A PhD position is available to work with Dr Matthew Hall at Monash University (School of Biological Sciences) and Dr Ben Phillips at the University of Melbourne (School of Biosciences). We are looking for a highly-motivated candidate interested in understanding the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of biological invasions. Invasive species, emergent diseases, and malignant growths, are all examples of populations that are increasing in size and invading new territory. Using species of Daphnia and their associated pathogens as powerful experimental model, the successful candidates will work closely with supervisors to develop projects that explore the eco-evolutionary processes that underpin the invasion of populations or the spread of disease. There are opportunities to design projects that focus on population biology, evolutionary ecology, genetics, and combinations of the above. Candidates with experience in evolutionary genetics, behavioural ecology or physiological ecology are encouraged to apply, although experience in these areas is not necessary. The starting date can be any time during the first half of 2016. To find out more about the interests of our groups, please visit www.mattdhall.com and blphillipsresearch.wordpress.com.
**Scholarship details** The PhD stipend is fully-funded for a period of 3.5 years and is open to both Australian/NZ domestic and international students who have completed a MSc or Honours degree. The stipends include all course fees plus approximately $25,000 AUD per annum tax-free. Funding is guaranteed for project costs, on top of a $5000 provided for student research and training and including the costs of attending at least one conference. A one off relocation award of $1,000 is also available to students coming from overseas. **Application process** Interested candidates should send their CV and academic transcript, along with a cover letter outlining their research interests and motivation to [email protected]. Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree with first-class Honours, Master of Science or MPhil. Short-listed candidates will be asked for further information and will be interviewed. Review and selection candidates begins Monday 5th of October with a final decision made by Friday 16th October 2015. For the successful candidate, the deadline for scholarship applications at Monash University is October 31 for a 2016 start date.
