[Aqualist] 2 PhD scholarships in Marine Science, Macquarie University

[Leanne Armand]

Dear all,
(Apologies for cross postings)

Two full-time PhD scholarships are available with Climate Futures at
Macquarie - Department of Biological Sciences, at Macquarie University (
http://www.hdr.mq.edu.au/information_about/scholarships) under 'Domestic and
International Candidates', Faculty of Science.
One scholarship is available for an international student and the other for
a domestic candidate.

In consultation with the primary supervisor, candidates may elect to
undertake research on one of the following 3 projects. Prospective
applicants should, in the first instance, contact the principal supervisor,
Dr Leanne Armand, email: leanne.armand at mq.edu.au, telephone 61 (02) 9850
8351, before submitting an application.


*Project 1: Phytoplankton characterisation and survey of the Coffs Harbour
region, Eastern Australia*
*Project Description: *In line with evaluating impacts from enhanced East
Australian Current flow and warmth along the Eastern seaboard of Australia,
a survey of monthly phytoplankton contributions and sea-floor deposition in
the Coffs Harbour region (inclusive of marine protected areas) is to be
initiated. The candidate will be expected to undertake a full survey and
taxonomic research programme to determine temporal and annual variability of
the phytoplankton and place this in context to oceanographic parameters and
climate processes. The research will include time at sea.
*
Project 2: Decadal variability in Subantarctic phytoplankton and biochemical
records*
*Project Description: *An uninterrupted time-series record (1997-2005 +) of
diatom remains from three locations and several depths at each location have
been collected from the Australian sector of the Subantarctic Zone. The
objective of the research is to document the diatom species and biomass
contributions, their annual variability and decadal trends. The candidate
would be expected to compare the results against published biogeochemical
data and climatological influences. There is a potential opportunity to
participate in a marine voyage to gain experience in sediment trap
protocols, deployment and retrieval.
*
Project 3: Antarctic palaeo sea ice: Modernising diatom-based sea-ice
estimation time-series statistics.*
*Project Description: *The determination of sea-ice cover and concentration
estimates from fossilised diatom remains in the Southern Ocean has evolved
from Factor Analysis (Imbrie and Kipp, 1971) to the Modern Analogue
technique (Hutson and Prell 1980, Overpeck et al. 1985, Crosta et al. 2004).
With the development of more complex multivariate and time-series regression
statistics (e.g. Logit, GAM, Neural Networks, etc) and the introduction of
satellite observations as new parameter series data the overhaul of the
sea-ice parameter estimates from diatom proxy databases is required. The
candidate would be required to assess all data streams, compare the output
from various approaches and develop a user-friendly interface for future
researchers. There is a potential to widen the analysis to include the
feasibility of estimation of satellite dynamic wave heights an indicator of
oceanic frontal position from the proxy data. A background in time-series or
multivariate statistical analysis is essential, an interest in marine
biology or oceanography an advantage.

*
To be considered for the scholarship you should ensure that you have:*
-    Either a first class Honours degree and/or Masters by Research
qualification plus at least one international peer-reviewed journal
publication preferably in the fields of marine phytoplankton ecology and/or
taxonomy (for Project 1), marine phytoplankton ecology and biogeochemical
cycles (for Project 2) or multivariate and/or time-series statistics (for
Project 3).
-    Availability to commence this full-time opportunity no later than 24
December 2010.
-    Demonstrable taxonomic experience, preferably with diatoms for Projects
1 and 2.
-    Demonstrable statistical skill for all Projects.
-    Knowledge and/or experience with climate data (eg. oceanographic,
atmospheric, cryospheric) for all Projects.
-    Capacity to work independently while contributing to the Climate Future
at Macquarie CORE, Dept. of Biological Sciences and University post-graduate
activities.
-    Outstanding written and oral communication skills (international
candidates *must* have an IELTS aggregate score of >6.5, with a score >6 for
each test component).
-    Skills using a range of computer software eg. Office, specialised
scientific programs, statistical packages, content management systems and
databases.
-    Be aware that microscope work will be involved in Projects 1 and 2 and
that any sea-based participation will be subject to the applicant passing
strict medical examinations set by international/national government
agencies.

The 2010 MQRES full-time stipend rate is $22,500 pa tax exempt for 3.5
years.
Applicants will need to complete a candidature/scholarship application form
and arrange for two academic referee reports to be submitted to the Higher
Degree Research Office.

Refer to: http://www.hdr.mq.edu.au/information_about/applications for
further application instructions. Macquarie University will advise the
successful applicant of entitlements at the time of scholarship offer.
Please quote the allocation reference numbers 2009188 & 2009189 on your
application form.


(http://www.hdr.mq.edu.au/information_about/scholarships) under 'Domestic
and International Candidates', Faculty of Science.

-- 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
***NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS***
leanne.armand at mq.edu.au

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dr Leanne Armand
Senior Lecturer/Research Biological Oceanographer
Climate Futures at Macquarie - Department of Biological Sciences
Macquarie University
North Ryde, NSW, 2109.
Australia.

E-mail: leanne.armand at mq.edu.au
Ph: +61 (0)2 9850 8351
Fax: + 61 (0)2 9850 8245

Location: Building E8C, Room 157.

http://www.bio.mq.edu.au/about/people/staff/la.html
http://mq.academia.edu/LeanneArmand
http://www.researcherid.com/rid/C-9004-2009
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~