5 FULLY-FUNDED PhD POSITIONS IN ECOLOGY focusing on the effects of interactive global change drivers on food webs and ecosystem processes.
We are seeking five exceptional and motivated doctoral candidates with sound analytical skills to work within three collaborative, interrelated projects. The candidates would be principally based at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, with field work throughout NZ in a range of extraordinary natural environments. The positions are fully funded for three years, including research costs and a living stipend of $25,000NZ tax free + study fees. The broad topics are listed below, but there would be considerable scope in all the projects for the candidates to develop their own ideas. Project one: Land use change and spatial resource subsidies Project leader: Raphael K. Didham, University of Canterbury (in collaboration with Jason M. Tylianakis, Canterbury; Louis A. Schipper, University of Waikato; Gary M. Barker, Landcare Research). PhD position 1. Effects of land use intensification on ecosystem functioning in adjacent natural forests. The ideal candidate would have knowledge of soil nutrient biogeochemistry and stable isotope analysis, with either a plant or microbial research interest. PhD position 2. Effects of spatial resource subsidies on multitrophic interactions. This will focus on plant – insect herbivore – natural enemy interactions, so some experience working with insects would be preferred. Some knowledge of GIS would be beneficial. Project two: Ecosystem carbon cycling and climate change Project leaders: David Whitehead, Landcare Research and Jason M. Tylianakis, University of Canterbury. PhD position 3. A unique opportunity to investigate the effects of increasing temperature on carbon cycling in a semi-natural grassland using a field soil warming experiment. Experience in plant and soil biology will be beneficial. Project three: Human impacts on food web structure Project leader: Jason M. Tylianakis, University of Canterbury (in collaboration with Raphael K. Didham, University of Canterbury; Tatyana A. Rand, USDA Agricultural Research Service). PhD position 4. Effects of quantitative food web structure on functional resilience in natural and production forests. Experience working with insects would be preferred, as food webs will involve parasitoid-host interactions. Some knowledge of GIS would be beneficial. PhD position 5. Indirect food web interactions/apparent competition across ecosystems. Experience working with insects would be preferred, as food webs will involve parasitoid-host interactions. Some knowledge of GIS would be beneficial. For further information on a particular project, please contact the respective project leader. Applications should specify the particular position requested, contain a CV with publication list (where applicable), a statement (up to 500 words) of research interests and career goals, and the names and email addresses of two potential academic referees. Applications should be sent to [email protected] or [email protected] by Friday 28th March 2009, with project start dates in New Zealand between April and June 2009.
