New Zealand: MSc Scholarship at Victoria University

Te Papa MSc Scholarship in Molecular Systematics at Victoria University

Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand and Victoria University of Wellington are offering a Master of Science (MSc) scholarship in the field of molecular systematics at Victoria University. The purpose of the award is to promote research between Te Papa and Victoria University in the area of molecular systematics, ecology and evolution.

An MSc degree at Victoria University is undertaken over two years (Parts 1 and 2) and involves four courses worth equal marks, plus a research thesis worth 60% of the total. The Te Papa-VUW scholarship provides the successful applicant with a student stipend of $4000 in part 1 (2009) and $6000 in part 2 (2010). The project offered in 2009-2010 will be a molecular systematic investigation of the New Zealand species of Pseudopanax (Araliaceae) or Gleichenia (Gleicheniaceae), or another
project to be determined. The thesis research will involve the DNA sequencing of chloroplast and nuclear genes, with complementary morphological analyses, and will address phylogenetic questions such as the relationships between species and generic boundaries, as well as issues of biogeography and species-delimitation. The ideal applicant will have completed a BSc degree and have an interest in New Zealand plants and molecular phylogenetic techniques.

For more information about the thesis project or studying towards an MSc degree at Victoria University contact: Dr Leon Perrie (e-mail: leonp[at]tepapa.govt.nz ), Dr Heidi Meudt
(e-mail: heidim[at]tepapa.govt.nz), or Dr Peter Ritchie (e-mail: Peter.Ritchie[at]vuw.ac.nz).

For information about the School of Biological Sciences and a copy of the post-graduate prospectus visit http://www.vuw.ac.nz/sbs

Applications are lodged through the Scholarships Office, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand.

E-mail: Scholarships-Office[at]vuw.ac.nz

Tel +64-4-463 5113/5557

Visit the web site for an application form and instructions:
http://www.vuw.ac.nz/scholarships

Applications close on 1 November 2008

Selection will be based on academic merit and short listed applicants may be required to participate in a telephone interview.