Rehabilitation of Native Samphire Vegetation on Dredge Spoil

PhD Research Scholarship

Rehabilitation of Native Samphire Vegetation on Dredge Spoil

A PhD research scholarship is available in the School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia. The project will investigate the establishment and successional development of samphire vegetation on terrestrial deposits of dredge spoil, changes in the media during rehabilitation and the tolerances of selected local species to media and environmental factors.

Dredge spoil from the Bing Bong Loading Facility shipping channel in the Gulf of Carpentaria was placed near the Bing Bong loading facility in 1994. Fresh dredge material has been placed on to the existing dredge spoil area. This site is to be rehabilitated and a Charles Darwin University PhD student will carry out research investigating rehabilitation of the saline dredge materials with local native vegetation. The project will investigate rehabilitation techniques (including site preparation, seeding, seed selection, seeding rates), the development of the vegetation and root zone, and the sustainability of the vegetation. The research would include periodic assessment of current rehabilitation areas, establishment of field trials at the Bing Bong spoil area along with laboratory and shade house trials at Charles Darwin University.

Applicants should have completed a BSc (Hons) (1st Class or 2A) or Masters degree in plant science, soil science, ecology or a related area. The applicant will be based in Darwin but will carry out field work near the Bing Bong Loading Facility. Students must be able to carry out field work in a remote location and a driver’s licence is essential.

The stipend for the award is $27,500 per annum, and the tenure is 3 years full time subject to satisfactory progress. Additional operating funding and field logistical support will be provided.

Further information on the project may be obtained from Dr Sean Bellairs by email: sean.bellairs@cdu.edu.au or phone: +61-(0)8-8946-6070.

Application forms are available from the Office of Research and Innovation by phoning Ms Fiona Steele, Research Degrees & Scholarships Officer on +61 (0)8 8946 6548 or by email: research.degrees@cdu.edu.au

Applications should be forwarded to:

Research Degrees & Scholarships Officer
Office of Research and Innovation
Charles Darwin University
Darwin NT 0909
Australia

Closing date: 16 April 2010 or until a suitable candidate is selected.