[Coral-List] Tropical Marine PhD opportunity

[James Bell]

Please forward to potential students:
A three year PhD position in tropical marine ecology, to be jointly supervised by Dr James Bell and Prof Jonathan Gardner, is now available. The research will be largely based at Palmyra Atoll (see http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/hawaii/palmyraatoll/index.htm and also - http://www.fws.gov/palmyraatoll/) and is part of a large international research collaboration within the Palmyra Atoll Research Consortium (PARC -http://palmyraresearch.org/<x-msg://223/-http://palmyraresearch.org/>) focused on understanding coral reef resilience. We expect the position to commence in early 2013. Specifically, the PhD project will focus on key benthic processes contributing to reef resilience including bioerosion, calcification, settlement and recruitment rates of reef-dwelling organisms. The aims of this project are: 1) collection of data across natural environmental gradients at Palmyra Atoll to fill key knowledge gaps about relatively pristine coral reef ecosystem function; and 2) assist in the creation of new generation coral reef resilience models.
Students with research interests in marine ecology and with tropical marine experience are encouraged to apply. We are particularly keen to receive applications from candidates with strong quantitative and/or modelling skills.. Because the research will require periods of time on an isolated atoll (with other research staff) and because it is subtidal work, individuals must be able to demonstrate that they are active, fit and healthy and are qualified divers (Rescue diver status preferred).
Whilst the travel and research components of this PhD position is funded by The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (USA) it will be necessary for the PhD student to secure stipend and fees funding, which can be sort from VUW. While we encourage applications from all interested individuals, because the VUW PhD scholarship scheme is only likely to fund students with outstanding academic records across all years of study, we can only sponsor through the scholarship round one "straight A" student for this project.
Informal enquiries about this position can be made directly to either Dr James Bell (james.bell at vuw.ac.nz<mailto:james.bell at vuw.ac.nz>) or to Prof Jonathan Gardner (jonathan.gardner at vuw.ac.nz<mailto:jonathan.gardner at vuw.ac.nz>).
For further information about Victoria University of Wellington, about the city of Wellington and life in New Zealand, please refer to the VUW website – (www.victoria.ac.nz<http://www.victoria.ac.nz/>) and follow links from there (e.g., "information for" and "quick link" boxes on the right hand side of the VUW home page).
This PhD opportunity is open to individuals of all nationalities. If English is not your first language, then please note the English language requirements - http://victoria-help.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/682/session/L2F2LzIvc25vLzUvc2lkL29mejVYQzlr/kw/english/r_id/103865/sno/6
Please note postgraduate fees for PhD in New Zealand are the same for both domestic and International students, therefore this opportunity is open to students from all countries.
Minimum requirement for admission to our 3 year PhD programme is a 4 year Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) degree from a university (or equivalent) that is recognised by Victoria University of Wellington. Candidates with additional experience beyond the basic requirement (e.g., those with a Masters degree or equivalent) are particularly encouraged to apply.
Applications containing a covering letter, a full CV, and a minimum of two letters of academic reference should be emailed directly to Dr Bell (james.bell at vuw.ac.nz<mailto:james.bell at vuw.ac.nz>) by 1st October. The successful candidate will then be sponsored by Dr Bell and Prof Gardner through the VUW PhD scholarship round which has a closing date of 1st November 2012 (http://www.fis.org.nz/BreakOut/vuw/schols.phtml?detail+100008