Jobs in Botany /Forestry sciences

Return to Job Search

Rhodes University

Bursaries and study opportunities: Plant Systematics and Biogeography

The Rhodes University's Molecular Ecology and Systematics Group (MESG), housed in the Department of Botany, supports the research of undergraduate and post-graduate students and visiting researchers who conduct DNA-based research on southern African plant and animal groups. This facility is fully equipped to carry out DNA sequencing and fingerprinting, and all associated data analyses.

The MESG undertakes multidisciplinary research, investigating the flora and fauna of southern Africa. Ongoing and past research projects include molecular systematic studies on plants (grasses, Leucadendron and other Proteaceae, Kniphofia and various groups of Asteraceae) and animals (molluscs, cicadas, and crustaceans). Unique and exciting study opportunities exist for students in the MESG.

Two MSc and two PhD NRF bursaries are available for students interested in joining the MESG and working on the systematics and biogeography of the African flora.

• A molecular investigation of the relationships of the species of Leucadendron, using cpDNA sequence data. An existing phylogeny of this genus of Proteaceae (based on nuclear sequence data) has been recently published, and now needs to be complimented by a study using chloroplast data. This would make an ideal MSc investigation, but could be expanded into a PhD or post-doc.
• A molecular and morphological study on lineages within the Euryops / Othonna (Asteraceae) complex. Preliminary investigations have identified several lineages within this group of daisies. An opportunity exists for one or more of these genera or lineages to be studied in detail using DNA and morphological techniques.
• "Phylogeographic and phylogenetic studies suitable for MSc students on species or species complexes that can shed light on past climate-driven expansion and contractions of the thicket and fynbos biomes. Species requiring study include the grasses Merxmuellera stricta and M. disticha.

For additional information please contact Prof. Nigel Barker, Dept. Botany, Rhodes University.
Email: n.barker@ru.ac.za

 Phone: (046) 603 8715. Fax: (046) 622 5524.

"Please say that you saw this first at Science in Africa"

Top of Page  Return to Job Search

Science in Africa - Africa's First On-Line Science Magazine

Copyright  2002, Science in Africa, Science Magazine for Africa CC. All rights reserved.