Ph.D. scholarship available to study the Ecology and Evolution of Plant Sex
Deadline: 1 March 2010
A Ph.D. scholarship is available to study the
ecology and evolution of plant reproductive
strategies and the plant-pollinator's
interactions at the University of Stirling,
Scotland, in the laboratory of Dr. Mario
Vallejo-Marin. The scholarship will cover tuition
fees, and provide a monthly stipend for the duration of the PhD (3 years).
My lab is broadly interested in the evolutionary
and ecological processes shaping the amazing
diversity of plant reproductive strategies.
Specific areas of research in my lab include the
evolution of flower form and its relationship to
pollination success in the family Solanaceae, the
evolutionary consequences of variation in sexual
forms within individuals for plant fitness, and
the potential for rapid evolutionary change in
invasive species. Work in my lab utilizes
molecular and phylogenetic analyses, as well as
extensive field work and experimental studies of
plant-pollinator interactions. Ongoing research
projects include experimental work in the U.K.,
Mexico and China, and the successful candidate is
expected to actively participate in the field work component of our projects.
Further details of my lines of research and
potential PhD projects available can be found at
<http://www.sbes.stir.ac.uk/people/vallejo-marin>http://www.sbes.stir.ac.uk/people/vallejo-marin
and
<http://www.findaphd.com/>http://www.findaphd.com/
. However, the PhD student is expected to
actively participate developing a project
proposal that suits our common interests.
Requirements
The candidate should have a good command of
ecological and evolutionary principles, be
familiar with statistical analysis and basic math
skills, like to travel, and be comfortable with
working outdoors. Previous experience in an
ecology or evolution lab at either the
undergraduate or Master's level will be
considered a strong asset. Having an excellent
grasp of statistics, basic programming skills, or
experience in a molecular lab will set you apart
from other candidates. The entry qualification
for postgraduate studentships is a first class or
upper second class honours undergraduate degree
in a relevant biological subject, or an appropriate Masters degree.
About the University of Stirling
The University of Stirling
(<http://www.stri.ac.uk>http://www.stri.ac.uk) is
located in central Scotland, 45 minutes by train
from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Surrounded by
the beautiful Ochil Hills, it has recently been
recognized by the Sunday Times as the Scottish
University of the year. The School of Biological
and Environmental Sciences is a vibrant and
rapidly growing department where you will have
the opportunity to pursue your research in a
professional and supportive environment.
How to apply
To apply please email Dr. Mario Vallejo-Marin
(<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]) and
attach a cover letter, your CV (Résumé) and the
name and contact information of two references.
Your cover letter should briefly explain why you
are well suited for this position.
Funding Notes
The studentship will be assigned on a competitive
basis following an internal selection process at
the School of Biological and Environmental
Sciences. Candidates will compete for one of 5
apprenticeships and 1 NERC-quota studentship
available within the School. In addition,
candidates will have the option to compete for
one of several University-wide studentships
available for the academic year starting in the Fall 2010.
The call is open for students of all
nationalities. Non-UK or European Union students
may apply for a University ORSAS award to cover the cost of overseas fees.
___________________
Dr. Mario Vallejo-Marin
Lecturer in Evolutionary Biology
School of Biological and Environmental Sciences
University of Stirling
Stirling, FK9 4LA
Scotland
Tel. (+44) 01786 467822
<http://www.sbes.stir.ac.uk/people/vallejo-marin>http://www.sbes.stir.ac.uk/people/vallejo-marin
