The University of Waikato and Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research are seeking an energetic, self-motivated PhD student to work as part of a collaborative programme studying the floral traits of New Zealand rainforest tree species. The student will quantify key floral traits for a suite of native rainforest trees and develop a set of research questions to explore variation among and within species in these traits. Key traits include nectar quantity and quality, pollen quality and flower colour. Interspecific variation in these traits can be related to variation in other widely-measured leaf and stem traits. Community-level variation in nectar and pollen quality and quantity can be estimated by matching trait data to vegetation plot data enabling the student to scale-up and develop a national-scale nectar map for New Zealand. The student will be enrolled at the University of Waikato with joint supervision by Dr Sarah Richardson at Manaaki Whenua, New Zealand’s Crown Research Institute specialising in terrestrial ecology. There will be opportunities to spend time at Manaaki Whenua in Canterbury, and for field work throughout New Zealand.
*Key and unresolved questions could include:* · What is the size of the nectar resource in native forests nationally? · What are the environmental drivers of nectar-producing species? · Do nectar-producing species form a distinct functional group that assembles along key gradients? · Do floral traits correlate with other floral traits, whole-plant traits, or are they independent of leaf-, wood-, root- and whole-plant trait spectra? · Can floral traits be predicted from phylogeny? · When applied to forest plot data and modelled with respect to environmental gradients, can we build predictive models of nectar availability and pollen availability in native forests? · Are they associations between nectar- and pollen-providing species and threats such that ongoing pressures on the NZ forest flora are likely to diminish or increase the nectar resource? Students with an MSc or equivalent degree in ecology are invited to apply. A strong academic record and good communication skills are essential. Previous research experience in plant ecology, plant traits or floral ecology will be an advantage. Applicants will have a driving licence valid for New Zealand and will be comfortable working in field and laboratory environments. The successful applicant will be supported by a doctoral scholarship from a NZ MBIE Endeavour Fund research programme (NZ$27,500 per annum tax-free stipend, plus tuition fees, for 3 years). The project is expected to commence in 2018, applications are invited by 20 April 2018 or until the position is filled. Applicants are required to provide the following: · Curriculum vitae, including the names of two academic referees; · Academic transcript; · A brief statement describing their previous experience in plant ecology, and why they wish to study for a PhD in plant ecology at the University of Waikato and with Manaaki Whenua. For information on entry requirements, including English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, go to http://www.waikato.ac.nz/study/enrolment/higher-degrees *Enquiries and applications should be sent by email to Associate Professor Mike Clearwater (**mike.clearwa...@waikato.ac.nz* <mike.clearwa...@waikato.ac.nz>*) before 20 April 2018.* -- Mike Clearwater Associate Professor School of Science University of Waikato Private Bag 3105 Hamilton 3240 New Zealand P: 64 7 838 4613 M: 64 21 203 2902 mike.clearwa...@waikato.ac.nz <m.clearwa...@waikato.ac.nz> http://sci.waikato.ac.nz/staff/biol/mclearw
