Prof D Ellsworth, Prof S Power, Dr P Rymer
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is one of three institutes within Western Sydney University. HIE has rapidly become a research leader in ecosystem function and environmental responses to changing climate, with a strong reputation for delivering research outcomes of the highest quality. HIE houses a team of over 50 scientists with access to a unique suite of world-class research facilities. The plant adaptation group at HIE is widely recognised for their work testing the capacity to respond to climate through adaptive genetic variation and physiological tolerance.
We are looking for a highly motivated and qualified candidate for a PhD program of research at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, commencing early 2017 under the new Green Cities Initiative – Which Plant, Where, When And Why Database for Growing Urban Greenspace. This project will facilitate sustainable green cities by unlocking opportunities to develop sustainable and resilient urban green spaces. The successful applicant will work in a team of researchers from Western Sydney University and Macquarie University, and engage with the industry partners NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA), and various stakeholders associated with the project.
The successful candidate will investigate the potential for urban greening and successful urban planting under future variable climatic/environmental conditions. Applications are open to international candidates as well as Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents of Australia. The position is based in the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (Richmond, NSW), and will collaborate with the Department of Biological Sciences at Macquarie University and the horticulture industry to achieve key applied outcomes in urban science.
Examples of potential topics may include assessing the performance of urban plantings in different climatic/ environmental contexts; testing drought and heatwave susceptibility of novel accessions; understanding the co-benefits of urban plantings.
Please visit www.westernsydney.edu.au/hie/research/research_projects/green_cities_which_plant_where
WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDE?
» Domestic students will receive a tax free stipend of $26,682 per annum and a funded place in the doctoral degree. » International students will receive a tax free stipend of $26,682 per annum. Those with a strong track record may receive a fee waiver. » Funding is available for project costs and conference travel.
CRITERIA
We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, especially those with a strong grounding in mathematics, physics or computing who are keen to apply their quantitative skills to key questions in current biology. The successful applicant should:
» hold qualifications and experience equal to an Australian First Class Bachelor Honours degree or equivalent overseas qualifications » demonstrate strong academic performance in plant biology and ecology » have an interest in, or be willing to learn, plant physiological, ecological and/or spatial analyses » be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level » 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 Prof David Ellsworth [Email Address Removed], A/ Prof Sally Power [Email Address Removed], or Dr Paul Rymer [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: 15 February 2017
The application form can be downloaded:
www.westernsydney.edu.au/graduate_research_school/grs/scholarships/current_scholarships