Expressions of interest - PhD project on coral reef ecology
Climate change and the net growth of coral reefs: the neglected role of
bio-eroding sponges
We are seeking candidates who would be willing to apply for a prestigious
AIMS@JCU PhD scholarship linked to the project proposed below. AIMS@JCU
is a joint venture between the Australian Institute of Marine Science and
James Cook University, based in Townsville, Australia. AIMS @JCU
scholarships offer a generous stipend for four years, tuition fee waivers,
and annual research fund allowances. AIMS@JCU students also enjoy access
to world class facilities at both institutions with a recognised pool of
leading marine scientists. See: http://aims.jcu.edu.au/AIMS-JCU/home.htm
Project proposal synopsis. Coral reefs exist in a dynamic balance
moderated by processes of accretion and erosion. A large focus for
assessing reef resilience in the face of climate change has been
associated with the accretion cycle of coral reefs, particularly on
processes that contribute to the maintenance and persistence of hard
corals. In comparison, bio-erosion has largely been ignored resulting in
significant knowledge gaps about the overall growth of coral reefs,
thereby constraining efforts to manage and conserve these ecosystems.
The proposed project is linked to the hypothesis that bio-eroding sponges
will contribute to increased rates of bio-erosion under climate change
thereby re-positioning the fulcrum of the accretion –erosion dynamic, and
the potential for net growth of coral reefs. This project will collect
empirical data from field and manipulative laboratory experiments to
determine key ecological traits of bio-eroding sponges. Results obtained
during experimental research will be used to develop predictive models to
understand the role of bio-eroding sponges in coral reef ecosystems under
forecast changes to global climate. The PhD candidate will be supervised
by Dr Nicole Webster (Aust. Inst. Marine Science), Assoc. Prof. Marcus
Sheaves (James Cook University) and Dr Steve Whalan (Southern Cross
University).
We are seeking people who have an interest in understanding key ecological
process contributing to the functioning of coral reefs, and who would be
willing to apply for an AIMS@JCU PhD scholarship. Applicants require an
Honours or Masters degree in science, with a background in ecology and
strong skills in experimental design and data analysis. Ecological
modelling knowledge and/or molecular microbiological skills will be highly
regarded. In the first instance, interested applicants should submit a 1
page letter (expression of interest) and a 1 page CV by the 12th August
2013. Suitable candidates will then be required to submit a full
application under the guidance of the supervisory team.
Please send applications or queries about the proposed project to:
Dr Nicole Webster: n.webs...@aims.gov.au
Dr Steve Whalan: stephen.wha...@scu.edu.au
