One PhD scholarship is available as part of an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship project. The goal of the project as a whole is to synthesise the existing theory and data to develop a quantitative, process-based model of the distribution and function of Australian vegetation. The PhD students will form part of the project team, but will have the opportunity to develop their own programs of research within the overarching project
The Australian vegetation is fascinating from a scientific perspective. There are many distinctive genera, such as eucalypts, acacias and spinifex grasses. The evolution and distribution of the vegetation have clearly been shaped by the ancient soils, high temperatures, and low and variable rainfall, but we still have a poor understanding of how these different factors interact – or what to expect as the climate warms. The overall project will draw on theory and evidence spanning physiology, ecology and biogeochemistry to explore and predict Australian vegetation dynamics. The project will also inform efforts to model global vegetation dynamics by adding new understanding of nutrient and water constraints on vegetation distributions.
PhD student projects will focus on one aspect of this overall problem. They could, for example, focus on a particular vegetation process and how it affects different vegetation types; explore the dynamics of a specific ecotone (e.g rainforest/savanna ecotone, shrublands/drylands ecotone); or concentrate on meta-analysis and model development.
The project is connected with many experimental research programs in the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, such as the Eucalyptus Free-Air CO2 Enrichment experiment, the NSW Bushfire Hub, the Pastures and Climate Extremes experiment, and the DroughtNet network. Students will be strongly encouraged to work collaboratively on relevant experimental programs.
WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDE?
• Domestic students will receive a tax free stipend of $30,000 per annum for up to four years and a funded place in the doctoral degree.
• International students will receive a tax free stipend of $30,000 per annum for up to four years. Those with a strong track record will receive a fee waiver.
• All International students are required to hold an Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC) policy covering the duration of their studies in Australia. The HIE will provide funding for a single Overseas Student Health Cover policy.
• The project will also provide substantial benefits in terms of additional operational funding for project fieldwork and data collection, and travel and conference attendance.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
We are looking to build a team with a diversity of skills. We therefore welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds who are keen to apply their skills to the project topic. The successful applicants should:
• Hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian Bachelor Honours degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least a 25% research component, (iii) a Research Masters or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance in in an area related to the project, such as environmental science (e.g. plant ecology, biogeography, remote sensing) or a quantitative science (e.g. maths, computer science, data analysis).
• Have strong quantitative skills, with some knowledge of computer programming (relevant languages include R, Python, C, and Fortran). We would be pleased to hear from applicants with experience in e.g. vegetation modelling, machine learning, remote sensing, data assimilation.
• Be enthusiastic about the project topic, with either demonstrated knowledge of Australian vegetation or keenness to learn.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Work well as part of a team.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
HOW TO APPLY
• Contact Prof Belinda Medlyn [Email Address Removed] to discuss your eligibility, the project requirements and your intention to apply.
• Follow the step-by-step instructions on the how to apply for a project scholarship.
• Compile your CV, contact information for two referees and a one-page proposal stating how your research interests align with the project aims.
• All attached documents must be submitted as PDF and documentation certified according to Western Sydney University requirements.
• Submit to [Email Address Removed]
• In the body of your email, include your full name, your student ID (if you are a current or previous Western Sydney University student) and the full title of the scholarship.
• Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.
• For questions and advice about the application process, please contact the Graduate Research School: [Email Address Removed]
Closing date: 31 January 2021
*Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
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