A PhD position is now available in the Insect Biodiversity and Biogeography laboratory of Dr. Benoit Guénard at Hong Kong University.
Research in the lab focuses on species diversity and biogeography of insects with a specific interest on ants in Asia. One or several of the following themes could be studied: 1) The consequences of anthropogenic changes (biological invasions and habitat disturbance through urbanization) on ant communities and associated organisms; 2) Evaluating the role and importance of ants in conservation; 3) Completing species inventories and descriptions in Asia; 4) Study of current and past diversity patterns of ants at regional and global scales. Finally, the successful candidate will be encouraged to develop their own skills and research projects. As part of tropical Asia and as one of the major traffic hubs of the region, Hong Kong is ideally located for the study of tropical ecology. Furthermore, as one of the most intensively urbanized city in the world and with over 40% of its territory protected for conservation, Hong Kong also provides fantastic opportunities to study the effects of global changes on diverse tropical insect communities. Students with specific interests for this part of the world are strongly encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong aptitude for independent work, critical thinking, have field work aptitude for research in tropical regions, and be highly motivated and enthusiastic. The qualified student will be part of the School of Biological Sciences which includes research in several topics in terrestrial and marine biology (http://www.biosch.hku.hk/) and composed of a diverse and international community of students and researchers. Send any inquiries to: Dr. Benoit Guénard, Assistant Professor, School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong. bguen...@hku.hk Please send a motivation letter, most recent C.V., and contact information for 2-3 reference letters. More information on the research of the laboratory can be found at the following address: http://benoitguenard.wordpress.com/research/ General information about the Graduate School of HKU can be found here: http://www.gradsch.hku.hk/gradsch/prospective-students/why-choose-hku
