PostDoc in Plant Genomics
The newly-funded Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of
Excellence in Plant Energy Biology (CPEB) is a cutting-edge
research centre. The centre is focused on understanding how plants
regulate their energy system in harsh and changing environments (see:
http://www.plantenergy.uwa.edu.au/research/). The Centre, which has nodes
located at the Australian National University (ANU), University of Western
Australia, University of Adelaide and La Trobe University, has received
ARC funding of $26 million over the period 2014 to 2021. A feature of
the CPEB will be the integration of projects that span several levels
of biological organisation (molecular-organelle-cellular-whole plant).
The ANU node of the CPEB is seeking to appoint six highly qualified
innovative Postdoctoral / Research Fellows, for 2-6 years, to join
a team of 30-40 staff and students working on genomics, phenomics,
biochemistry and physiology of plants, both in cereal crops species and
model plant systems. Appointees will join large dynamic, collaborative
labs and interact broadly through the CPEB.
Applicants with a proven ability to conduct and publish high quality
research, with skills in the following areas, are encouraged to apply:
1. Chloroplast-nuclear communication and cellular signaling
2. Carotenoid biosynthesis and function of apocarotenoids in
cellular signaling
3. Physiology and/or biochemistry of abiotic stress
tolerance in plants
4. Regulation of plant respiratory metabolism in contrasting
environments
5. Plant (epi)genomics and phenomics
6. Natural variation in plant tolerance of drought, temperature and
nutrient stresses
Further information on the projects can be found at
http://www.plantenergy.uwa.edu.au/research/ or
borevitzlab@anu.edu.au/jobs or by visiting the websites of Professor
Barry Pogson, Professor Owen Atkin and A/Professor Justin Borevitz.
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
The Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Fellow positions are part of
the newly-funded (CE140100008) Australian Research Council (ARC)
Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology (CPEB) that will focus
on understanding how plants regulate their energy system in harsh
and changing environments. The appointees will have skills in plant
genomics, phenomics, biochemistry and/or physiology, and an interest in
the underlying factors that regulate the response of the plant energy
system, to environmental change. The appointee’s skills will complement
those of the Chief Investigators at the Australian National University
(ANU) node of CPEB.
These positions conduct laboratory and field-based research designed to
achieve the research objectives of the CPEB, and are members of the ANU
node of the CPEB located within the Research School of Biology (RSB),
ANU College of Medicine, Biology & Environment (CMBE). Skills required
are in one or more of the following areas:
1. Chloroplast-nuclear communication and cellular signaling
2. Carotenoid biosynthesis and function of apocarotenoids in
cellular signaling
3. Physiology and/or biochemistry of abiotic stress
tolerance in plants
4. Regulation of plant respiratory metabolism in contrasting
environments
5. Plant (epi)genomics and phenomics
6. Natural variation in plant tolerance of drought, temperature and
nutrient stresses
KEY ACCOUNTABILITY AREAS
Position Dimension & Relationships:
The Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Fellow works independently under the
broad supervision of the Chief Investigator aligned with the area of their
respective appointments (areas 1-2, Professor Barry Pogson; areas 3-4,
Professor Owen Atkin; areas 5-6, Associate Professor Justin Borevitz).
These positions may receive support from technical officers/research
assistants and associated CPEB Chief Investigators at other institutions
(UWA: Professor Harvey Millar, Professor Ian Small, Professor Ryan
Lister and Professor Rana Munns; UA: Professor Steve Tyerman and Dr
Matt Gilliham; LU: Professor Jim Whelan), and are expected to provide
support, advice, and as required, training to students and other staff
in the ANU node of the CPEB.
Subject to supervisor approval, the Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Fellow
will collaborate and/or train with other members of the joint Colleges
of Science or the campus community, providing this collaboration and/or
training benefits the project or the professional development of the
individual.
Role Statement:
Under broad supervision the Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Fellow will:
1. Conduct independent research.
2. Lead genomic, phenomic, biochemical and/or physiological experiments
on plants grown under controlled environment conditions, and ensure
results are fully analysed (e.g. using bioinformatic approaches where
appropriate).
3. Undertake statistical analyses to infer associations between
environment, phenotype and genotype.
4. Undertake laboratory experiments or field sampling with CPEB project
partners, where necessary.
5. Bring projects to completion, including production of conference
papers, seminars and publications arising from CPEB research.
6. Subject to availability of funds and the maturity of the project in
terms of results for presentation, the appointee will present results
at conferences related to their relevant field.
7. Offer guidance, advice, and supervision from within their field of
expertise to undergraduate students, postgraduate students, higher
degree students and other staff of the University.
8. Attend weekly CPEB meetings where individual laboratory members
report their results to other members of the laboratory, and make
presentations at these meetings on a rotational basis.
9. Comply with all ANU policies and procedures, and in particular those
relating to work health and safety and equal opportunity.
10. Undertake other duties as required consistent with the
classification level of the position.
Skill Base
Level A Academics will normally have completed four years of tertiary
study in the relevant discipline and/or have equivalent qualifications
and/or research experience. Research experience may have contributed to
or resulted in publications, conference papers, reports or professional
or technical contributions that give evidence of research potential.
Level B Academics will have completed a relevant doctoral qualification
or have equivalent qualifications or research experience. In addition
the position will be expected to have had productive post-doctoral
research experience that has resulted in publications, conference papers,
reports or professional or technical contributions that give evidence
of research ability. Level B Academics are also expected to supervise
students within the laboratory and provide training and support to
students and colleagues.
For further information and to lodge your
application against the selection criteria please visit
http://jobs.anu.edu.au/PositionDetail.aspx?p=3901 . For any further
enquiries please contact Ms Estee Tee, Phone: +61 (02) 6125 2663 or email:
Estee.Tee@anu.edu.au .