ABOUT THE PROJECT:
The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is offering a research scholarship to a highly motivated PhD candidate to work within a research group addressing how improving soil resources enhances plant and ecosystem function under abiotic stress. The project is co-funded by Industry, Western Sydney University’s Graduate Research School, and the Australian Research Council. Urban landscapes can present challenging situations for plants to grow in, with limited water and nutrient availability. This project will assess plant nutrition associated with a large-scale landscape experiment of model ecosystems grown with augmented water and nutrition. The experiment tests the overall hypothesis that plant tolerance and resilience to adverse environmental conditions is improved through improved nutrition. The project provides an exciting opportunity to test new approaches for revegetation in urban and peri-urban environments.
The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is a research institute within Western Sydney University. HIE has rapidly become a research leader in environmental and ecological research, with a strong reputation for delivering research outcomes of the highest quality. The project will be based at HIE with the opportunity to work with the supervisors on interrelationships between plant ecophysiology and plant nutrition. The position is based at the Hawkesbury campus of Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW.
WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDE?
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000(AUD) per annum for up to 4 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 4 years to support living costs. Those with a strong track record will be eligible for a tuition 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 research costs and conference travel.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in plant ecophysiology in an urban environment. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in plant biology, plant physiology, climate change and/or plant chemistry.
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) Research Master’s degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to ecology, plant biology and/or agriculture or horticulture.
- Have an understanding of the importance of plant physiology or plant ecophysiology.
- Be willing to learn analytical techniques applicable to plant physiology and chemistry.
- Be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
• International applicants must also meet English language proficiency.
HOW TO APPLY:
Complete the application via the link : https://bit.ly/3EwsFEC
Follow the step-by-step instructions on the how to apply for a project scholarship. Use the email subject line: Application_RSP2021_08_HIE . 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 Prof David Ellsworth: [Email Address Removed]
For questions and advice about the application process, please contact the Graduate Research School: [Email Address Removed].
Closing date: 30th November 2021
*Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).