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NZAGRC Early Career Researcher Fund - Does plantain affect N transformation in pastures and subsequent N2O emissions?
Scholarship details
| Study levels | PhD |
|---|---|
| Value | A tax-free annual stipend of $44,008 per year, for up to three years. New Zealand University annual tuition fees and associated student levies of up to $10,000 per year, for up to three years. Contribution to research & publication costs, up to $10,000 total. Travel allowance to present at an international conference, up to $5,000 total. |
| Open date | Friday, 2 August 2024 |
| Close date | Saturday, 31 August 2024 |
| Domestic/international | Both domestic and international |
About the scholarship
Mitigation of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from pasture soil is desperately sought to address New Zealand’s agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is widely touted as having a mitigating effect on N2O emissions due to reductions in excreta N rate, and/or biological nitrification inhibition. However, evidence for this effect is sometimes contradictory, particularly regarding well-drained soils.
This PhD project will examine the effects of plantain on micro-organisms that play a critical role in nitrogen cycle processes, in particular, denitrification wherein N2O is transformed to environmentally benign N2. The project will be interdisciplinary examining N transformations in conjunction with soil molecular biology, using cutting edge methodologies. The candidate will develop skills in stable isotope science, specifically dealing with the 15N, as well as molecular biology techniques that will include the extraction of DNA and the interpretation of associated measures of the DNA extracted.
Host institute(s) and location(s): Lincoln University, Lincoln.
Project leader(s)/research supervisor:
Primary supervisor - Prof. Tim Clough (Lincoln University) has successfully supervised multiple PhD candidates at Lincoln University, for over 15 years, with a focus on nitrous oxide dynamics and grazed pasture systems.
Co-supervisor - Dr Marta Alfaro (AgResearch Ltd)
Co-supervisor Dr Shengjing Shi (AgResearch)
How To Apply
To apply please send your CV and cover letter to [email protected]
Entry requirements
Preferred candidate skills experience:
- Good time management of tasks and deadlines.
- Curiosity and a willingness to learn.
- Creativity and problem solving.
- An ability to formulate a hypothesis.
- The scholarship programme will be open to New Zealand citizens, residents and international candidates who can meet the appropriate visa requirements.
- Although it is expected that recipients should be intending to study/work full time, this programme will provide the flexibility required to support a diverse pipeline of researchers by considering individual circumstances, career breaks and time for societal/community/cultural contributions.
- The programme will be looking for a diversity of skills across the successful applicants and encourages those wishing to build Māori research and knowledge capability across the R&D pipeline.
- PhD applicants must be eligible at the time of application to register as a candidate for a Doctoral degree in the respective New Zealand Institution or expect to become eligible by 30/12/2024.