Fully-Funded PhD Position Investigating priority effects and contrasting lineage diversification amongst New Zealand plants. We are seeking a PhD student with interests in macro-ecology, competition, evolution and phylogenetics to conduct research into the role of priority effects in plant lineage diversification in New Zealand. The three-year project is part of a new Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Fund grant led by Prof. Bill Lee at Landcare Research/University of Auckland/ University of Otago, based in Dunedin, New Zealand, in collaboration with Dr Peter Heenan (Landcare Research, Lincoln), Dr Tad Fukami (Stanford University, USA) and Dr Andrew Tanentzap (Cambridge University). Project description: Uneven diversification of plant lineages on islands is a central and unresolved question for understanding the origin of biodiversity. Recently it has been suggested that early colonisation events on islands drive radiations and suppress diversification of later-colonising lineages. We will test this hypothesis using the spectacular radiations in the New Zealand indigenous flora. Colonisation dates in New Zealand, derived from molecular phylogenetic studies, will be linked with results on plant features, competitive ability, and environmental and geographic range. These will be used to determine whether immigration timing has been important in driving rates of speciation on islands. The successful candidate will focus on the comparative plant trait analysis and experiments investigating competitive abilities of representative taxa from multiple lineages. The student will be involved in the design of these experiments and on how the data will be analysed and used in the phylogenetic framework proposed. The student will have access to training and support for establishing experiments and collecting and analysing data. We anticipate the student having a First Class BSc or a project-based MSc degree with a background in experimental ecology and phylogenetic analysis. The candidate will also have experience with statistical analyses and manipulating large datasets. The successful applicant will be expected to present results at local and international conferences and to lead publication of results. There will also be opportunities to interact with other researchers within Landcare Research, University of Otago, University of Auckland, Stanford University and Cambridge University. Landcare Research is New Zealand's foremost environmental research organisation specialising in sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity. This position will be based at our Dunedin site and is fixed term for three years. The scholarship ($25,000 per year stipend plus associated universities fees) is fully funded by the Marsden Grant.
To apply please go to www.landcareresearch.co.nz/jobs. You will need to include your Curriculum Vitae, a cover letter, your academic transcript, a sample of your written scientific work and the names of three referees. Applications will close on 20th December 2013.
