models to forecast changes in future environments, such as increased intensity of tropical storms and/or the weakening of reef material due to ocean acidification. However, the student will not be limited to working within coral reef systems, but rather will be encouraged to address similar questions in coral reefs and/or other ecological systems.
MQRES scholarships are available to Australian or international students. Applicants should have research qualifications equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree with first class honours (such as a Masters with a substantial research component) in a relevant discipline (e.g., Biological or Environmental Sciences). The scholarship pays a living allowance, currently $20,007 per annum, tax exempt (2008), and the maximum tenure is 3.5 years full time (subject to satisfactory progress). Tuition fees will be funded for the scholarship tenure, with domestic students receiving Research Training Scheme placement for their tuition, and international award holders having their fees sponsored.
For further discussion regarding projects, applicants are encouraged to email Dr. Madin: madin@nceas.ucsb.edu
Application forms (see below), and conditions for MQRES awards, are available from the Higher Degree Research Office, telephone +61-2-9850 7663, or e-mail: hdrschol@vc.mq.edu.au.
Applications should be forwarded to:
The Scholarship Officer
The Research Hub
Level 3, C5C East
Macquarie University NSW 2109
AUSTRALIA
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