Enhancing cultural, conservation and restoration outcomes in the Cumberland Plain' of Western Sydney: Restoration and Reconstruction

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Western Sydney University is offering a scholarship to a highly motivated PhD candidate, to contribute to a $1.8 million collaborative research program designed to inform the cultural, conservation and restoration outcomes in the in peri-urban landscapes across western Sydney. The research will support the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan, offering the candidate a unique opportunity to conduct research that will have a positive impact on western Sydney’s ecological and cultural heritage. We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled PhD candidate to develop research programs addressing knowledge gaps as identified within the draft Research Implementation Strategy:

Restoration and reconstruction:

Projects focus on overcoming barriers to success, identifying cost-effective management practices, understanding contributions of biodiversity to the resistance and resilience of ecosystems, or enhancing prioritisation of restoration sites considering broader ecological, economic, social and cultural outcomes.

The candidate will develop projects with supervisors based at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) and the Institute for Culture and Society (ICS), which are world-leading research institutes with strong reputations for delivering research outcomes of the highest quality, and with co-supervisors from collaborating institutions, including the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDE?

• Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000(AUD) per annum for up to 3.5 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.

• International candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000(AUD) per annum for up to 3.5 years to support living costs. Those with a strong track record will be eligible for a tuition fee waiver and an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Policy.

• Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by the Institute(s).

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in conservation of threatened species, ecosystem restoration, application of cultural knowledge and/or climate change resilience. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in conservation biology, population genetics, plant biology, soil ecology, and/or society and culture, including Aboriginal knowledge systems.

The successful applicant should:

• hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) a Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.

• demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to agriculture, ecology, genetics, environmental and/or social science.

• have an understanding or appreciation of the importance of conservation, restoration and/or peoples connect with the land.

• be willing to learn analytical techniques applicable to population genetics, plant biology, soil ecology, and/or society and culture.

• be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.

HOW TO APPLY

Complete the application via the link : https://bit.ly/3s8qL9g

Follow the step-by-step instructions on the how to apply for a project scholarship.

• Note: You do not need to complete 'Step 5: Submit an online application for admission' when applying for this scholarship. You must complete 'Step 6: Submit an online application for a project scholarship'.Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.

For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the relevant Lead Researcher:

Uffe Nielsen; [Email Address Removed]

For questions and advice about the application process, please contact the Graduate Research School:

[Email Address Removed].

Use the email subject line: Application RSP2021_11_HIE

Closing date: 30 June 2022

_{*Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)}