PhD scholarship in plant adaptation: What is the relative importance of abiotic and biotic factors in determining species distributions

We are seeking an energetic PhD student to undertake fundamental and applied research in plant ecology and quantitative genetics. What is the relative importance of abiotic and biotic factors in determining species distributions? Are populations adapted to their local environments? Do plants have the capacity to respond to environmental change through genetic adaptation and/or physiological tolerance? You will contribute to the main objectives of an ARC Linkage project:

1. Estimate the heritability of plant performance, disease susceptibility, and functional traits in field quantitative genetic trials
2. Determine the fitness costs of abiotic and biotic factors in field and glasshouse experiments.

The selected candidate will work with a Post-doctoral Research Fellow and experienced scientists in delivering aspects of this exciting research programme. The project team includes researchers from Murdoch University, Hawkesbury institute for the Environment (HIE - Western Sydney University) and industry partners, Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW). The candidate will have the opportunity to work at HIE and DPaW during their PhD. Significant support by all institutions, and funding from the Australian Research Council, provides access to provenance trials, seed families, field and laboratory facilities, as well as, technical support.

The project focuses on the ecologically, economically and socially important tree, Marri (Corymbia calophylla), that is widely distributed in the forests of the Southwest Western Australia biodiversity hotspot. Environmental change is increasing tree death associated with drought/heat waves and fungal diseases. The successful PhD candidate will undertake phenotyping of established provenance trials of including tree growth, disease susceptibility, and functional traits. Experimental manipulations will be undertaken to determine the impact of abiotic (water availability, temperature) and biotic (fungal disease) factors on the survival, growth and reproduction of trees. Data analyses will explore differential responses among genotypes (GxE), and trait associations with provenance climatic variability. The candidate will have the opportunity to develop the direction of her/his thesis within the broader field of plant ecology and quantitative genetics. Expected research outcomes include a detailed understanding of the importance of genetic adaptation and physiological tolerance for the maintenance of biodiversity. In addition, advice will be provided to industry partners on the scientific basis for the adoption of assisted gene migration.

You will be supervised by Prof. Giles Hardy (Murdoch, plant ecology and stressors), Dr Margaret Byrne (DPaW, conservation genetics) and Dr Paul Rymer (HIE, evolutionary ecology and genomics), and have the opportunity to work with a broad scientific team including Prof. David Tissue (HIE, plant ecophysiology), Dr Richard Mazanec (DPaW, quantitative genetics), and a dynamic postdoctoral fellow. You will also be expected to communicate your results at industry and scientific meetings, and publish research in high-impact international journal.

For more details please contact Dr. Margaret Byrne (DPaW) ([Email Address Removed]), Dr Paul Rymer (HIE) ([Email Address Removed]), Prof. Giles Hardy (Murdoch University) ([Email Address Removed]).

What does the scholarship provide?
• Domestic students will receive a tax free stipend of $26,682 per annum and a Commonwealth funded Research Training Program (RTP) place in the doctoral degree.
• International fee waivers may be available in specific cases.
• Additional funding is available for project costs and conference travel.

Criteria

The successful applicant should:
• Demonstrate excellent academic performance related to the research proposed
• Hold qualifications and experience equal to an Australian First Class Bachelor Honours degree, Masters of Research, or equivalent overseas qualifications
• Be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level
• Possess a background in plant ecology or genetics, and have an interest in climate impacts on native vegetation.
• International applicants must also demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the English language.

How to apply:
• Applicants should discuss their eligibility and interests with Prof Giles Hardy [Email Address Removed]; 08 9360 6272 and/or Dr Paul Rymer [Email Address Removed]; 02 4570 1094 before applying.
• Contact the Graduate Research Office to discuss the application process at [Email Address Removed].
• Please follow the Domestic application guide to apply.

Closing Date: Until position filled