PhD Scholarship in New Zealand Modelling invasive species - landscape interactions using high resolution spatially explicit models Biosecurity Theme Bio-Protection research Centre, Lincoln University
- Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand - Stipend 26,000NZD per annum plus university fees The topic Global tourism, trade and climate change continues to drive invasive species impact by increasing opportunities for dispersal and establishment in new regions of the world. Invasive species are capable of doing irreparable harm to the biodiversity of natural ecosystems as well as the biological production in managed ecosystems. Additionally they threaten human and animal health. While the importance of preserving biodiversity is often clear, there is also an increasing urgency to protect productive ecosystems as climate change threatens world food security. For greater preparedness and prevention, important decisions about invasive species need to be supported by a range of approaches that are integrative and capable of converting scientifically relevant data into decision relevant data. The aim topic of this research is to build on previous studies to develop spatially explicit individual based models to increase understanding of the processes of species invasion. The Bio-Protection Research Centre The Bio-Protection Research Centre was first established in 2003 as a National Centre of Research Excellence, bringing together researchers from New Zealand's major bioprotection groups. Centre researchers use the latest technologies and ecological theory to lead a shift towards fully sustainable productive ecosystems and protection of indigenous ones. The Centre incorporates one of the strongest bioprotection postgraduate training groups in the Southern Hemisphere and is closely linked to renowned overseas institutes thereby benchmarking itself with the world's best scientists. The Biosecurity Theme in the Bio- Protection Research Centre aims to protect against invasive exotic species by developing innovative diagnostic tools and technologies, building new informatics and computational systems, and understanding invasion processes. The successful applicant will have: * Excellent computing and statistical skills and some experience using GIS * An interest in applying those skills in an ecological context to solve interesting applied problems * Good critical analysis skills * Excellent oral and written communication skills * Ability to work independently but with a strong capacity to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team Please email your CV with a covering letter to Assoc. Prof. Sue Worner [email protected] by 20th July 2012. For further information about the scholarship you can email or phone her on +64 3 3218382
