GREEN ACCOUNTING: EVALUATING THE BENEFITS OF URBAN GREENING UNDER FUTURE CLIMATES We are looking for a highly motivated and qualified candidate for a 3-year PhD program of research at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, commencing in 2018. This studentship is part of an exciting new research programme established under Hort Innovation’s “Green Cities” initiative, investigating opportunities and benefits associated with urban tree and shrub plantings under future climates. Increasing the amount of greenery in our towns and cities is essential for human health and wellbeing, and for the health of the environment and is a strategy at the heart of the 202020 vision for Australia. However, a key challenge is to identify plant species that will be able to withstand future, more extreme climatic conditions and still deliver the many benefits - such as heat island mitigation, regulation of air quality and water cycling, and support for biodiversity - that vegetation brings to urban landscapes. This project aims to address the following questions: 1.
How effective are different plant species in reducing local temperatures and improving air quality in our cities?
2.
How can planting design be optimised to support high levels of biodiversity?
3.
How are the co-benefits (i.e. ecosystem services) of urban plantings influenced by soil conditions (e.g. water holding capacity) and planting context (e.g. street trees versus parks and gardens).
Applications are open to international candidates as well as Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents of Australia. The position is based at the Hawkesbury campus of Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW and is in collaboration with the Department of Biological Sciences at Macquarie University. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team postdocs and PhD students working on the “Green Cities Project” with Western Sydney University’s partners and the horticulture industry to achieve key applied outcomes in plant and soil science.
WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDE? » Domestic students will receive a tax free stipend of $27,082 per annum and a funded place in the doctoral degree. » International students will receive a tax free stipend of $27,082 per annum. Those with a strong track record will receive a fee waiver. » Substantial benefits in terms of additional operational funding for project field work and data collection. » Funding is available for conference travel and attendance.
CRITERIA Relevant professional experience in the broad area of horticulture, agriculture or forestry will be viewed favourably. As a minimum, the successful applicant should: » hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor Honours degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least a 25% research component , (iii) a Research Masters degree or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications. » demonstrate research experience in ecological data analyses with a plant or invertebrate biology focus. » possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. » have relevant fieldwork experience. » be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level in laboratory and field environments. » International applicants must also demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the English language. Please refer to the English language requirements at www.westernsydney.edu.au/ international/home/admissions/entry_requirements
HOW TO APPLY » Applicants should discuss their eligibility and interests with Prof Sally Power
[email protected] » Contact the Graduate Research School at
[email protected]. » Please submit an application form, CV, names and contact information of two referees, and a one-page document stating how your research interests align with the project’s aims.
Closing date: 18 March 2018 » The application form can be downloaded: www.westernsydney.edu.au/graduate_research_school/ grs/scholarships/current_scholarships
