PhD Scholarship - Tree-mediated methane fluxes from freshwater wetlands

Background: We are seeking to appoint a motivated and suitably qualified PhD candidate to conduct research exploring tree-mediated methane emission in freshwater wetlands in Australia.

The PhD position is fully funded and based at Southern Cross University which offers access to cutting-edge facilities and equipment ideally suited to this project.

Southern Cross University has a strong geochemistry group and has attained the highest ranking in Australia in the field of geochemistry, which is the primary discipline area of this scholarship. The University is located in sub-tropical northern NSW and the region offers a high quality of life. http://scu.edu.au

Project summary: Wetlands are among earth's most efficient ecosystems for carbon sequestration, yet this capacity can be offset by emission of methane. Recent research indicates that wetland trees can be a significant, yet largely unquantified, pathway for methane emissions. Many aspects of this pathway are remain relatively unknown due to a lack of studies. This emerging topic has considerable scope for significant new discoveries.

The candidate will directly determine methane emissions from freshwater wetland trees species and investigate their spatial, temporal and seasonal dynamics with a view to furthering our understanding of key processes, drivers and their significance.

Candidates will be expected to undertake / participate in both field-based investigations and controlled laboratory-based studies in Australian coastal wetland systems under varied seasonal conditions.

Eligibility:

• A first class honours degree or Masters degree or equivalent in Environmental Geochemistry
• The applicant's qualifications should include experience studying environmental systems via field experiments, ideally with some experience using automated greenhouse gas analysers
• Very high degree of proficiency in both written and spoken English (strict criteria apply for non-native English speakers).
• Experience in collecting field data and capacity to undertake independent fieldwork.
• The applicant's academic background must be strong enough to qualify her/him for a scholarship, stipend and fee (tuition) waiver.
• Citizenship: This position is open to domestic and international applicants.

Funding and inquiries: Successful candidates will be offered a full-time PhD position. Contingent on satisfactory performance, this will be extended to a total period of 3 years, with the specific intent that a PhD thesis is submitted within this period.

The project includes a 3-year scholarship ($27,600 AUD pa) and an additional stipend to cover research costs of up to $5000 AUD pa will be available.

For informal inquiries about the position or to apply email both Prof. Scott Johnston and Dr Damien Maher:  scott.johnston@scu.edu.au  /  damien.maher@scu.edu.au

Applications must include a CV, academic grade transcripts, copies of previous research outputs and a cover letter outlining a summary of your research experience, your reasons for wanting to do a PhD and information on how your skills will be relevant to the project.