PhD position in evolutionary ecology of invasive wild radish populations in Australia

The evolutionary basis of invasiveness in weeds is a rapidly developing area of theoretical and empirical research. This project will explore possible mechanisms that influence invasiveness using wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) as a model system. You will use a phylogeographic approach, incorporating both chloroplast and SSR markers, to ascertain the colonisation history of wild radish in Australia and relate this to the evolution of invasiveness in this highly successful weed. This study should increase our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary significance of several possible mechanisms that generate invasiveness including evolution of the breeding system and intra-and inter-specific introgression.
This 3 year studentship would be co-located at the University of Canberra and the the CSIRO Division of Plant Industry. At CSIRO the student would work with Professor Andrew Young and Dr Jenny Pierson and at the University of Canberra with Assistant Professor Paul Downey.
For details of University of Canberra graduate scholarhips and requirements please go to: http://www.canberra.edu.au/centres/iae/index.php
Contact: Assistant Professor Paul Downey (UC) or Professor Andrew Young (CSIRO, www.csiro.au) Email: andrew.young@csiro.au or Paul.Downey@canberra.edu.au