[Coral-List] PhD positions in Australia - Adaptation to climate change in reef-building corals

[Emily Howells]

*PhD positions in Australia - Adaptation to climate change in
reef-building corals*



*Projects:* Climate change threatens the survival of corals worldwide, and
many reefs have experienced multiple episodes of severe and widespread
bleaching. Thus, it is becoming increasingly urgent to determine how
quickly corals can adapt to elevated temperatures and other environmental
stressors. We are seeking PhD students to participate in several
large-scale collaborative projects that will examine relationships between
physiological phenotypes and genomic variation in corals to advance
understanding of their adaptive capacity. PhD projects will focus on the
physiology, quantitative genetics, and/or genomics of target coral species.
There is scope for students to develop additional project themes depending
on their specific interests.



*Eligibility:* Competitive applicants will have demonstrated relevant
research experience in at least one of the following areas: marine field
work involving diving for research, physiological experiments on corals or
related taxa, advanced training in evolution and genetics, and/or
bioinformatics. Strongly qualified applicants will be encouraged to apply
for an Australian Research Training Program stipend ($28,854 per year,
indexed annually) and should be available to start their studies in early
2022. This opportunity is open to domestic and international applicants,
although preference may be given to individuals currently residing in
Australia due to border restrictions.



*Location:* Successful applicants will be based at the National Marine
Science Centre in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, under the primary
supervision of Dr. Emily Howells. Projects will be co-supervised by Dr.
Line Bay (Australian Institute of Marine Science) or Prof. Manuel Aranda
(King Abdullah University of Science and Technology). Students may spend
some time undertaking research at either of these organisations.



*How to apply:* Prepare a single PDF file that includes: a brief cover
letter/statement of interest and experience (1 page max), a CV including
the names and contact details of 3 referees (2 pages max), and an academic
transcript. Applications and enquiries can be emailed to *emily.howells
<emily.howells>*@scu.edu.au <emily.howells at scu.edu.au> prior to the 24th
September.