The Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, New Zealand and CSIRO, Canberra, Australia, are offering a joint PhD position through the Australian Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) to address network analysis of post-border pest spread. The aim of this project is to develop a network model for a generic pest/pathogen under two different types of network and then use this model to evaluate a set of strategies for sampling invasive movement under increasing limits on sampling resources. This will be achieved by mapping the likely pathways on a map of the resources at risk and the suitability for pest establishment. Further details of the project can be found at: http://bioprotection.org.nz/vacancies The scholarships provide an annual stipend of AUD$30,000 a year tax-free, plus approximately AUD$10,000 additional support a year towards operating expenses. The duration of the scholarship is three and a half years (maximum). The CRC also supports travel to one conference, attendance at an annual student workshop, and formal professional development. It is expected the successful candidate will be based at Lincoln University with regular visits to CSIRO in Canberra. Students must be Australian or New Zealand citizens/permanent residents. Applicants for this project should hold a first class or high 2A honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant area, preferably with interest in spatial ecology, modelling and/or plant biosecurity. Applicants must be eligible for admission to the PhD program at Lincoln University. Applications should include evidence of qualifications and research experience, together with a curriculum vitae and contact details of two academic referees. Applications should be supported by a cover letter that states why the candidate is interested in the post and how their qualifications would map onto the proposed research. Please email complete applications to philip.hu...@lincoln.ac.nz. Closing date for applications is 31st March 2013 with the expectation of commencement before July 2013.
