An opportunity for PhD research on the topic of Insect Nutritional Strategy is available in the laboratory of Dr Phil Taylor at Macquarie University's Centre for the Integrative Study of Animal Behaviour (CISAB,
http://galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au/~cisab/).The overall theme will be to investigate nutritional requirements and strategies of larval Queensland fruit flies (Bactrocera tryoni; Tephritidae). Specifically, the experimental approach would involve manipulating key components of chemically defined diets to explore the consequences for nutrient acquisition and use by larvae and the subsequent size, nutritional status and performance of pupae and emerging adults (e.g., maturation rate, longevity, stress tolerance, flight performance, mating success, post-copulatory sexual success, fecundity, energetic competence etc, depending on student interests). Strategies used and ability to compensate physiologically and behaviourally for sub-optimal diets will be of particular interest (e.g., modified diet preferences to compensate for unbalanced recent feeding history). Performance on different natural hosts, or relationships between larval host quality and oviposition preferences of females might also be considered. This is a rich study system that will allow the student to address questions of basic scientific interest as well as to contribute to an important environmentally benign insect pest management goal by providing guidance for optimising diet of mass-reared flies used in sterile insect releases. For further information about this project, prospective applicants must contact Dr Phil Taylor by e-mail (phil@galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au) before submitting an application (deadline 15 May 2007). Applicants should have completed qualifications equivalent to a four-year Australian Bachelor degree with First Class Honours and would ideally have experience in some of the following areas: Entomology, Nutritional Ecology, Animal Behaviour, and Behavioural Ecology.
Scholarship Opportunities:
* MQRES scholarships are available year round for Australian and International students. MQRES scholarships include an APA-equivalent stipend (see below), allowances for relocation and thesis costs, international tuition fees and overseas health cover for a maximum of 3.5 years tenure.
* 2008 Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) scheme for Australian and New Zealand students closes 31 October 2007. APA scholarships include a stipend (currently AU$19,616 p.a. tax exempt) and allowances for relocation and thesis costs, for a maximum 3.0 years of initial tenure (and a possible 6 month extension).
* 2008 Endeavour International Postgraduate Scholarship (E-IPRS) for international students. E-IPRS scholarships include tuition and overseas health cover costs, for a maximum of 3.0 years initial tenure (and a possible 6 month extension). The University provides an APA equivalent stipend to students on E-IPRS. Closes 31 August 2007.
Students on these scholarships are not obliged to contribute to teaching, but may do so to supplement their income if desired. AU$6,000 p.a. is provided by CISAB to all PhD students to cover direct research expenses of their project, and several generous internal schemes are available to fund travel to visit overseas laboratories and to attend conferences.
Centre for the Integrative Study of Animal Behaviour,
Macquarie University,
Sydney,
NSW 2109
Australia
Phone: +61 (0)2 9850 9463
Fax: +61 (0)2 9850 9231
Skype : Phil_W_Taylor
iChat : PhilGila
http://galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au/~phil/ http://galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au/~cisab/
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Mar 24 Avr - 15:14