Plant root traits along elevational gradients

New Zealand is experiencing high rates of anthropogenic climate change relative to the global average. Nowhere is this increase more evident than the Tongariro National Park, which is now 1.5oC warmer and drier (-5mm of rain year-1) than 50 years ago. These changes may threaten the future of New Zealand’s endemic flora and iconic landscapes but surprisingly little research has addressed these risks.
This PhD project addresses the interactive effects of climate change and plant species invasion on plant and microbial trait diversity and ecosystem processes along elevational gradients in Tongariro National Park, with a particular emphasis on mycorrhizas and plant root traits. The study engages with the Warming and Removals in Mountains (WaRM) network a global collaboration of research sites with common experimental methods to assess the effect of warming and species interactions on alpine ecosystems. The PhD student will have opportunities to engage with this international network. The PhD student will conduct annual field campaigns of approximately 6 weeks during the peak flowering period to monitor plant community composition, soil microbial properties and net ecosystem carbon exchange, for 3 years.

Applications for this position are open to individuals of any nationality or gender. It is the successful applicant’s responsibility to secure a student visa to New Zealand. Good health and physical fitness are requirements of the field work component of the project. A strong background in Plant Ecology and some experience with molecular technologies are considered assets.