Reference No. 2580/1113

•Further develop your research profile on an Australian Research

Council Discovery Grant project
• Phylogenetic analysis, bioinformatics and evolutionary biology
• Full-time, fixed term 3 years; remuneration package: up to $99K p.a.

The University of Sydney is Australia’s first University with an
outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. It
employs over 7500 permanent staff supporting over 49,000 students. The
University’s School of Biological Sciences has over 30 academic staff
members who are active in teaching, research, and have outstanding
international reputations.

Applications are sought for a Postdoctoral Research Associate positions
to participate in a new research programme investigating the evolution of
virulence in viral pathogens, using caliciviruses of rabbits as a model
system. The project is funded by an Australian Research Council Discovery
Grant held by Professor Edward C. Holmes (NHMRC Australia Fellow).

Rabbit Haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a calicivirus that is used
widely in Australia and New Zealand to control overabundant rabbits,
a major environmental and economic pest. It is an example of an emerging
disease that likely evolved from a non-virulent predecessor via mutation
into an extremely virulent virus. However, the nature of these mutations
remains unknown. The first part of the project will involve sequencing of
large numbers of non-pathogenic and pathogenic calicivirus sequences for
genetic analysis, aimed at identifying the likely ‘genetic switches’
responsible for the acquisition of virulence and tissue tropism. The
second part of the project will involve the design and development of
recombinant viral genomes in order to deactivate the proposed genetic
switches, and the subsequent testing of these viruses in the rabbit host.

This is an outstanding opportunity to further develop your research
career in a specialised field under the guidance and mentoring of highly
regarded research academics. As this is a collaborative project with
CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences in Canberra, you will be largely based in
Canberra for the laboratory work.

To succeed you will have:
• a PhD and a record of published research as sole author or in
collaboration on a related subject area (e.g. virology, molecular
evolution, biocontrol)

• strong demonstrated skills in molecular biology and virology with
a good understanding of the key aspects of virus biology

• experience in Bioinformatic analysis (i.e. computational biology)
of gene and genome sequences

• keen interest in phylogenetic analysis, bioinformatics and
evolutionary biology

• demonstrated experience in planning, conducting and interpreting
next-generation sequencing data and analyses

• willingness to work with laboratory animals for research purposes

• demonstrated ability to conduct research/scholarly activities under
limited supervision either independently or as a member of a team,
and to facilitate collaborations with other research groups

• good written and verbal communication skills, experience in research
record keeping, preparation of research papers and seminars.

The position is full-time fixed term for three years subject
to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new
appointees. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme
is a condition of employment for new appointees.

Remuneration package: up to $99K including base salary up to level A
step 7, leave loading and up to 17% superannuation. Some support towards
relocation and visa sponsorship will be available for the successful
appointee if required.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers
website. Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference
number for more information and to apply.

CLOSING DATE: 31 January 2013 (11:30pm Sydney time)

The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity,
diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups
and women are encouraged. The University of Sydney has also established a
scheme to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
staff employed across the institution. Applications from people of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged.

• Category: Opportunities Outside IOB

Reference No. 2580/1113

•Further develop your research profile on an Australian Research

Council Discovery Grant project
• Phylogenetic analysis, bioinformatics and evolutionary biology
• Full-time, fixed term 3 years; remuneration package: up to $99K p.a.

The University of Sydney is Australia’s first University with an
outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. It
employs over 7500 permanent staff supporting over 49,000 students. The
University’s School of Biological Sciences has over 30 academic staff
members who are active in teaching, research, and have outstanding
international reputations.

Applications are sought for a Postdoctoral Research Associate positions
to participate in a new research programme investigating the evolution of
virulence in viral pathogens, using caliciviruses of rabbits as a model
system. The project is funded by an Australian Research Council Discovery
Grant held by Professor Edward C. Holmes (NHMRC Australia Fellow).

Rabbit Haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a calicivirus that is used
widely in Australia and New Zealand to control overabundant rabbits,
a major environmental and economic pest. It is an example of an emerging
disease that likely evolved from a non-virulent predecessor via mutation
into an extremely virulent virus. However, the nature of these mutations
remains unknown. The first part of the project will involve sequencing of
large numbers of non-pathogenic and pathogenic calicivirus sequences for
genetic analysis, aimed at identifying the likely ‘genetic switches’
responsible for the acquisition of virulence and tissue tropism. The
second part of the project will involve the design and development of
recombinant viral genomes in order to deactivate the proposed genetic
switches, and the subsequent testing of these viruses in the rabbit host.

This is an outstanding opportunity to further develop your research
career in a specialised field under the guidance and mentoring of highly
regarded research academics. As this is a collaborative project with
CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences in Canberra, you will be largely based in
Canberra for the laboratory work.

To succeed you will have:
• a PhD and a record of published research as sole author or in
collaboration on a related subject area (e.g. virology, molecular
evolution, biocontrol)

• strong demonstrated skills in molecular biology and virology with
a good understanding of the key aspects of virus biology

• experience in Bioinformatic analysis (i.e. computational biology)
of gene and genome sequences

• keen interest in phylogenetic analysis, bioinformatics and
evolutionary biology

• demonstrated experience in planning, conducting and interpreting
next-generation sequencing data and analyses

• willingness to work with laboratory animals for research purposes

• demonstrated ability to conduct research/scholarly activities under
limited supervision either independently or as a member of a team,
and to facilitate collaborations with other research groups

• good written and verbal communication skills, experience in research
record keeping, preparation of research papers and seminars.

The position is full-time fixed term for three years subject
to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new
appointees. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme
is a condition of employment for new appointees.

Remuneration package: up to $99K including base salary up to level A
step 7, leave loading and up to 17% superannuation. Some support towards
relocation and visa sponsorship will be available for the successful
appointee if required.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers
website. Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference
number for more information and to apply.

CLOSING DATE: 31 January 2013 (11:30pm Sydney time)

The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity,
diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups
and women are encouraged. The University of Sydney has also established a
scheme to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
staff employed across the institution. Applications from people of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged.

• Category: Opportunities Outside IOB