Monday, July 30, 2012

PhD Studentship in Ethnobiology to study the relationship between language, culture and biodiversity

Location: Curtin Sarawak Research Institute, Curtin University, Sarawak, Malaysia


Duration of Studentship: 3 Years

Nature of support available: Complete tuition fee waiver; Stipend: 1500 RM/Month

Supervisors: Merlin Franco Co-Supervisor: Beena Giridharan

Description: The student will conduct research to understand the relationship between

language, culture and biodiversity. Language is the tool for identifying, recognising and

utilisation of biodiversity. When language is lost, use knowledge of biodiversity is also

lost. Approaching this issue from the ethnobotanical side, the student would study the

status of knowledge related to biodiversity, using language as a proxy. The project involves

extensive fieldwork for the first year during which the candidate will be living with the

community.

Person Specification: Applicants should have a first or second class Master’s degree in Ethnobotany/ Botany/Anthropology/Environmental science, with demonstrated experience in ethnobotanical field work with indigenous communities and passion for plants. Detailed information regarding the position and the expected qualities of the candidate is available at the Curtin website

(www.curtin.edu.my/jobs@curtin/current_vacant.htm).

Closing Date: Until further notice.

Interested candidates are requested to mail Dr. Merlin Franco

(mfranco (at) curtin.edu.my) with an updated CV and a statement explaining why you are

the right candidate for the project.

Please contact Dr Merlin Franco or Dr Beena Giridharan (beena (at) curtin.edu.my) for

further details.