Expressions of interest are invited for a PhD opportunity to study post-copulatory sexual selection in the Behavioural Biology Research Group (BBRG) at Macquarie University's Centre for the Integrative Study of Animal Behaviour (CISAB) (Sydney, Australia). The project would be supervised by Dr Phil Taylor and is open to Australian and overseas students.
The overall theme of the project is to explore factors influencing mating and reproductive decisions of female Queensland fruit flies (Bactrocera tryoni; Tephritidae) (Q-flies), and the consequences of such decisions for both males and females. Within this overall theme, there is ample scope to tailor this project toward specific research interests of the student. For example, microsatellite DNA might be used to assess multiple paternity in wild or lab populations, and to identify male traits associated with paternity advantages. Spatial separation of each male's sperm in the female storage organs and differential usage of ejaculates from different males might also be investigated. Strategic variation in sperm storage by females or ejaculate size of males might also be considered. These are just examples of the type of question that might be addressed in this system. We have been working on Q-fly mating and reproduction for several years now (see publications on the BBRG website) and have already resolved most of the basic and technical issues. This previous work provides an excellent platform for a motivated and imaginative student. Ample facilities and resources are available to support a wide diversity of projects.
Depending on the preferred project direction, experience in the following areas would be valuable: Behavioural Ecology, Entomology Ecology, Animal Behaviour, Molecular Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Histology or Physiology. Demonstrated experience in the conduct of laboratory or field experiments, a working understanding of hypothesis testing and statistics, and evidence of research capability through publications or presentations at scientific meetings, would be an advantage.
A Macquarie University MQRES scholarship is available for students of any nationality with a record of high academic / research performance. These scholarships include a stipend (currently
AU$20,007 p.a. tax exempt) for 3.5 years, as well as allowances for relocation and thesis costs, and for international students would also cover international tuition fees and overseas health cover. Australian PhDs do not include coursework, and 3.5 years is ample tenure within which to complete a PhD project. Students on scholarships are not obliged to contribute to teaching, but may do so to supplement their income if desired. An additional AU$6,000 p.a. is provided toward direct research expenses, and several generous internal schemes are available to fund travel to visit overseas laboratories, for field work, and to attend conferences.
For further information about this project and scholarships, and as an expression of interest, please contact Dr Phil Taylor (phil@galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au) before 14 November 2008. In your email, please include electronic copies of your CV, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate academic transcripts (including grades).
Additional Contact Details:
Tel: +61(0)2 9850 9463
Fax: +61(0)2 9850 9231
BBRG: http://galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au/~phil/
CISAB: http://galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au/~cisab/
The overall theme of the project is to explore factors influencing mating and reproductive decisions of female Queensland fruit flies (Bactrocera tryoni; Tephritidae) (Q-flies), and the consequences of such decisions for both males and females. Within this overall theme, there is ample scope to tailor this project toward specific research interests of the student. For example, microsatellite DNA might be used to assess multiple paternity in wild or lab populations, and to identify male traits associated with paternity advantages. Spatial separation of each male's sperm in the female storage organs and differential usage of ejaculates from different males might also be investigated. Strategic variation in sperm storage by females or ejaculate size of males might also be considered. These are just examples of the type of question that might be addressed in this system. We have been working on Q-fly mating and reproduction for several years now (see publications on the BBRG website) and have already resolved most of the basic and technical issues. This previous work provides an excellent platform for a motivated and imaginative student. Ample facilities and resources are available to support a wide diversity of projects.
Depending on the preferred project direction, experience in the following areas would be valuable: Behavioural Ecology, Entomology Ecology, Animal Behaviour, Molecular Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Histology or Physiology. Demonstrated experience in the conduct of laboratory or field experiments, a working understanding of hypothesis testing and statistics, and evidence of research capability through publications or presentations at scientific meetings, would be an advantage.
A Macquarie University MQRES scholarship is available for students of any nationality with a record of high academic / research performance. These scholarships include a stipend (currently
AU$20,007 p.a. tax exempt) for 3.5 years, as well as allowances for relocation and thesis costs, and for international students would also cover international tuition fees and overseas health cover. Australian PhDs do not include coursework, and 3.5 years is ample tenure within which to complete a PhD project. Students on scholarships are not obliged to contribute to teaching, but may do so to supplement their income if desired. An additional AU$6,000 p.a. is provided toward direct research expenses, and several generous internal schemes are available to fund travel to visit overseas laboratories, for field work, and to attend conferences.
For further information about this project and scholarships, and as an expression of interest, please contact Dr Phil Taylor (phil@galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au) before 14 November 2008. In your email, please include electronic copies of your CV, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate academic transcripts (including grades).
Additional Contact Details:
Tel: +61(0)2 9850 9463
Fax: +61(0)2 9850 9231
BBRG: http://galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au/~phil/
CISAB: http://galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au/~cisab/