PhD Scholarship: Stable isotope composition of Australian waters, plants 
and wildlife.

Supported by the Research School of Biological Sciences (The Australian 
National University) and CSIRO.

 

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to undertake a PhD 
Scholarship for  three years in the Research School of Biological 
sciences at  The Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, 
working on the below project.

 

Dr Hilary Stuart-Williams in the Environmental Biology Group (headed by 
Professor Graham Farquhar) and Dr Leo Joseph (Director of the Australian 
National Wildlife Collection (ANWC), CSIRO) have funding for a domestic 
student of  high standard to examine the stable isotope composition of 
Australian natural waters, plants and wildlife.  The project is focused 
on determining the carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope 
composition of bird feathers and relating this to landscape scale 
movements of individuals and populations.  The ANWC has unparalleled 
collections of Australian birds which can be sampled and new specimens 
are being added all the time.  Surface waters and plants for the study 
will be sampled throughout the project both through planned collection 
and opportunistically during travel and fieldwork.  Isotopic analysis 
will take place using the mass spectrometers in the Environmental 
Biology group at ANU.  Data from the study will be integrated with other 
datasets and presented on the web, providing user access through 
database retrieval and mapping using GIS. 

 This doctoral position will give the student a chance to become 
familiar with modern stable isotopic techniques and equipment, in 
addition to acquiring experience in the genetic and climatic backgrounds 
of the studied organisms.  There may be opportunity for fieldwork in 
remote regions of Australia.  The student will also be intimately 
involved with setting up the web-based access system.

 Scholarship applicants should have completed or will soon complete an 
undergraduate degree (Hons) or a masters in the biological sciences and 
be able to provide good references testifying to their ability and 
initiative.  We do not expect experience with stable isotopes, and 
training in all the required skills will be provided.  We are a small, 
relaxed group and are looking for a person who will interact with us 
constructively and provide significant input into the design of their 
research.  The initial work for the study has already been conducted and 
the position is therefore available immediately.

 We are offering a $7000 per annum top-up to the normal stipend for 
three years.

 Further details are available from:

 Dr Hilary Stuart-Williams
Research Officer
Environmental Biology Group
Research School of Biological Sciences
The Australian National University
Acton
Canberra
Australia ACT 2601

 Australia 61 02 6125 2099

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