We seek a PhD applicant (start date prior to 30 June 2025; fully funded PhD position - $NZD35,000 p/a stipend plus tuition fees) to explore the factors that determine species invasiveness in a robust blow fly system. A major focus is determining whether individuals exhibit competitive superiority across multiple invasion-related traits to enable their invasion success, and whether such factors can be manipulated to influence invasion outcomes. The successful applicant will have: - Knowledge of at least one of: invasion biology, genomics, ecology; - Experience or interest in developing skills in the phenotyping and analysis of life history traits (particularly in insects); - Interest/experience in fieldwork; - An ability to work well alongside a fantastic team towards common objectives. The candidate will be based at the University of Waikato under the Chief Supervision of Dr. Ang McGaughran and be co-supervised and/or mentored by Dr. Chrissie Painting (University of Waikato), Prof. Ruth Hufbauer (Colorado State University, USA), and Dr. Nathan Butterworth (Monash University, Australia). Hamilton is an inland city in the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. It is bisected by the Waikato River and is the country's fourth-most populous city. Within close proximity are some of the best surf and swimming beaches in the country, as well as beautiful cultural areas and walking tracks. The University of Waikato is a leading New Zealand university, with the Hamilton campus offering modern facilities, vibrant student life, and easy access to nature and recreation. Our landmark new building - the Pâ - is a special feature of campus life that reinforces our distinctiveness and the interconnectedness of our campus community. For more information about Te Aka Mâtuatua School of Science, please visit our website: https://www.waikato.ac.nz/int/research/find-a-phd-opportunity/how-do-traits-determine-invasiveness-among-populations-and-species/ "Hufbauer,Ruth" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)