3-year PhD scholarship in Flower colour Genomics The Field lab at Macquarie University in Sydney Australia, is recruiting a PhD student who is enthusiastic about plant evolutionary and conservation genetics to join our project on the iconic plants known as kangaroo paws (Anigozanthos) of Western Australia. The goal of the 'flower power' project is to unlock the genetic and biochemical potential of flower colour in kangaroo paws which display remarkable flower colour variation among and within species. The successful candidate will contribute to a broad project using genome assemblies, whole genome re-sequencing and phylogenomic analyses, genetic mapping and transcriptomics of flower colour genes and pathways, and population and evolutionary genomic analyses of flower colour variation in hybrid zones in nature. We will identify independent sources of colour variation across the entire group of kangaroo paw species to understand how this remarkable colour diversity is generated and maintained. This research will be important for improving programs for conservation and develop novel colours for horticulture. The PhD student will have the capacity to develop a project in these each of these areas. The successful candidate will join a diverse team of people working on kangaroo paws including researchers from Macquarie University, Kings Park and University of Western Australia in Perth. The broader group works on a range of plant systems (e.g. snapdragons, Eucalypts) and research questions related to speciation, adaptation, genetic rescue and conservation of threatened species and plant-pollinator interactions. We utilise an integrated approach using bioinformatics, population and evolutionary genetics, field ecology and glasshouse experiments, molecular biology, biochemistry and mathematical modelling. Eligibility: The successful applicant will ideally have an MSc involving molecular lab work, although other pathways via BSc are possible if significant research experience can be demonstrated. Previous experience working with plant DNA and genomic data is preferred. Willingness to contribute to field work. For further details see the link below Macquarie University is situated in the northern part of Sydney. The city is a diverse and vibrant place to live, a beautiful harbour city with vast entertainment options and outdoor activities on your doorstep. Gold sandy beaches and vast National Parks circle the city (e.g. Blue Mountains, Ku-ring-gai Chase national parks) situated in a global biodiversity hotspot are easily accessible by train. The PhD scholarship is fully funded (and a tax free salary) for 3 years (extensions possible) and all international student tuition fees are waived. Opportunities to teach in undergraduate classes are also available. For more details on selection criteria see the link below. Enquiries: A/Professor David Field, david.field[@]mq.edu.au To Apply: https://www.mq.edu.au/research/phd-and-research-degrees/how-to-apply/scholarship-opportunities/scholarship-search/harnessing-genomics-for-australian-plants Closing Date: End of May 2024 or until filled David Field (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)