PhD SCHOLARSHIP IN ZOOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND
Evolutionary biology of parasites Applications are invited from suitably qualified students for one PhD scholarship to work under the supervision of Prof Robert Poulin. The scholarship is part of a research grant from the Marsden Fund awarded to Prof. Poulin and Dr Devon Keeney, and is available as of early 2008 for three years. Our research programme aims to investigate the key factors influencing the evolution of host specificity in parasites. More specifically, the research will examine how plasticity in phenotype (morphology and behaviour) and genetic variation affect the ability of parasites to exploit novel hosts. We will use a native New Zealand marine trematode (parasitic flatworm) species that infects coastal crustaceans as an experimental model, with the work involving a combination of experimental parasitology and genetic analyses. The PhD project will fit within this overall theme. Candidates should have interests and/or experience in either host-parasite interactions or evolutionary biology. More importantly, candidates should be highly motivated and enthusiastic about pursuing doctoral research. PhD applicants must have been awarded the degree of BSc Honours or MSc (or equivalent) before taking up the scholarship. The emolument is NZ$25,000 per annum (tax-free) for 3 years. There is an additional NZ$4,000 per year to cover tuition fees, and some money available in the final year for thesis preparation costs. Specific enquiries may be made to Prof Robert Poulin, Tel 64 3 479 7983, Fax 64 3 479 7584 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] METHOD OF APPLICATION Applicants should send a cover letter stating briefly why they are interested in this scholarship, together with the names, addresses, fax numbers and e-mail of 2 referees. Candidates should also include a curriculum vitae. These documents should be sent before 1st December 2007 to Prof Robert Poulin, Department of Zoology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand (FAX: 643 479-7584; email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]). Further details regarding the University and how to apply for admission in postgraduate programs can be found at the Universitys homepage at http://www.otago.ac.nz