The Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, New Zealand is offering a fully funded three-year PhD fellowship addressing the biotic and abiotic filters on the establishment of alien conifers in New Zealand. This is a fantastic opportunity for a student to bring together insights in both plant population ecology and plant-animal interactions to bear on the applied problem of conifer invasions in New Zealand. The student will become a key member of a major national research project undertaking an integrated programme examining spread, establishment, impact, and management of alien conifers, a major environmental problem in New Zealand.
Background The successful candidate will examine the likelihood of seedling establishment of multiple conifer species encompassing a wide range of seed sizes and invasion success. Experimental approaches will explore the role of disturbance, shade and habitat on seedling survival as well as examine the role vertebrate seed predators play in limiting seedling establishment. There is scope within the PhD project to account for both the particular interests of the successful candidate and the outcome of other ongoing experiments within the larger project modelling the dispersal and establishment risk of alien conifers in New Zealand. https://bioprotection.org.nz/research/programme/modelling-dispersal-and- establishment-risk-alien-conifers-new-zealand The scholarship provides an annual stipend of NZD$28,000 a year tax- free, covers full university fees and includes up to approximately NZD$10,000 additional support a year towards operating expenses. The duration of the scholarship is three years. It is expected the successful candidate will be based at Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand. Qualifications Applicants for this project should hold a first class or high 2A honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant area, preferably with interest in population or plant ecology with an interest of experience in the study of plant invasions. The position is open to applicants of any nationality, provided they are fluent in English, able to obtain a student visa and eligible for admission to the PhD program at Lincoln University, New Zealand. Apply Applications should include evidence of qualifications and research experience, together with a curriculum vitae and contact details of three academic referees. Applications should be supported by a cover letter that states why the candidate is interested in the PhD project and how their qualifications would map onto the proposed research. Please email complete applications to [email protected]. Closing date for applications is 20 October 2017.
