Genetic Variation and Comparative Phylogeography of Warm Temperate Rainforest Species in Southeastern Australia
About the Project:
We are seeking a PhD student to study genetic variation and phylogeography of selected Warm Temperate Rainforest (WTR) species in southeastern (SE) Australia. The project will focus on understanding the biogeography, phylogeography and conservation genetics of key species, such as Syzygium smithii, Acronychia oblongifolia, Notelaea venosa, Cissus hypoglauca, or other taxa with appropriate WTR distributions in SE Australia.
This research aims to uncover how genetic diversity in these species is distributed across the landscape, identify which populations harbour most genetic variation, and explore historical processes that have shaped this diversity. This will assist understanding the history and connections of now fragmented WTR areas in SE Australia and provide insight into conserving WTR species, and also preserving the biodiversity of Australia's unique Warm Temperate Rainforest ecosystems.
About the studentship:
The student will be enrolled at The University of Melbourne and supervised by Dr Mike Bayly (School of BioSciences), Dr Dan Murphy (Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria) and Prof. David Cantrill (Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria).
This studentship is supported by the Cybec Foundation, and honours Jim H. Ross, former Chief Botanist of the National Herbarium of Victoria. It includes a scholarship of A$38.5K per annum (increasing to A$42K in the final year) and funds to support research and fieldwork costs.
The studentship will be offered on a competitive basis, and applicants will be judged on academic merit, research experience and research performance. Candidates must be eligible to enrol in a PhD at The University Melbourne, should have a strong background in genetics, biogeography, systematics, or a related field, and an Honours or Masters degree with a grade of H1 (>80%). Experience with field-work, molecular techniques and bioinformatics will be highly regarded. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in plant conservation genetics and phylogeography.
The successful applicant must be able to commence in 2025. The application deadline is May 4, 2025. Interested candidates should contact Mike (mbayly@unimelb.edu.au) or Dan (Daniel.Murphy@rbg.vic.gov.au), and include a CV and summary of their academic and research experience.
Contact details:
Daniel Murphy
Senior Research Scientist (Molecular Systematics)
Research
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Birdwood Avenue
Melbourne Victoria 3004
T +61 3 9252 2377
Daniel.Murphy@rbg.vic.gov.au
rbg.vic.gov.au
