2011 Hawkesbury Institute Postgraduate Research Award at University of Western Sydney

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The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment at UWS is seeking an excellent doctoral candidate to undertake a funded project  entitled "Microorganisms, Ecosystem Functions and Climate Change".

About the Project

This study shall investigate the effect of various climate variables (increased temperature, carbon dioxide and altered precipitation) and extreme weathers (flooding and extreme drought) on soil biodiversity, certain ecosystem functions and link this change in functions with changes in associated functional groups such as microbes involved in carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling. The project aims to improve mechanistic understanding of feedback responses to climate change which could be further exploited to improve the national and global prediction. This is a very flexible project and could be modified according to interests of the successful candidate.

As a doctoral student, you will gain experience in experimental design, GHG measurement techniques and range of state of art of molecular approaches such as Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (TRFLP), cloning and sequencing, pyrosequencing, multivariate statistical analyses, scientific writing and presentation. During the course of the project, you will have access to some of the best known scientists in this field for consultation and advice. There is a possibility of the successful candidate spending a period of time at Imperial College, London (UK) for sample collection and training in process measurements.

Criteria

The successful applicant should:
•   demonstrate excellent academic performance in the study of microorganisms, ecosystem functions and climate change or a related discipline.
•   hold qualifications and experience equal to an Australian First Class Bachelor Honours degree. Please contact the Chief Investigator to discuss your qualifications if you are unsure about your eligibility
•   be 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 University's web site for information about English language requirements.

[MyInfoStride]

[MyInfoStride]

2011 Hawkesbury Institute Postgraduate Research Award at University of Western Sydney 

What does the scholarship provide?
•   Tax free stipend of $32,860 per annum and a funded place in the doctoral degree. International candidates may be charged fees.
•   Funding is also available for project costs

How to Apply:
Submit an Application Form (PDF, 271Kb), research proposal and CV by the closing date.

Need more information?
•   Contact Professor Brajesh Singh to discuss the project: b.singh@uws.edu.au; +61 2 4570 1329
•   Contact the Research Training, Policy and Programs Officer to discuss enrolment and scholarships: Ms Sandra Lawrence: sg.lawrence@uws.edu.au
•   Find out more about the research being undertaken in the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment.

Deadline: 6 May, 2011.

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