La Trobe University Industry Research Scholarship Farm-scale Natural Capital Accounting - biodiversity
Background
Native plants, animals and soil microbes (collectively, ‘natural capital’) are increasingly recognised for their role in agri-ecosystems and farm productivity. A doctoral scholarship is being offered to an outstanding candidate to examine the relationship between different elements of natural capital and on-farm biodiversity, focusing on native plants in grazing and cropping systems across south-eastern Australia.
This project is part of a larger study examining farm-scale natural capital accounting on 50 farms. Natural capital accounting is a new tool that enables farmers to record and manage natural capital on their farms. This project will explore the relationship between a suite of indicators that could be incorporated into farm-scale natural capital accounts and field-based measures of native flora.
This Industry PhD Research Scholarship, established by La Trobe University in partnership with Odonata Foundation, will be awarded to a qualified applicant with a background in botany, landscape ecology and/or agricultural science. The PhD candidate will be based at La Trobe University (Bundoora) and will spend time on farms in Victoria, NSW and Tasmania, and working closely with our industry partner, Odonata Foundation, in promoting sustainable farming and unlocking the value of nature for agriculture.
Benefits of the scholarship include:
- a La Trobe Research Scholarship for three and a half years, with a value of $28,597.00 per annum, to support your living costs (2021 rate)
- a fee-relief scholarship for up to four years
- relocation allowance and publication/thesis allowance
- operating funds included (as part of larger project)
- opportunities to work with La Trobe’s outstanding researchers, and have access to our suite of professional development programs
- opportunities to work as part of a larger project with exposure to network of professional organisations in the field of sustainable agriculture.
Are you eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must:
- meet the entrance requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy
- not be receiving another scholarship greater than 75 per cent of the stipend rate for the same purpose
- will be enrolled full-time and undertaking their research at a La Trobe University campus
- be an Australian and New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident
- have demonstrated experience in field botany, with good species identification skills
- can work independently as well as in a team, show a high level of initiative and collaboration, and have good communication skills
- have a valid driver’s licence
- have good quantitative skills (desirable)
- have experience working with farming communities (desirable)
How to apply
If you wish to apply for this scholarship, follow Step 3 on our research application page – please ensure you submit a full application for scholarship and candidature by December 11, 2020. Please address each of the eligibility criteria in your application.
Please note: As part of your application you are not required to identify a potential supervisor – Associate Professor John Morgan is the designated supervisor for this project.
In your application, clearly indicate that you wish to be considered for the La Trobe University Industry Research Scholarship Farm-scale Natural Capital Accounting - biodiversity.
Please note that:
- a research proposal is not required as part of the application
- the successful applicant will be required to have a police check and WWCC prior to commencing the position (to be paid for by applicant)
Selection process:
The University will carefully review your application and consider you for this scholarship.
If you are shortlisted for the scholarship and candidature, you will be invited to an interview with representatives of La Trobe and Odonata.
Who to contact for further information
Dr Jim Radford, J.Radford@latrobe.edu.au