Would you like to undertake a PhD program at Australia’s most research intensive university? Are you interested in the role of biodiversity in supporting agriculture? Here is an opportunity to conduct research on aspects of crop pollination by bees in Australian agriculture, at the Fenner School of Environment and Society at the Australian National University. We are working on two related areas.

1) The role of floral diversity in supporting healthy colonies of social bees (native and introduced)

2) The role of wild insect pollinators in orchard agriculture and how landscapes might be managed better for improved orchard pollination and improved biodiversity

Candidate requirements

A bachelor’s degree with first-class honours or a research master’s degree from a recognised university is a prerequisite. Peer-reviewed publications are an advantage. Selection is based on academic merit and the candidate’s research proposal.

Domestic students must obtain and maintain a PhD scholarship stipend at The Australian National University (2019 rate: AU$27,596 p.a. tax free; see below). International students must hold an International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS). Candidates are expected to commence their program in 2020. The successful applicants will be offered a PhD top-up stipend of AUD$8000 p.a. in addition to their scholarship.

Application process and closing dates

Interested individuals are invited to discuss the project with Saul Cunningham (saul.cunningham@anu.edu.au) and must submit a CV and a one page statement of possible research directions by 15 October 2019.

The closing dates for applications for a PhD stipend scholarship at The Australian National University is 31 October 2019. See http://www.anu.edu.au/students/scholarships/australian-government-research-training-program-agrtp-stipend-scholarship. Queries regarding scholarship matters can be directed to hdr.student.fses@anu.edu.au.

Research at The Australian National University

The Australian National University is Australia’s highest ranking university globally (QS World Rankings) and is rated well above world standard in the fields of Environmental Science and Management and Ecological Applications (ERA reports). The Fenner School of Environment and Society has a large, dynamic community of PhD students who are provided with a high quality work environment, access to field equipment, laboratory facilities and a fleet of 4WD vehicles. Students are encouraged to collaborate widely and attend national and international conferences.