A fully funded 3-year PhD scholarship (including all tuition) in EcolEvol and conservation Genomics on Australian plants. The Field lab at Macquarie University in Sydney Australia, is recruiting a PhD student who is enthusiastic about plant evolutionary ecology, conservation genetics (including genetic rescue) to join our project on local adaptation and admixture in Native Seed Production Areas in Australian plants. This project aims to understand how we can produce 'Super Seed' - optimising genetic diversity and admixture in native seed orchards for Australian plants used in restoration projects. The establishment of Seed Production Areas (SPA) for native Australian plants has become increasingly important to fill the gap between seed supply and demand. However, key knowledge gaps remain in understanding the genetic diversity and composition of SPAs compared to natural populations and how this translates to resilient seeds suitable for changing climates. We are particularly interested in how plant mating systems, pollination systems and demographic factors such as range size and neighbourhood size impact seed quality and quantity and extent of admixture between provenances. As part of a collaboration with Greening Australia and other research groups across Australia, we aim to provide basic research findings and practical guidelines for improving native seed quality across diverse plant life histories, mating and pollination systems. Ultimately this will help standardise and guide SPA development to improve the likelihood of success and the production of genetically healthy seed appropriate for changing climates. This PhD student project will be able to design a project within the main goals of the larger project, using population genomic analyses in SPAs and native populations to understand the demographic and evolutionary history of each species, and eco-evol models, paternity analyses and GEA of provide practical solutions to SPA design. The broader group works on a range of plant systems (e.g. snapdragons, kangaroo paws, 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. 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. 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, plant-pollinator interactions and population genetic 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/building-resilient-seed-production-areas Closing Date: End of 1st July 2024 or until filled. David Field (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)