**Please read below for criteria and application requirements**
PhD position to study the microbiology and greenhouse gas dynamics of inland
wetlands
Background: Wetlands are among earth's most efficient ecosystems for carbon
sequestration, but can also emit potent greenhouse gases depending on how they
are managed. The overall objective of this industry-based research project is
to devise ways to maximise carbon sequestration by inland wetlands and minimise
release of greenhouse gases. Specifically, this project will: 1) trial new
techniques for monitoring wetland carbon sequestration based on protocols
recently proposed by the Blue Carbon Lab; and 2) quantify and constrain
seasonal and diel rates of methane and carbon dioxide emissions from inland
wetlands while simultaneously identifying key microbial communities and genes
involved in wetland carbon metabolism. This project will represent a major
advance in our understanding of carbon fluxes from Australian floodplain
freshwater wetlands. The project will enhance our capacity for accurate
national carbon budgets and greenhouse gas accounting and build upon
Australia's fundamental knowledge base and international research profile
regarding wetland carbon sequestration dynamics.
Project partners: Deakin University and Murray Local Land Services
Value: AUD$26,681 per annum plus project costs. Other benefits see:
http://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/australian-postgraduate-awards-apa-and-deakin-university-postgraduate-research-scholarships-duprs
Research environment: Deakin ranks in the top 3% of universities globally and
is Australia's eighth largest university. Deakin's Blue Carbon Lab (BCL,
bluecarbonlab.org) is emerging as a leading group in global efforts to
establish science that underpins practical efforts to offset carbon emissions
with blue carbon ecosystems, which includes wetlands. BCL's members include
specialists in ecology, spatial analysis, microbiology, soil science,
chemistry, and modelling. The project will provide an opportunity for a PhD
student to receive valuable research training from leading scientists within
Deakin, its collaborators (e.g. Southern Cross University), and resource
managers at Murray Local Land Services.
Supervisory team: The supervisory team consists of Dr Peter Macreadie (Deakin
University, Head of Blue Carbon Lab) as the Principal Supervisor, Dr Paul
Carnell (Deakin University, Postdoctoral Fellow) as Associate Supervisor, and
Dr Trish Bowen as Industry Supervisor.
Closing date: The position will remain open until filled. A first assessment of
applications will be contacted in June 2017.
Citizenship: This position is open to domestic and international applicants.
Selection criteria:
1.A first class Honours or Masters degree with experience in
environmental microbiology.
2.A proven track record of academic excellence. Applicants with
first-authored publications in quality journals will score highly.
3.Experience in collecting field data and capacity to undertake
independent fieldwork.
4.Capacity to implement research in collaboration with a range of
stakeholders (government agencies, private landholders, conservation groups
etc.).
5.Strong English written communication skills including the
capacity to write research results into scientific papers.
Special requirements: Manual drivers licence
To apply: Email the following information to i...@bluecarbonlab.org:
1.A letter (2 pages max)
a.Addressing each of the selection criteria
b.A summary of your research experience
c. Your reasons for wanting to do a PhD
d.Information on how your skills will be relevant to the project
2.A copy of your academic transcript
3.An example of your written work as lead author (e.g. paper,
manuscript, thesis)
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