<div dir="ltr"><br><div class="gmail_quote">---------- Forwarded message ----------<br>From: <b class="gmail_sendername">Joanne Oakes</b> <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:Joanne.Oakes@scu.edu.au">Joanne.Oakes@scu.edu.au</a>></span><br>Date: Tue, Jul 26, 2016 at 11:33 PM<br><br><br>
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<p class="MsoNormal">I would like to draw your attention to the following PhD scholarship opportunities based at Southern Cross University, Australia. The positions are open to national and international applicants. Closing date is 28<sup>th</sup> August 2016.<u></u><u></u></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry (</span><a href="http://www.scu.edu.au/coastal-biogeochemistry" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">www.scu.edu.au/coastal-biogeochemistry</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt">)
at Southern Cross University (Lismore, Australia) is offering two PhD scholarships.
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Project 1: Seagrass denitrification<u></u><u></u></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Seagrass habitats are “hotspots” of biogeochemical cycling due to large amounts of organic matter produced by high rates of in situ primary productivity and associated respiration,
and because they trap large amounts of externally generated organic matter (e.g. phyto-detritus). In sediments where the overlying water is well-oxygenated with low nitrate, typical of seagrass habitats, the supply of labile carbon is the most important controlling
factor on denitrification. Despite a supply of organic matter, earlier measurements in temperate seagrass communities found low rates of denitrification. The low rates of denitrification were thought to be due to coupled nitrification-denitrification in the
rhizosphere of temperate seagrass communities being suppressed due to competition for N resources between nitrifying bacteria and seagrass and benthic microalgae. However, we recently measured much higher rates of denitrification in (sub)tropical seagrass
communities than have previously been reported for temperate seagrass communities (Eyre et al., 2011 Biogeochemistry 102, 111-133; Eyre et al., 2013. Global Biogeochemical Cycles 27, 1-13).
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">This study is designed to test the hypothesis that previous differences in seagrass denitrification rates are due to either (1) different rates of biogeochemical processes, which
may, in part be driven by species differences and/ or (2) different methodologies used to measure rates of denitrification. As such, this work will use three different denitrification techniques (N<sub>2</sub>:Ar, isotope pairing, NO<sub>3</sub> microsensor)
in different seagrass communities in Australia and Denmark. This project involves collaboration with Prof. Ronnie Glud at the University of Southern Denmark and there may be opportunity to undertake field work in Denmark.<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Project 2: Whole-system additions of stable isotope tracers to investigate carbon and nitrogen cycling in coastal ecosystems<u></u><u></u></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Anthropogenic activities are changing the quality and quantity of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) inputs to coastal systems. Coastal ecosystems, located at the land-sea interface, are
in a prime position to intercept these inputs. The transformation of C and N within coastal ecosystems therefore determines the quality and quantity of inputs from the land to the sea and affects the ultimate impact of changing land-uses and anthropogenic
inputs on oceanic and global C and N budgets. Stable isotopes, particularly when used as deliberate tracers, are widely recognised as a powerful technique for tracing the flows of C and N in the environment (e.g. Oakes et al. 2012. Limnology and Oceanography
5<b>7</b>, 1846-1856; Eyre et al. 2016. Limnology and Oceanography in press). Deliberate tracer studies of whole ecosystems are relatively rare, but can provide important information on the role of whole ecosystems in carbon and nitrogen processing (e.g. Erler
et al., 2010. Limnology and Oceanography 55, 1172-1187). <u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">In this project we propose to use rare stable isotopes of C and N in whole-system labelling studies to unravel the role of coastal ecosystems in the uptake and transformation of
C and N. The study will include the use of stable isotope tracers, biogeochemical process measurements, and the measurement of stable isotopes within compartments including dissolved compounds, particulate matter, animals, gases, sediment, and biomarkers to
create budgets for C and N transformation and fate. There is potential to work within habitats including mangrove forests, salt marshes, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.
<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Submitting an Application<u></u><u></u></span></b></p>
<p style="text-indent:36.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Applicants will need to have a 1<sup>st</sup> Class Honours or Master degree in English in a related field such as biogeochemistry, environmental chemistry, or closely
related. For project 1 previous research experience with benthic process measurements (cores and/or benthic chambers), seagrasses and/or aquatic nitrogen cycling will be viewed favourably. For project 2 previous research experience with stable isotopes and
vegetated aquatic systems will be viewed favourably. Both projects will involve extended periods in the field, including in small boats, and previous small boat experience will be advantageous. Interested applicants should send their CV, and a short letter
highlighting their research background to:<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p style="text-indent:36.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Project 1. Prof. Bradley Eyre –
</span><a href="mailto:Bradley.eyre@scu.edu.au" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Bradley.eyre@scu.edu.au</span></a><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Project 2. Dr. Joanne Oakes -
</span><a href="mailto:Joanne.Oakes@scu.edu.au" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Joanne.Oakes@scu.edu.au</span></a><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Only short-listed applicants will be notified. Closing date August 28 2016, although may extend longer if the position is not filled. Starting date, by January 30 2017.<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">The scholarships, currently valued at $25,800, are open to both Australian and international applicants and are tax free. Tuition fees will be waived.
</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">All the projects will be undertaken in the Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry (</span><a href="http://www.scu.edu.au/coastal-biogeochemistry" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">www.scu.edu.au/coastal-biogeochemistry</span></a><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">)
at Southern Cross University which received the highest rank of 5.0, well above world average, in geochemistry in the most recent assessment of research excellence by the Australian government.</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></p>
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