ELS MQRES Evolution of Plant Ecological Strategies PhD Scholarship
Closing Date: 12 September 2008
A PhD scholarship is available in the Department of Biological Sciences at Macquarie University to work in conjunction with an ARC Discovery Project led by Chief Investigator Professor Mark Westoby that will investigate plant ecological strategies across species and an evolutionary-ecology vegetation model. Two strands of work are possible for the PhD project, with students expected to design and pursue their own projects within the area of choice:
- A fieldwork strand would compare twig demography, physical strength and breakage rates across a wide range of species. The aim is to understand trade-offs in wood design and growth rates.
- A modelling strand would work towards a proposed Evolutionary Ecology Vegetation Model. This strand would involve collaboration with Professors: Ulf Dieckmann ; Colin Prentice; and Peter Reich.
MQRES scholarships are available to Australian or international students. Applicants should have equivalent research qualifications to an Australian undergraduate degree with first class honours (such as a Masters with a substantial thesis 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 tenure is a maximum 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 the supervisor, Mark Westoby: mwestoby@bio.mq.edu.au .
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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