SeaKeys project: Unlocking Foundational Marine Biodiversity Knowledge
MSc or PhD studentships: Marine plant biodiversity
A large project has just begun (SeaKeys) involving 17 different organisations, with a main
objective to undertake genetic, species and ecosystem research to support systematics,
ecosystem description and evidence-based policy and management advice for priority
marine taxa and ecosystems. One or more studentships are available to undergo
biodiversity surveys and systematic studies of marine algae. The projects will concentrate on
genera with potential for economic exploitation, such as Porphyra and its relatives (used as
nori in sushi) and Hypnea (a source of carrageenan). There is great potential for the
discovery of species new to science.
Value of studentships:
PhD: R120 000 per annum for three years
MSc: Up to R80 000 per annum for two years
Skills required:
An Honours degree or equivalent, in a biological subject, preferably with a systematic
and/or molecular biological component (or a willingness to learn systematic techniques).
Deadline for application: 22nd November 2013
Application:
Send a letter of application and a curriculum vitae (including results of courses completed)
to:
Prof John J Bolton, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town
John.Bolton@uct.ac.za
Un-named species of Porphyra and Hypnea from the South African south coast