PhD Opportunity in Biogeochemistry and Climate Change in Australia Closing date 21 November 2014
The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) at the University of Western Sydney is seeking a highly motivated and dynamic PhD candidate to research soil biogeochemical responses to climate change. The student is expected to commence in 2015 and conduct original investigations of how climate and hydrology affect exchange of carbon dioxide and methane between the atmosphere and biosphere. The project will apply stable isotope tracers for scaling processes regulating methane and CO2 emissions from microsites to ecosystems in Australian forest and grassland ecosystems. The student will be advised by Prof Elise Pendall and will work in collaboration with a dynamic group of ecosystem researchers at HIE. The Institute offers field, controlled-environment and laboratory facilities on the Hawkesbury campus of UWS, close to the city of Sydney. HIE manages two eddy covariance flux towers, as well as two laser-based greenhouse gas analysers (for CO2, CH4 and their isotopes), a tunable diode laser for isotopes of CO2, numerous infrared gas analysers, gas chromatographs, elemental analysers and flow-injection analyzers, for environmental science investigations. WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDE? Australian students will receive a tax free stipend of $30,392 per annum and a funded place in the doctoral degree. International students will receive a tax free stipend of $30,392 per annum. Those with a strong track record may receive a fee waiver. Funding is available for project costs and conference travel. CRITERIA The successful applicant should: demonstrate excellent academic performance related to the research proposed, hold qualifications and experience equal to an Australian First Class Bachelor Honours degree or equivalent overseas qualifications such as Master of Science, be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level, possess a background in environmental science, ecology, or soil science, International applicants must also demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the English language. Please refer to the English language requirements at www.uws.edu.au/international/admissions/english_language_requirement HOW TO APPLY Applicants should discuss their eligibility and interests with Prof. Elise Pendall at [email protected], on (+612) 4570 1673. Contact the Office of Research Services to discuss enrolment and scholarships at [email protected]. Please submit an application form, CV, names and contact information of two referees, and a one-page research proposal that aligns with this projects aims. The application form can be downloaded from the web: www.uws.edu.au/research/scholarships
