*PhD opportunity at Monash University, Australia*
*/Integrating evolutionary biology into conservation decisions./*
We are offering a PhD scholarship to work with Dr Carly Cook and
Associate Professor Carla Sgrò at Monash University (School of
Biological Sciences) in Australia. We are looking for a highly motivated
candidate with research interests in evolutionary biology, ecology and
conservation to undertake an innovative project investigating the how
integrating evolutionary theory into conservation management could
achieve better long term outcomes for biodiversity.
*The project:*
It is increasingly recognised that evolutionary biology can provide
critical insights into how managers can achieve the best long-term
management outcomes. Recent decades have seen some of these ideas have
translated into changes in management policy, such as an increased focus
on connectivity to promote gene flow between populations. However, it is
acknowledge that there is still a lot more that could be done to
integrate evolutionary principles and processes into conservation
management. One particular criticism is that conservation decision
support tools often fail to consider the best available evidence from
evolutionary biology. This project will focus on exploring how decision
support tools can be improved by integrating evolutionary principles and
processes, and testing whether these tools provide cost-effective
alternatives to current management practices.
*The supervisors:*
Dr Carly Cook is a conservation biologist interested in evidence-based
conservation. Her research group is interested in a range of topics
related to improving conservation management through the integration of
the best available science. To find out more please visit:
www.carlycookresearch.wordpress.com
<http://www.carlycookresearch.wordpress.com/>
Associate Professor Carla Sgrò is an evolutionary biologists with an
interest in the evolutionary response of species to environmental. The
Sgrò research group are interested in genetic adaptation and role of
phenotypic plasticity. To find out more please visit:
www.carlasgrolab.or <http://www.carlasgrolab.org/>g/
*
*
*The opportunity*
The starting date for this project can be any time during 2017.
_Scholarship details_:
The PhD stipend is fully-funded for a period of 3.5 years and is open to
both Australian/NZ domestic and international students. The stipends
include all course fees plus approximately $26,288 AUD per annum
tax-free ($1,007.20 per fortnight). Domestic students will be encouraged
to apply for an Australian Postgraduate Award. International students
will be encouraged to apply for an International Postgraduate Research
Scholarship.
_Monash and the School of Biological Sciences_:
Monash is a member of the Group of Eight, a coalition of top Australian
universities recognized for their excellence in teaching and research.
The School of Biological Sciences is a dynamic unit with strengths in
both ecology and genetics and the nexus between these disciplines
(monash.edu/science/about/schools/biological-sciences/
<http://monash.edu/science/about/schools/biological-sciences/>). The
University is located in Melbourne, one of the most liveable cities in
the world and a cultural and recreational hub.
_Application process_:
Interested candidates should send their CV and academic transcript,
along with a cover letter outlining their research interests and
motivation to undertake this project to carly.c...@monash.edu
<mailto:carly.c...@monash.edu>. Applicants must possess a Bachelor's or
equivalent degree with first-class Honours, Master of Science or MPhil.
Short-listed candidates will be asked for further information and will
be interviewed. Your initial applications need to be received before
*Friday 27th January 2017*.
