PhD The mechanisms underpinning the evolution of desiccation tolerance
in Drosophila species.

As climates change, insects are faced with increasingly hot and dry
conditions. The capacity to tolerate these conditions will dictate
insects' vulnerability to climate change.  While most research focuses
on species' vulnerability to heat, desiccation tolerance (the capacity
to tolerate dry conditions) will also be a critical determinant of
species' vulnerability.  Previous research has shown that Drosophila can
rapidly shift their desiccation resistance in response to prior exposure
to desiccation stress, but how they do so is unknown.  Working with
different species of Drosophila adapted to a range of environments and
with varying levels of desiccation tolerance and plasticity, this project
will investigate the mechanisms underpinning desiccation tolerance and the
associated plastic response. The project will also examine whether there
are trade-offs between baseline desiccation tolerance and the plastic
response and how this impacts adaptive responses to climate change.

We are seeking a student who is highly motivated and passionate about
evolutionary biology. Preferred candidates will have experience in
evolution, ecology and physiology, although expertise in these areas is
not necessary. The project could involve a combination of fieldwork and
lab-based experiments. There will be opportunities for the successful
applicant to pursue their own scientific ideas within the project's
aims. The successful candidates will be based at La Trobe University,
supervised by Dr Vanessa Kellermann and co-supervised by Dr Belinda van
Heerwaarden (The University of Melbourne).

This position is open to domestic and international candidates.  To be
eligible for this scholarship ($35,000 p/a), applicants must meet
the entry requirements for a PhD at La Trobe University.  To apply,
please send the following to Dr Kellermann (your application will not
be considered without ALL of them): 1) Copy of MSc and Bsc academic
transcripts; 2) Full CV; 3) Details of 2 people who may be contacted to
provide academic references; 4) A cover letter explain why would like
this position.

Application should be made directly to Dr Vanessa Kellermann
(v.kellermann@latrobe.edu.au).

V.Kellermann@latrobe.edu.au

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