Investigating Insect Pollination of Almonds

The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is a research institute within Western Sydney University in Australia. HIE has rapidly become a research leader in environmental and ecological research, with a strong reputation for delivering research outcomes of the highest quality. HIE is home to a team of over 50 academic research scientists and more than 60 PhD students, with access to a unique suite of world-class research facilities.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to study insect pollinators in almond orchards with the aim of improving pollination services for the almond industry, working with our industrial partner OLAM. This PhD is part of our wider major program on insect pollinators in agroecosystems, which is cofunded through Horticulture Innovation Australia’s Frontiers Program. The overall pollination program at HIE investigates the role of native insects as pollinators of several horticultural crops, the use of non-crop floral resources by bees, bee diseases and the biology of stingless bees.

This PhD will focus initially on: (1) characterizing communities of insects visiting almond flowers in orchards, and non-crop flowers in adjacent bushland; (2) assessing the visitation behaviour and pollination efficiency of different almond flower visitors and testing for pollination limitation in orchards. Subsequently, the project will explore management options to support local pollinator populations (e.g. floral resource plantings) or enhance pollination during crop flowering (e.g. introduction, placement and management of bee hives and/or use of pollination enhancers). The project is suitable for a candidate with strong interests and preferably research experience (Honours, Masters or equivalent) in subjects such as insect ecology/conservation, agriculture or pollination biology.

The student will be based at HIE at the University’s Hawkesbury Campus in Richmond, NSW and will join a large and diverse cohort of scientists at all career levels. Much of the field work will be conducted in commercial almond orchards some distance from the campus. The student will learn a variety of techniques (in field and laboratory) to sample and describe pollinator communities, assess pollination of crops and characterize bee behaviour. The PhD program will also develop the candidate’s statistical, analytical and communication skills, and involve collaboration with our wider Pollination Team and industry partners.

CRITERIA

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in environmental biology. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests and previous experience in entomology, ecology and/or pollination biology. A valid driver’s licence, and willingness to travel and work for periods in offcampus field sites (at industry orchards) are also required. As a minimum, the successful applicant 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 degree or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
» demonstrate strong academic performance in one or more subjects relevant to the project, e.g. ecology, entomology, agriculture, conservation .
» be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
» have an understanding of the importance of pollination services and threats to pollinator populations.
» be willing to learn modern sampling and analytical techniques applicable to insect community ecology (e.g. microsocopy/taxonomy and DNA Barcoding), pollination (e.g. pollen/nectar analysis) and insect behavior (e.g. controlled experiments) .
» International applicants must also demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the English language. Please refer to the English language requirements at www.westernsydney.edu.au/international/home/admissions/entry_requirements

HOW TO APPLY

» Applicants should discuss their eligibility and interests with Dr Jasmine Grinyer ([Email Address Removed])
» Contact the Graduate Research School at [Email Address Removed].
» Please submit an application form, CV, names and contact information of two referees, and a one-page document stating how your research interests align with the project’s aims.

Closing date: 8 April 2018
» The application form can be downloaded: www.westernsydney.edu.au/graduate_research_school/grs/scholarships/current_scholarships