PhD Opportunity in Biogeochemistry and Climate Change in Australia
Closing date 21 November 2014

The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) at the University of
Western Sydney is seeking a highly motivated and dynamic PhD candidate to
research soil biogeochemical responses to climate change. The student is
expected to commence in 2015 and conduct original investigations of how
climate and hydrology affect exchange of carbon dioxide and methane between
the atmosphere and biosphere. The project will apply stable isotope tracers
for scaling processes regulating methane and CO2 emissions from microsites
to ecosystems in Australian forest and grassland ecosystems.

The student will be advised by Prof Elise Pendall and will work in
collaboration with a dynamic group of ecosystem researchers at HIE. The
Institute offers field, controlled-environment and laboratory facilities on
the Hawkesbury campus of UWS, close to the city of Sydney. HIE manages two
eddy covariance flux towers, as well as two laser-based greenhouse gas
analysers (for CO2, CH4 and their isotopes), a tunable diode laser for
isotopes of CO2, numerous infrared gas analysers, gas chromatographs,
elemental analysers and flow-injection analyzers, for environmental science
investigations.

WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDE?
Australian students will receive a tax free stipend of $30,392 per annum and
a funded place in the doctoral degree. International students will receive a
tax free stipend of $30,392 per annum. Those with a strong track record may
receive a fee waiver. Funding is available for project costs and conference
travel.
CRITERIA
The successful applicant should: demonstrate excellent academic performance
related to the research proposed, hold qualifications and experience equal
to an Australian First Class Bachelor Honours degree or equivalent
overseas qualifications such as Master of Science, be enthusiastic and
highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level, possess a
background in environmental science, ecology, or soil science,
International applicants must also demonstrate a high level of proficiency
in the English language. Please refer to the English language requirements
at www.uws.edu.au/international/admissions/english_language_requirement
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should discuss their eligibility and interests with Prof. Elise
Pendall at e.pendall@uws.edu.au, on (+612) 4570 1673. Contact the Office of
Research Services to discuss enrolment and scholarships at
hdrscholarships@uws.edu.au.
Please submit an application form, CV, names and contact information of two
referees, and a one-page research
proposal that aligns with this project’s aims. The application form can be
downloaded from the web:
www.uws.edu.au/research/scholarships