Student Opportunity Announcements
PhD scholarship, marine bioinvasions
A PhD student is sought to contribute to an Australian Research Council Linkage project investigating how the morphology of estuaries influences their susceptibility to invasion by European shore crabs. The European shore crab has the potential to undermine the productivity of Australia’s estuaries and devastate our shellfish industries, worth over $50 million p.a.
The successful applicant will use a combination of field surveys, mesocosm experiments, field manipulative experiments and genetic studies to provide critical information about how management of coastal lakes influences their invasion by European shore crabs. The student will attain experience in a range of aspects of experimental estuarine ecology as well as gain valuable interdisciplinary skills. The student will work closely with industry partners, Batemans Marine Park, NSW Industry and Investment, the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre.
Applicants should have a strong academic record with Honours (First Class) or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as ecology, invertebrate biology or marine science. They must be able to work within a team and should have high level written and oral communication skills. Experience in designing, conducting and analysing multi-factor ecological field experiments is desirable. A current drivers license and experience in handling small boats would be advantageous.
Closing date for applications is 10th February, 2010. The candidate should be available to commence no later than 31 March 2010.
Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, submit a cover letter addressing the essential and desirable criteria, a CV that includes contact details for two referees, and an academic transcript to the principal supervisor: Dr Melanie Bishop, email: mbishop@bio.mq.edu.au, telephone: +61 2 9850 4075.
The 2010 APAI full-time stipend rate is $27,222 pa, tax exempt. The stipend is indexed to increase each year and is initially available for 3 years.