PhD scholarship - Microbiology and greenhouse gas dynamics of inland wetlands
A PhD scholarship is available in Deakin's Blue Carbon Lab, Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences.
The PhD student, under the guidance of the Chief Investigator, will initiate and conduct research on the topic of ‘Microbiology and greenhouse gas dynamics of inland wetlands’, led by Dr Peter Macreadie.
The successful applicant will be based at Deakin's Melbourne Burwood Campus.
Research topic
Wetlands are among earth’s most efficient ecosystems for carbon sequestration, but can also emit potent greenhouse gases depending on how they're managed.
This project will represent a major advance in our understanding of greenhouse gas fluxes from Australian floodplain freshwater wetlands. The project will enhance our capacity for accurate national carbon budgets and greenhouse gas accounting and build upon Australia’s fundamental knowledge base and international research profile regarding wetland carbon sequestration dynamics.
The supervisory team consists of Dr Peter Macreadie (Deakin University, Head of Blue Carbon Lab) as the Principal Supervisor, Dr Paul Carnell (Deakin University, Postdoctoral Fellow) as Associate Supervisor, and Dr Trish Bowen as Industry Supervisor.
Project aim
The overall objective of this industry-based research project is to devise ways to maximise carbon sequestration by inland wetlands and minimise release of greenhouse gases.
Specifically, this project will:
1) Trial new techniques for monitoring wetland carbon sequestration, based on protocols recently proposed by the Blue Carbon Lab
2) Quantify and constrain seasonal and diel rates of methane and carbon dioxide emissions from inland wetlands, while simultaneously identifying key microbial communities and genes involved in wetland carbon metabolism.
Value and duration
- A stipend of $26,682 (2017 rate) per annum, tax exempt
- A relocation allowance up to $1,500 (2017 rate) awarded to students who are moving from interstate or overseas in order to study at Deakin
- Paid sick, maternity and parental leave
- Tuition fee and overseas health coverage for international students for the duration of four years.
Eligibility criteria
- Open to both Domestic and International candidates.
- Applicants must meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements, be enrolling full time and hold an Honours degree (First Class) or a Master's degree with a substantial research component in environmental microbiology. Please refer to the entry pathways to higher degrees by research for further information.
- A proven track record of academic excellence is required. Applicants with first-authored publications in quality journals will score highly.
- Experience in collecting field data and capacity to undertake independent fieldwork.
- Capacity to implement research in collaboration with a range of stakeholders (government agencies, private landholders, conservation groups etc.).
- Strong English written communication skills, including the ability to write research results into scientific papers.
For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/phd-scholarship-microbiology-and-greenhouse-gas-dynamics-of-inland-wetlands