Recruiting for PhD on coral traits
Maria is looking for a PhD student to develop a Trait based approach for coral reef community ecology.
This project is, in principle, under co-supervision with Dr Josh Madin at Macquarie University, and it may involve spending periods in Australia.
The purpose of this PhD project is to develop a predictive trait based framework to model reef coral community dynamics. The main goal is to identify an approach that enables inferring demographic rates, environmental preferences and species interactions from morphological traits. The project will take advantage of existing field data in the group, an extensive coral digital image library and an online coral trait database as starting points. It will include a combination of synthesis of existing data, data collection in the field and from Museum collections, eco-informatics and modeling.
Josh and Maria envision the successful candidate to develop his or her own approach, within the general question we would like to see addressed. The project requires someone with a combination of quantitative and empirical skills. Ideally, from a quantitative point of view we are looking for someone with a strong background in statistics and modeling, as well as knowledge in eco-informatics (database design and maintenance). From the empirical side of things diving and boating qualifications are needed to complete fieldwork in coral reefs. Having said all this, it is not essential that an applicant has all of these skills before starting the PhD!
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED