Mitigating pest invasion risks through horticultural trade networks

The Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, New Zealand is offering a fully funded PhD studentship through the New Zealand Biological Heritage National Science Challenge. This is a fantastic opportunity for a student wanting to develop skills in applying social network approaches to ecological problems. The student will become an integral member of a national research team undertaking a high profile project. The aim of the project is to explore how network models can help us understand the risk posed by pest and weeds spreading through trade networks. The movement of live plants through professional nurseries is known to be an effective means to disseminate plant pathogens, invertebrate pests, and weeds. By working closely with professional nurseries as well as examining the less formal internet trade, this PhD will initially collate spatial distribution data and trade relationships among the live plant trade in New Zealand. This network will be used to map the likely pathways and identify the resources at risk and the suitability for pest establishment.

Further details of the project can be found here:
http://www.biologicalheritage.nz/programmes/risks/interventions

The duration of the scholarship is three years. It is expected the successful candidates will be based at Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand. Besides their own research, the PhD student will attend courses and workshops in relevant transferable skills like scientific writing and project management as well as participate in our biennial Bio-Protection symposium, weekly seminar series and group meetings. The PhD student will receive individual supervision and mentoring and is guided in her/his research work by a PhD advisory committee.

Applications should include evidence of qualifications and research experience, together with a curriculum vitae and contact details of two academic referees. Applications should be supported by a cover letter that states why the candidate is interested in the PhD (applicants are welcome to choose one or both) and how their qualifications would map onto the proposed research. Please email complete applications to [Email Address Removed]. Closing date for applications is 14th March 2018 with the expectation of commencement on or before September 2018.