Canadian Ecology Scholarships and Grants

PhD Scholarship and grants in aquatic ecology: Measuring greenhouse gas emissions by aquatic systems colonized by noxious cyanobacterial blooms and role of the physico-chemical conditions on gaseous exchanges

Scholarship and Grant Description : There is a growing concern to know the role of small reservoirs generated by farming and waste water treatment ponds in populated regions of the world, given their recent expansion. These systems are often dominated by cyanobacteria, causing a sanitary risk due to the generated toxins. Moreover, the factors governing the production of cyanotoxins are not well understood, complicating the management of water downstream. Even if cyanobacteria contributes to the production of oxygen in the atmosphere, the biomass produced in these meso- to eutrophic ecosystems accumulates at the lake bottom, where microbial decomposition releases part of the carbon in the form of greenhouse gases (GHG; in the form of methane under anoxic conditions). Besides, a narrow link seems to exist between climate change and proliferation of cyanobacteria, already stimulated by the excessive enrichment in nutrients caused by urban, agricultural and industrial developments. Therefore, the physico-chemical changes linked to climate (e.g., increase in temperature, thermal stability and anoxia) should exacerbate the problems caused by cyanobacterial blooms. The nitrogen cycle being connected to cyanobacteria and their production of toxins, the emissions of nitrous oxide by meso- to eutrophic aquatic systems could also represent a significant contribution to global GHG emissions. The project will occur in Southern Quebec and possibly in the region of Perth in Australia (collaboration with UWA planned in 2011). It might also be linked to a scholarship and grant project on the production of cyanotoxins.

For More Information regarding this scholarship and grant, please visit : http://www.ete.inrs.ca/index.php?page=4_4
Category :
Contact address : Prof Isabelle Laurion
Institut national de la recherche scientifique
Centre Eau Terre Environnement
490 de la Couronne
Quebec (Qc)
G1K 9A9 CANADA

Tel: (418) 654-2694
email: isabelle_laurion@ete.inrs.ca

Belgium Scholarship and Grants

Scholarships and Grant Opportunity: The Laboratory of Zoophysiology at the Ghent University, Belgium (http://www.zoofysiologie.ugent.be) is offering a post-doctoral position in the EU funded project BeeDoc (pending approval by the European Commission). The successful candidates are expected to conduct research in the field of insect pathology related to the honey bee, applying molecular tools and bioinformatics. The position is for three years and available from the 01.03.2010.

Belgium Scholarship and Grant requirements include:
- PhD in Biochemistry/Biotechnology or related discipline
- Experience in the field of insect pathology
- Experience in molecular/biotechnological methods and bioinformatics (e.g. micro-array, PCR-based techniques, immunoassays)
- Experiences in diagnostic test development
- Fluent English
- Ability to work with living honeybees

For More Information regarding this scholarship and grant, please visit:
Homepage : http://www.ugent.be/en/news/vacancies/scientific/ddgpdr
Category :
Contact address : Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium

Techonology Australian Scholarship

An exciting opportunity exists for a suitably qualified graduate to undertake a PhD scholarship to investigate the role of saccharides in transformations of iron chemistry in seawater.

Based at The University of Technology, Sydney within the Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster (C3) the project will be undertaken as part of a larger multidisciplinary project entitled “Novel technologies to resolve the role of organic matter on iron chemistry and bioavailability in the South Pacific Ocean” recently funded by the Australian Research Council under the Discovery Project scheme.

This scholarship offers a unique opportunity to work within a cross-disciplinary scientific collaboration at national and international levels studying iron biogeochemistry.

The PhD candidate will investigate the role of organic matter, especially biologically produced organics on the chemical speciation and redox cycling of iron in marine systems.

This PhD research will be done in parallel with a project on the measurement of iron bioavailability and the optimisation of a cyanobacterial bioreporter (C. Hassler), thus providing a unique opportunity to understand the complex interplay between iron chemistry and biology.

Participation in one or more oceanographic voyages in the Southern Ocean or the Tasman Sea is anticipated.

Scholarships Eligibility:
1. Applicant should have a strong back ground in environmental/aquatic chemistry.
2. Applicants must have a relevant first class-Honours degree and be eligible as a candidate for UTS Doctor of Philosophy.
3. International applicants are also welcome

For more info regarding this scholarship, visit:
http://www.unige.ch/sciences/chimie/confs/posters/EventPost286.pdf