Murdoch University PhD Positions: Genes, GIS, Biodiversity & Evolution

May 15, 2008

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PhD Positions: Genes, GIS, Biodiversity & Evolution
UWA: School of Plant Biology and Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean
Agricultre, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Murdoch University: State Agriculture Biotechnology Centre and Centre for
Comparative Genomics.

These projects integrate statistical, ecogeographic, and genetic expertise
at an exciting time when biology is increasingly realising the power of
ecology and statistics to make sense of it. The projects centre on genetics
for management of biodiversity.

Project 1: The use of GIS and molecular data for the ultimate benefit of
farmers and conservation. We have used Geography Information Systems and
molecular markers to maximise diversity within plant germplasm collections.
The PhD would further develop this methodology (core collection concept) and
apply it to a large existing collection of one of the most important pasture
plants in Australia (subterranean clover).

Project 2: Detection of genomic regions under selection. We are using
Geography Information Systems and molecular markers to identify genomic
regions adapting to environmental change. The PhD will develop these methods
in subterranean clover and red clover in collaboration with Kazusa DNA
Research Institute in Japan. Visits to Japan would be likely.

Project 3: Genetic monitoring of disease resistance in clover. This program
will use existing and new microsatellite DNA to compare red and subterranean
clovers, and develop QTL maps. The project provides the opportunity for
fieldwork at various locations in WA.

Project 4: Genetics of flowering time in clover. At UWA and Murdoch
University we are interested in the genetics of flowering time. The PhD
student will use data obtained from our two mapping populations of
subterranean clover in existing or novel programs to map the flowering time
QTLs. There would be fieldwork too.

Requirments: BSc (Hons1), Masters, or equivalent, in biostatistics,
molecular biology, population genetics, or molecular ecology. Solid research
and communication skills, citizen or permanent resident of Australia,
however, scholarships are available to non-Australians depending upon their
education and research record.

Application: Australian and non-Australian applicants must apply through the
University of Western Australia or Murdoch University websites for relevant
scholarships. See http://www.scholarships.uwa.edu.au/home/postgrad for UWA
and http://wwwcomm.murdoch.edu.au/handbook/study/scholarships.html for
Murdoch scholarships. Before preparing an application, applicants should
send CV, academic record, and details of two academic referees by email to
Dr Megan Ryan (megryan@cyllene.uwa.edu.au), Dr Kioumars Ghamkhar
(kioumars@cyllene.uwa.edu.au), or Professor Rudi Appels
(rappels@ccg.murdoch.edu.au). For further information phone:
+61-8-6488-7120.

Scholarship Tags: Biodiversity, Evolution, Genes, GIS, Murdoch, PhD, positions, University