About this scholarship: Supervisor: Professor Daniel Ortiz-Barrientos; This project seeks to use tools from evolutionary systems biology, computational biology, and evolutionary quantitative genetics to explore the theoretical basis of complex adaptations. The student will join the ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture, and will be co-supervised by mathematicians and quantitative geneticists.
The student will have freedom to choose amongst many options for theoretical development but will also work closely with empiricists to help test some of the predictions arising from the developed theory.
Research environment: In the Ortiz-Barrientos Lab we seek to understand the genetic and ecological basis of the origin of new species and traits. We combine theoretical approaches from population and evolutionary genetics with experimental work on understanding the genotype-to-phenotype map and the evolution of genetic architecture.
Our overarching goals are to uncover rules of adaptation and how that information can benefit agriculture and medicine. Our lab celebrates diversity in all its forms, values deeply mental health, and strives to help their members to flourish personally and professionally.
Eligibility
You’re eligible if you meet the entry requirements for a higher degree by research.
How to apply:
To be considered for this scholarship, please email the following documents to Professor Daniel Ortiz-Barrientos (d.ortizbarrientos@uq.edu.au ):
• Cover letter
• CV
• Academic transcript/s
• Evidence for meeting UQ’s English language proficiency requirements eg TOEFL, IELTS
• A statement describing how your interest match those of the research group
Please note the following: Submitting the above documents does not constitute a full application for admission into The University of Queensland’s PhD program. If you are selected as the preferred applicant, you will then be invited to submit a full application for admission.
Selection criteria
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis. We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history
A working knowledge of mathematics, population genetics and quantitative genetics and using high-performing computing would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of evolutionary genetics, population genetics, quantitative genetics, computational biology, mathematics, or physics and the potential for scholastic success. A background or knowledge of R and Python programming is highly desirable.
Rules
A domestic part-time student with carer’s responsibilities, a medical condition or a disability, which prevents them from studying full-time may be eligible for scholarship consideration, on a case-by-case basis.
Enrolment status: Future UQ student
Student type: Domestic, International
Study level: Postgraduate research (HDR)
Study area: Agriculture and animal sciences, Computer science and IT, Science and mathematics
Scholarship focus: Academic excellence
Funding type: Living stipend, Tuition fees
Scholarship value $32,192 per annum (2023 rate), indexed annually
Scholarship duration 3.5 years with the possibility of 1 extension in line with UQ and RTP Scholarship Policy
Applications close 5 July 2023