Peate Studentship 2011–2012

The National Herbarium of Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, invites applications for a vacation studentship supported by Natalie and Roger Peate. Natalie is a pioneer of advanced techniques for native plant propagation and, with fellow members of the Australian Plants Society, has co-authored guides to identifying and growing Australian plants. The studentship will allow a student in the third or fourth year of a Science degree to participate, under supervision, in one of the research programs at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

The studentship is awarded for an eight-week period between December and February, and remuneration is $1569.91 gross per fortnight. Applications will be assessed on the merit of the applicant.

The following project investigating the morphological and molecular variation in Tree Violet is offered for the summer of 2011–2012:

Tree Violet (Melicytus dentatus, Violaceae)

In Victoria, the Tree Violet, Melicytus dentatus (formerly Hymenanthera dentata), is believed to consist of two or three entities, based on morphological studies and ecological observations. By the use of molecular techniques, it is proposed to extend these studies to confirm the validity of these entities and test the wider range of these entities in other states. The project will be largely lab-based, working on samples collected from representative populations, but will also include some fieldwork to collect in undersampled regions. It is hoped that the morphological and molecular studies will lead to a published account of the Melicytus dentatus complex.

Supervisors: Neville Walsh (+613 9252 2310, neville.walsh) and Val Stajsic (+613 9252 2315, val.stajsic)

For general information on the studentship contact Frank Udovicic (+613 9252 2313, frank.udovicic).

Applications should include a curriculum vitae (including university transcript), two referees, and a brief covering letter explaining how the applicant would benefit from the Peate Studentship, and how they can contribute to research at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and to this project. Hard copies of applications should be forwarded to Dr Frank Udovicic, Plant Sciences Manager, National Herbarium of Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Private Bag 2000, South Yarra, Victoria 3141, by 7 October 2011.