About the Project
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.
The Institute is offering one scholarship on characterizing communities of insect pollinators visiting field crop flowers.
We are seeking highly motivated PhD candidates to study the potential of stingless bees as pollinators of temperate, tropical and glasshouse crops, as part of a major new research program co-funded through Horticulture Innovation Australia’s Frontiers scheme. Our overall program will also explore key aspects of the ecology, behaviour, genetics and husbandry of stingless bees. We are offering four scholarships in total.
Subsequently, all candidates may choose to focus on one or
more related topics, for example: in-depth ecology / behaviour
or stingless bees; non-crop floral resources for pollinators; etc.
Students will be based at the HIE at the University’s
Hawkesbury Campus in Richmond, NSW and will join a large
and diverse cohort of scientists at all career levels. Field work
may include periods at orchards and farms some distance from
Richmond, including in Australian tropical crop regions. The
students 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 candidates’ 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 insect ecology and/or pollination biology. A valid driver’s licence, and willingness to travel and work for periods in off-campus 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. entomology, ecology, animal behavior, horticulture, or pollination biology.
» 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 for taxonomy (e.g. microsocopy/taxonomy and DNA Barcoding), pollination biology (e.g. pollen and nectar analysis), and insect behavior (e.g. controlled field 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
Funding Notes
» Domestic students will receive a tax free stipend of $30,000 AUD per annum and a funded place in the doctoral degree.
» International students will receive a tax free stipend of $30,000 AUD per annum. Those with a strong track record will receive a fee waiver.
» The project will also provide funding for research costs and conference travel.