ELS ARC Tree Canopy PhD Scholarship
Closing Date: 21 November 2008
How will tree canopy architecture adapt to climate change?
A PhD scholarship is available in the Department of Biological Sciences to work in conjunction with an ARC Discovery Project led by Dr Belinda Medlyn (Macquarie University) and Professor David Ellsworth (Univ. Western Sydney). The aim of the project is to investigate how tree canopy structure adapts to climate, and how it is modified by climate change. The branching structure of a tree canopy is a feat of engineering that is constrained by climate: it must maximise light intercepted, while at the same time ensuring a continuous supply of water to the leaves.
Depending on the successful applicant’s interest, the PhD project could either focus on optimisation modelling, experimental measurements, or a mixture of both. The optimisation modelling would aim to combine existing models of canopy light capture and water flow to predict optimal canopy architectures under a range of climatic conditions. Experimental measurements would involve quantifying canopy structure for Eucalyptus species growing in several climate change experiments in western Sydney, and contrasting these against predicted optimal structures.
Applicants must be Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian Permanent Residents to apply. They must also demonstrate equivalent research qualifications or experience to an Australian Honours (at least Class 2 Division 1) degree in one of more of the following areas: plant ecophysiology, ecology, mathematics, physics, or engineering. The stipend is currently A$26,140 p.a. tax exempt (2008), tenured for a maximum three years subject to satisfactory progress. Up to six months extension may be available where unavoidable research delays are evidenced. Tuition fees will also be sponsored under the Government funded RTS training scheme.
For further information regarding this project, applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Belinda Medlyn; telephone: +61-2- 9850 8897, e-mail: bmedlyn@bio.mq.edu.au.
Application forms, and conditions of award are available from the Higher Degree Research Office, telephone +61-2-9850 7663, or e-mail: hdrschol@vc.mq.edu.au.
Applications should be forwarded to:
The Scholarship Officer
The Research Hub
Level 3, C5C East
Macquarie University NSW 2109
AUSTRALIA
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