PhD positions in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. Effects of Phenotypic Plasticity and/or Extreme Events on Ecological Dynamics The HartLab at the University of Queensland focuses on understanding why population sizes of plants and animals rise and fall. This is one of the oldest and most fundamental problems in ecology, and underpins our ability to predict environmental impacts, and to manage threatened, harvested, and pest species. We are currently recruiting PhD students to work on projects that address two important problems in this area of research: 1. The effects of phenotypic plasticity on ecological dynamics. Dominant explanations for the rise and fall of species have focused on environmental variation and species interactions but have typically excluded the ability of species to rapidly evolve or change plastically in response to changing conditions. This project will combine theory, lab and field experiments, molecular tools, and statistical analyses, to understand when and how phenotypic plasticity affects the dynamics of plants and animals in an era of global environmental change. 2. Dramatic ecology For the most part, ecological systems 'bubble along', changing slowly and/or in small ways but not really changing much at all. But ecological systems sometimes change dramatically, experiencing big changes over short periods of time. Examples include plagues and outbreaks, population collapses, as well as the 'turning over' of entire ecosystems. Sometimes these dramatic changes occur when systems reach a tipping point; other times these dramatic changes occur because of the effects of exogenous shocks such as extreme climatic events (e.g. heatwaves and floods). This project will explore these dramatic changes in ecological systems, primarily through theory development and/or analyses of time series data. There may also be opportunities for new empirical work. The ultimate goal of this work is to improve our ability to identify, understand, and predict these large, rapid, sometimes unprecedented, and often consequential changes, in population and community dynamics. About us The HartLab is a group of biologists who use a suite of quantitative approaches (theory, smaller-scale [and clever] manipulative experiments, large-scale mensurative experiments, meta-analyses, analyses of large datasets [e.g. time series]) to solve big biological problems. We are motivated to increase our understanding of how our biological world works, particularly in the context of global environmental change. We increasingly focus on the ecology of freshwater ecosystems. These systems provide wonderfully challenging opportunities for combining theory, observations, and experiments to discover how nature works. And importantly, freshwater ecosystems are, per unit area, the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, yet they remain underexplored, underappreciated, and under threat. Our research is currently supported by grants from the Australian Research Council and private industry. Our group currently includes three PhD students and one senior research fellow, with additional PhD and Honours students due to begin in the second half of 2024. We have extensive, active, research collaborations both within Australia and internationally. The University of Queensland is a research-intensive University and the School of the Environment comprises more than 200 academic and postdoctoral research staff, and ~200 higher-degree research students. The students and projects will benefit from the School's formidable research expertise in ecology, evolutionary biology and genetics, physiology, and mathematical, statistical and computational biology. According to the Center for World University Rankings by Subject, the School is a global leader in biodiversity conservation (ranked #1), marine and freshwater biology (ranked #3), ecology (ranked #6), and environmental science (ranked #6). Just as importantly, life is good here, there are koalas, and the beach is pretty close. About you We are looking for curious and creative students who can demonstrate a strong motivation to understand ecological and evolutionary dynamics, and who have a strong quantitative focus and a desire to work in a supportive and engaging team environment. We are particularly interested in candidates with one or more of the following attributes, each of which is desirable but not necessarily essential: a) a background in ecology and/or evolutionary biology, b) strong statistical, mathematical and/or computational skills, c) experience with laboratory and field experimental/sampling designs, d) some experience with molecular genetics, e) experience working in freshwater ecosystems, f) strong written and verbal communication skills. PhD scholarship and application process If successful, you will be supported by a UQ Graduate School Scholarship under the Australian Federal Government's Research Training Program. As a scholarship recipient, you will receive a living stipend of $35,000 AUD per annum tax free (mid-2024 rate), indexed annually. In addition, tuition fees are covered, and you will receive Overseas Student Health Cover if you are an international (non-Australian) student. Applying for a scholarship is a two-step process. First, you will apply directly to me (Simon Hart). If you are suitable for the position, then in a second step, I will support your application to the UQ Graduate School. Eligibility Potential scholarship recipients need to meet eligibility requirements, which can be found here . Briefly, and at a minimum, you will need a degree with high grades (>80%) - typically either a Master's degree, or a Bachelor's degree with Honours or equivalent research-based thesis component. Additional research experience, work experience and/or publications (including technical research reports) may be required and are certainly an advantage. Apply If you are interested in the project(s) and meet eligibility requirements, then please submit a cover letter detailing your experience and research interests, with particular reference to the requirements of the position. The cover letter, together with a copy of your CV, University academic transcripts, and the names of at least two referees should be sent in a single email addressed to Dr Simon Hart (s.hart@uq.edu.au). Please submit your application as soon as possible (applications will be considered immediately). International applicants must submit their application to me no later than Friday 10th May. Importantly, please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss the opportunities. Applying for PhDs can be intimidating, but I really enjoy engaging with potential candidates about their goals and concerns to determine if an opportunity is a good fit for all involved. I don't bite, and I am very happy to talk with you if you would like more information about the opportunity, and your eligibility or suitability for the role. Finally, we value a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for these positions, without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, origin, genetics, disability, or age. Simon Hart (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)