Hi, Could the following announcement be circulated please? ________________________________ Functional ecophysiology and adaptation of Triodia
School of Plant Biology, The University of Western Australia We seek outstanding candidates to undertake field and laboratory research in to thefunctional and adaptive ecology of Triodia (spinifex). The PhD student will undertake research focused on understanding morphological and anatomical characteristics key Triodia species and how these relate to their extreme drought tolerance, and the distribution of Triodia at local and regional scales. There is additional scope to examine nutritional physiology of spinifex ecotypes, particularly in relation to phosphorus and nitrogen, including possible rhizosphere interactions with autotrophic N-fixing microbes; or undertake more detailed fine-scale analyses of genetic structure, possibly with the development of genomic markers (genetic markers linked to adaptively significant traits). Field sites will be focussed in the beautiful Pilbara region of northwest Australia. The scholarship is supported by an Australian Research Council Linkage grant in collaboration with Rio Tinto, Chevron, the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority and the Department of Environment & Conservation. The student will thus work closely with research partners from UWA as well as the mining and conservation sectors. Applicants should be highly motivated, be passionate about fieldwork in the arid zone,enjoy working as part of a team and have a proven ability to write well. Prior to application, potential candidates should contact Associate Professor Grierson to discuss the project. Please send a cover letter outlining your interests, why you believe you are suited to the project, your academic transcripts and a detailed CV outlining any relevant experience. Enquiries are welcome! Associate Professor Pauline Grierson, School of Plant Biology, UWA. Perth Australia. Tel (61-8) 6488-7926, or E-mail [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. You can also contact Dr Chuck Price on [email protected]. Stipend: The scholarship will be for 3.5 years, commencing as soon as possible and has astipend of AUS $27,651 per annum (tax exempt).
