Post graduate scholarship – Master of Science (2 yr funding) Investigating environmental influences on the occurrence of the kauri dieback pathogen Phytophthora agathidicida.

The Bio-Protection Research Centre (BPRC) is a Centre of Research Excellence hosted by Lincoln University, New Zealand. The BPRC investigates innovative, natural and sustainable solutions to protect New Zealand's plant-based, productive ecosystems and indigenous ecosystems from pests, diseases and weeds. We are now entering a new five-year funding period, with exciting new opportunities for students and post-doctoral research associates. We are seeking expressions of interest from candidates interested in undertaking a Masters in Science, focusing in soil health in relation to the spread of P. agathidicida in fragmented kauri forests. Suitably qualified Maori students from kauri dieback affected regions with a desire for advanced scientific and environmental education are particularly encouraged to apply. Investigating the effects that landscape changes have on the spread and virulence of soil-borne pathogens such as P. agathidicida associated with kauri dieback is an area of national significance. Kauri is considered a taonga species, one of New Zealand’s best-known native plants, and a beacon for tourists (Tane Mahuta and Waipoua Forests). Research has shown P. agathidicida is particularly prevalent in fragmented forests situated in agricultural landscapes, and is the primary cause of Kauri-dieback in New Zealand’s most northern native forests. The successful candidate’s research will focus on characterizing the surrounding soils as well as forest soils for their capacity to influence pathogen establishment, invasion, virulence, invasion and disease expression. The position is funded for a period of 2 years (including papers year and thesis year), starting early in 2016 (ideally mid-February). The candidate will have a completed a B.Sc or B.Sc (Hons) in a relevant field such as environmental sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology or plant pathology. The candidate will be supervised by Professor Leo Condron (Lincoln University), Dr Amanda Black (Lincoln University), Dr Nick Waipara (Auckland Council), Dr Phil Wilcox (University of Otago) and interact with a broader team, including Dr Rebecca McDougal, SCION, Professor Ian Dickie Lincoln University and Dr Monica Gerth, University of Otago. Further information and how to apply is available on the Bio-Protection Research Centre website (http://bioprotection.org.nz/about-us/vacancies). Consideration of applications will start on 2 November 2015.

Application to consist of:

Cover letter expressing interest in position, CV, including academic transcript, statement of research interests, contact details for two academic references. For further information contact Dr Amanda Black on amanda.black@lincoln.ac.nz