PhD or M Phil Positions in Genes, Maths & Biodiversity

PhD or M Phil Positions in Genes, Maths & Biodiversity

A/Prof W Sherwin Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, BEES, UNSW, Sydney AUSTRALIA.

http://www.bees.unsw.edu.au/school/staff/sherwin/sherwinresearch.html

These projects integrate mathematical and biological expertise, at an exciting time when biologists are increasingly realizing the power of mathematics to make forecasts, as other scientists have done before them. The projects centre on making forecasts for management of biodiversity.

Project 1: Forecasting demography of bottlenose dolphins With partners from Murdoch University we are studying ecology, threats, and genetics of Bunbury (WA) bottlenose dolphins. The PhD student at UNSW will use these data in existing or novel programs, to evaluate population viability with different management and threats. There would be
field-trips to Bunbury.

Project 2: Mathematics of forecasting and managing biodiversity. We have used information theory to produce new biodiversity theory (Molecular Ecology 15:2857). The PhD would further develop this theory and apply it to a wide range of existing datasets in genetic and community biodiversity.

Project 3: Resilience of small populations to periods of selection A consortium of mathematicians and biologists at UNSW has produced new theory about the way that small endangered populations might rapidly recover their responsiveness to selection. This PhD position will follow up this theoretical work by carrying out experiments in model populations of flies. There could be an additional stipend supplement for this project.

Project 4: Conservation of Little Penguins in New South Wales: With Dr J Sinclair. To assess the viability of an endangered population of Little Penguins in Sydney Harbour under a range of threats and management strategies, by conducting a genetic and demographic analysis on NSW penguin populations to input into a population forecasting model. There could be an additional stipend supplement for this project.

Other projects: It is possible to negotiate other projects in this general area of research. Note that projects which are theoretical or use existing data in Sherwin’s group, are much quicker to start because they can commence without application for external funding of research expenses!

PROCEDURE: (1) DISCUSS: Email letter with CV, academic record, and details of two academic referees, to A/Prof Bill Sherwin (W.Sherwin@unsw.edu.au ). For further information phone: +61-2-9385-2119.

(2) PhD M/Phil CANDIDACY APPLICATION: Requirements for PhD are BSc (Hons 1), MSc, or equivalent. For MPhil, requirement is BSc. Degree should be in maths, physics, computing, molecular sciences, population genetics
or ecology. Solid research and communication skills. Full NSW driver license desirable. For exact timing and details
http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/

(3a) PhD SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION – LOCAL: Citizens or permanent residents of Australia/NZ, apply for APA and UPA at UNSW. Applications due Sep/Oct, for study commencing in First Session in the following year. For exact timing and details see

http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/local.html

(3b) PhD SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION – INTERNATIONAL: NON-citizens or permanent residents of Australia/NZ, apply for IPRS and UIPA at UNSW. Applications are due Aug, for study commencing in First Session in the
following year.

For exact timing and details see http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/internationalschols.html

(3c) M Phil SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION. Local and international students can apply for a $4000 stipend form the EERC, UNSW. International students can apply for a tuition fee waiver scholarship, provided that they can formally guarantee the remainder of their own stipend
http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/internationalschols.html
http://www.eerc.unsw.edu.au/GradProgram.html

5. The National Estuarine Research Reserve System’s Graduate Research Fellowship provides master’s degree students and Ph.D. candidates with an opportunity to conduct research of local and national significance that focuses on enhancing coastal zone management.

Fellows conduct their research within a National EstuarineResearch Reserve and gain hands-on experience byparticipating in their host reserve’s research and monitoring programs.

Graduate Research Fellowship projects are based on the reserves’ local needs, the reserve system’s national priorities and the students’ interest.

A majority of the projects funded to date have addressed the pressing issues of non-point source pollution and habitat conservation and restoration.

All fellowship projects address issues important to coastal zone management and enhance our understanding of estuarine ecosystems. National Estuarine Research Reserve Fellows are the leaders for the next generation of estuarine scientists; they are influencing the decisions made today for a better coast tomorrow.

Application Guidelines

Fellows receive a stipend of $20,000 per year.

Funds are available on a competitive basis.

Fellowships may be funded for up to three years.

The application deadline is November 2, 2009, for consideration as a 2010 fellow.

Fellows have the opportunity to network with and learn from local and visiting investigators.

Further Scholarship Information and Application