OCE Postdoctoral Fellowship in ecological genomics of plant-symbiont interactions (Canberra, Australia)

Applications are invited for a 3-year OCE Postdoctoral Fellowship in
ecological genomics of plant-symbiont interactions.  In this role you
will explore the fundamental question of what drives symbiotic soil
microbe diversity and function at the population level, with a view to
applications in ecological restoration and revegetation. In particular,
research increasingly demonstrates that land use intensification alters
the diversity and composition of symbiotic soil microbes. The project
aims to understand whether these changes limit outcomes of restoration
or revegetation, through a genomics approach to understanding adaptation
and dispersal in plant symbionts.

Specifically you will:

1) Design and conduct field sampling of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing
   bacteria (rhizobia) associated with Acacia as the basis for
   understanding environmental determinants of genomic variation.

2) Manage and analyse large survey and experimental datasets that
   combine ecological and genetic data.

3) Design and conduct field or glasshouse experiments including
   culturing of rhizobia, to test hypotheses about microbial adaptation.

4) Carry out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to
   CSIRO that will where possible lead to novel and important
   scientific outcomes.

Location: Floreat, Western Australia
Salary: AU$78K to $88K plus up to 15.4% superannuation (pension fund)
Tenure: 3 years
Reference: WA14/01279

To be successful in this position you will have:

1) A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD)
   in a relevant discipline area, such as evolutionary ecology of
   soil microbes.

2) Demonstrated capability to design, conduct and publish innovative
   research in the ecology and genetics of plant-symbiont interactions.

3) Experience in culturing and maintaining plant-symbionts, and in
   designing and conducting surveys and experiments involving sampling
   and manipulation of plant-symbionts.

4) Expertise in statistical modelling or bioinformatics using
   large datasets.

The successful appointee must have completed, or will shortly
complete, the requirements for a PhD degree in a relevant scientific
discipline. Owing to terms of the fellowship, candidates must not have
more than 3 years of relevant Postdoctoral experience.

Who we are: The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organisation (CSIRO) is one of the largest and most diverse scientific
organisations in the world. By igniting the creative spirit of our people,
we deliver great science and innovative solutions that benefit industry,
society and the environment.

Applicants must apply online via the CSIRO Careers website:

http://csiro.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.viewJobDetailsNewApplication&AccessibilityMode=true&CurATC=EXT&CurBID=62afb35d-9273-4a11-8dcc-9db401354197&jobid=6780ffbb-3773-450d-85e8-7fb7f96c2e31&returnToEvent=jobs.home&persistVariables=CurATC,CurBID,jobid,returnToEvent&lid=60639850006

Applications close 15 June 2014.



Dr Owain Edwards
Program Leader | Evolutionary Biology
Principal Research Scientist
CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences
Underwood Avenue, Floreat WA  6014 | Clunies Ross St, Canberra, ACT 2601


Phone: +61 8 9333 6401 (Perth) | +61 2 6246 4514 (Canberra) |
Mobile: 0438 877 180
owain.edwards@csiro.au