Australia’s one of the top university, the University of Queensland invited applications for Systematics of Ochrogaster lunifer PhD scholarship. The programme provides financial support to the international students who want to commence a PhD degree programme at the University of Queensland for the session 2021/2022.
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Description
The bag-shelter moth Ochrogaster lunifer is widespread across Australia. Its larvae, processionary caterpillars, feed on leaves overnight and shelter in silk bags at the base of the host plant, or on its trunk or canopy. Minute detachable setae on late-instar caterpillars pose a significant health risk to vertebrates.
Ochrogaster lunifer is a species complex with different larval nesting forms being genetically distinct despite co-occurring at some locations. To date, few populations have been sampled (see Mather et al., 2019, Austral Entomology, 58, 816-825). This project will delimit species within the complex using targeted gene capture (200-300 loci), ecology, behaviour and morphology, and using specimens from across the entire range of the taxon.
The chief investigators on this project (Lyn Cook, Andrea Battisti and Myron Zalucki) have wide experience in working with this group of insects and in mentoring postgraduate students. The Cook lab has a full molecular lab and works on systematic projects across the various plant and animal taxa. The Cook lab runs regular paper discussions, and the School of Biological Sciences has a regular seminar series. Postgraduate students are encouraged to attend and present at national and international conferences. There are frequent opportunities to present and discuss research projects with other lab members and the broader BIOL community.
Working knowledge of entomology, species concepts and species delimitation, and molecular and morphological systematics would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
The University of Queensland
The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia’s leading research and teaching institutions. They strive for excellence through the creation, preservation, transfer and application of knowledge.
Summary
| Enrolment status | New students |
| Student type | Domestic students |
| Level of study | Higher Degree by Research |
| Study area | Agriculture and Environment, Science and Mathematics |
| HDR funding type | Living stipend scholarship |
| Scholarship value | $28,597 per annum (2021 rate), indexed annually |
| Scholarship duration | Three years with the possibility of two 6-month extensions |
| Opening date | 20 January 2021 |
| Closing date | 7 February 2021 |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, you must meet the entry requirements for a higher degree by research.
This scholarship is open to Australian citizens, permanent residents and international students who are currently in Australia.
How to Apply for the Scholarship
To apply for admission and scholarship, follow the link on the upper right of this page. There is no separate application for scholarship because you will have the opportunity to request scholarship consideration on the application for admission.
Before applying, you should:
- check your eligibility
- prepare your documentation
- contact Associate Professor Lyn Cook ([email protected]) to discuss your suitability for this scholarship
When you apply, please ensure that under the scholarships and collaborative study sections you:
- Select ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
- Select ‘I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship’.
- Select ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and type in ‘OCHROGASTER-COOK’ in the ‘Name of scholarship’ field.
Selection criteria
Applications will be judged on a competitive basis taking into account the applicant’s previous academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history.
The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of entomology and phylogenetics and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of fieldwork in remote areas, tree-climbing, rearing insects and genomics is highly desirable.
