A fully funded PhD project: Climate change, plasticity & Aging in Sydney, Australia

UNSW, Sydney has announced another round of prestigious PhD scholarship (http://www.2025.unsw.edu.au/apply). We have been lucky enough to have been awarded one of these positions.

Stipend: $41,209 per year for 4 yearsCareer development: $ 10,000 per year (e.g. conference travel)Tuition fees: completely coveredEligibility: open to all nationalities

Abstract: Human-induced changes such as climate change threaten many populations. Evidence suggests that for many organisms, an increase in temperature expedites aging. Importantly, aging is often associated with the loss of phenotypic plasticity, key for population viability in a changing world. Surprisingly, we know very little about how plasticity changes as organisms age. This project will fill this knowledge gap on age-dependent plasticity using both theoretical and empirical approaches. Our project will reveal not only how phenotypic plasticity can dampen the effect of climate change, but also how, in turn, climate change itself can affect phenotypic plasticity.

Candidate: We are looking for a candidate with a background in ecology and evolution, so they are familiar with the theory and literature, although a candidate with a background in mathematics, statistics and computer sciences is also suitable. Ideally, a candidate should have some experience in empirical work (e.g. having conducted a field or lab experiment of their own) and good quantitative and computational skills (e.g. basic knowledge of linear algebra, competence in R). Also, we seek a demonstrated ability in academic communication in the form of journal publications and/or conference presentations.

Procedure: Email letter with CV, academic record, and details of two academic referees, to Prof Shinichi Nakagawa ([Email Address Removed])by 12 July 2019. Your letter should explain how your CV is sufficient to allow application for a Scientia PhD Scholarship (you will need to write an application for this scholarship).Further information please check: https://www.scientia.unsw.edu.au/