PhD Studentship - Molecular Ecology of Microbial Functions involved in Plant Nutrition and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Cotton Farming Systems.

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Molecular ecology of microbial functions involved in plant nutrition and greenhouse gas emissions in cotton farming systems.

Modern cotton farming practices can cause changes in soil biological functions by influencing C availability and soil habitat structure. Carbon availability dictates the majority of soil microbial functions including those involved in N cycling processes (e.g. mineralization and free-living N fixation) and plant and environmental health (e.g. greenhouse gas emission).

This project provides an opportunity to describe the diversity and functional capability of microbial communities involved in nitrogen mineralization, loss and free-living N fixation as influenced by farming practices in Australian cotton soils

The PhD candidate will be involved in specific aspects of the project that include:

• development of molecular methods relevant to measure microbial diversity and specific gene quantity;
• determine management induced changes in specific microbial communities and functional gene abundance in Australian cotton soils;
• quantification of functional significance of N cycling microbial communities in terms of plant nutrition and greenhouse gas emissions.

In this Lab-to Land research approach, there is scope to evaluate the new techniques in long-term field experiments maintained at Australian Cotton Research Institute in Narrabri, NSW.

Location:  Waite campus, Urrbrae, SA 
Schollarship:  $29K per annum 
Tenure:  3 year studentship
Reference: SA02467

To be successful in this position you will need:

• An Honours (H1A or H2A) degree, Master’s degree (Distinction average) or equivalent in a relevant Life Science discipline.
• Ability & experience to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• A commitment to applied research and an interest in supporting the development of a sustainable Australian cotton industry.

Who we are: The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is one of the largest and most diverse scientific organisations in the world. By igniting the creative spirit of our people, we deliver great science and innovative solutions that benefit industry, society and the environment.

Our Business Unit: CSIRO prefers all applications to be lodged via our Online Careers Portal.   Email/late applications may not be accepted.

Applications close: 22 Jan 2012

Position Details - SA02467