Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Bursaries South Africa

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December 14, 2007

Postgraduate Bursaries in Ecological Genetics of Invasive Species
Several opportunities at Honours, MSc and PhD level at the Centre for
Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University

Please note: these bursaries are only for South Africans

The C*I*B is a dynamic, internationally leading agency which undertakes
research to reduce the rate and impacts of biological invasions. We are
looking for several postgraduate students interested in ecological
genetics and molecular ecology, to form part of a major 5 year
collaborative project with the Working for Water Programme and the
University of Adelaide / Herbarium of South Australia.

Project details: The projects form part of a broader project to improve
our understanding and management of alien plant invasions using
molecular techniques. Component 1 focuses on what is essentially a
phylogeographic study of Australian plants invasive in South Africa
(more than 20 species of wattles and hakeas). We want to understand
how, why, and from where exactly plants were introduced. This
information is of direct applied benefit to classical biological control
efforts. But, by also comparing levels of genetic diversity; analysing
species for admixture and hybridization; studying for evidence of local
adaptation; and potentially exploring epigenetic differences; we will
address one of the most exciting and topical questions in biology: how
quickly can species evolve under new selection pressures? In the second
component we will extend the analysis to include insect and fungi
introduced for classical biological control. Finally, in component 3,
we want to combine mathematical models and ecological studies with
analyses of gene flow to understand dispersal distances and invasion
pathways of major invasive alien species in South Africa. We have a
quite a bit of flexibility in the projects, and expect that the students
would focus on issues or groups that interested them and, after
preliminary analysis, would identify additional research questions.

Requirements:
Hons: excellent marks at undergraduate level * a keen interest in
molecular ecology * excellent communication skills (speaking, reading,
writing) in English and sound mathematical literacy * ability to work
independently and take initiative * an interest of some of the main
issues in conservation * ability to work within a team * willingness to
work extended hours when required * knowledge of basic laboratory
etiquette * willingness to travel overseas for training.
MSc (in addition to the above): experience in working in a molecular lab
PhD (in addition to the above): evidence of producing work published or
publishable in international journals * presentations given at national
and/or international meetings.

Recommendations: Experience in working with micro-satellite markers *
experience of working with and analysing population genetic data *
experience of ecological field-work * papers published in international
journals * an interest in botany, ecology and/or social history.

Closing date: We are currently looking for students to start in the 2008
academic year, but enthusiastic candidates with out-standing academic
records may apply at any time of the year (except honours students who
must start beginning of February).

Enquiries: Dr John Wilson, jrwilson@sun.ac.za

More information about the DST-NRFCentre for Invasion Biology can be
found at http://www.sun.ac.za/cib

Scholarship