Saving our species: Adaptive capacity to climate change

The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is a research institute within Western Sydney University. 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 looking for a highly motivated and qualified candidate for a 3-year PhD program of research commencing in 2018. This studentship is part of an exciting new research programme established under the Office of Environment and Heritage “Saving Our Species” initiative, investigating the adaptive capacity of threatened species and ecological communities to climate change.

This project aims to quantify the physiological tolerance of woody plants to heat waves and droughts. It will test the assumptions and predictions of species distribution models within a comparative framework with species from a range of climatic distributions, dispersal modes, and life-history traits. This work will provide empirical information to inform policy decisions and management practices for threatened plants through improved predictions of species’ climate thresholds and ability to persist under climate change.

Applications are open to international candidates as well as Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents of Australia. The position is based at the Hawkesbury campus of Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, and in collaboration with the Department of Biological Sciences at Macquarie University. The candidate will work with Western Sydney University’s partners and the Office of Environment and Heritage (Science Division and NPWS) to achieve key applied outcomes in plant ecology and conservation biology.

What does the Scholarship provide?

» Domestic students will receive a tax free stipend of $30,000 per annum and a funded place in the doctoral degree.
» International students will receive a tax free stipend of $30,000 per annum. Those with a strong track record will receive a fee waiver.
» The project will also provide substantial benefits in terms of additional operational funding for project field work and data collection, and travel and conference attendance.

Criteria

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 plant physiology, experimental ecology or conservation biology.
» be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
» possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
» have proven data analysis experience.

Capability in translating research findings into applied outcomes will be viewed favorably.

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

Closing date: 1 July 2018

» The application form can be downloaded: www.westernsydney.edu.au/graduate_research_school/ grs/scholarships/current_scholarships