PhD Scholarship for climate change project Title: Mitigating climate change with blue carbon ecosystems
Summary: Atmospheric accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) accounts for 80% of Earth’s greenhouse effect, which causes global warming. Leading nations recognise the need to reduce atmospheric carbon (C) emissions. Australian Governments regard bio-sequestration as “the single largest opportunity for C emission reduction in Australia” (Liberal), that must be “central to any ambitious global effort to meet targets for limiting temperature increase” (Labor). The capacity of the terrestrial biosphere to remove C from the atmosphere through bio-sequestration has now been well-studied (e.g. forest C farming initiatives), but it is now emerging that the greatest opportunities for C offsetting may be within coastal vegetated habitats; specifically, seagrasses, saltmarshes, and mangroves – commonly referred to as ‘blue carbon’ ecosystems. We are seeking a PhD candidate to investigate opportunities for using blue carbon ecosystems to offset carbon emissions within the Corangamite region. This PhD project will: (1) measure carbon accumulation rates and greenhouse gas fluxes within Corangamite’s current and former blue carbon ecosystems; (2) investigate the potential negative impacts of agricultural stressors on the carbon sink capacity of Corangamite’s blue carbon ecosystems; and (3) test a range of strategies for reducing carbon losses and maximising carbon gains within the Corangamite catchment. Location and research environment: This industry-focused PhD project will be based at Deakin Burwood (http://www.deakin.edu.au/life-at-deakin/our-locations/melbourne-burwood-campus) under the supervision of Dr Peter Macreadie (www.petermacreadie.com) and co-supervised by Chris Pitfield from Corangamite Catchment Management Authority. Selection criteria: This project is ideally suited to a student with a background in chemistry, ecology, or landscape management. Desired skills include: experience with GIS, habitat mapping, and flux measurements / sediment chemistry. 1st class Honours or equivalent is required. Preference will be given to students who have previously published or have shown steps towards publishing past research (e.g. Honours or Masters research). The project will involve a large field component (regular travel and sampling of field sites), as well as some laboratory work. The student will need to liaise regularly with farmers and resource managers; therefore, good communication skills are essential. Value: This scholarship will provide an annual stipend of $25,849 per annum tax exempt (2015 rate) for 3 years. Students bringing their own scholarship will be eligible for a scholarship top-up. How to apply: Please provide: (1) a cover letter stating your career aspirations, research interests, and a summary of your education and employment history; (2) a copy of your academic track record and CV; and (3) 1-2 letters of support from referees. More information: http://www.deakin.edu.au/study-at-deakin/scholarships-and-awards/research-degree-scholarships/phd-scholarship-climate-change-project
