Employment Opportunities
Please note that positions are listed in order of nominal closing date. Positions whose closing dates are approaching will be at the top of the list, but note that positions without a specified closing date are listed separately at the bottom of this list. Job numbers appear before each entry, identifying chronological order of inclusion on this page.
Enquiries can be directed to
No. 219
PhD Scholarship in plant molecular biology/biochemistry/physiology
Centre for Native Floriculture, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Australia
A PhD scholarship (APAI) has been funded by an ARC Linkage grant awarded to Dr Dion Harrison and Professor Daryl Joyce with the Centre for Native Floriculture at The University of Queensland, in collaboration with Aussie Colours Pty Ltd, and Dr Kevin Davies at Crop & Food Research in Palmerston North, New Zealand. The project will be based at The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus. However, there will be opportunities to visit and conduct research in Dr Davies’ lab in New Zealand. The funded research project will utilise two novel ornamental Australian native plant species as models for understanding the roles that betalains play in ameliorating abiotic and biotic stress, and the cloning of betalain biosynthesis genes for future manipulation of flower and foliage colour of ornamental plants. Betalain pigments are found in only a small number of plant species. With regard to modifying flower colour in ornamental plants, the betalain biosynthesis pathway is an attractive and novel target for biotechnology as a range of vibrant colours can be achieved yet the number of enzymatic steps is thought to be small. The functional roles of betalains in vegetative tissues are not clear but they are thought to play roles in responding to a range of environmental stresses. The PhD project would examine one of these elements, and may involve pigment identification (HPLC/LC-MS), gene cloning, quantitative gene expression analysis (real-time PCR), transient gene expression, and construction and screening of a subtractive-hybridisation cDNA library. Applicants for this project should expect to gain or hold a first class or high 2A honours degree, or equivalent, in plant biology, preferably with a background in plant molecular biology or biochemistry. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Australia, or citizens of New Zealand. The current stipend is $25,627 (tax-free) per year for 3 years. Applicants must be eligible for admission to the PhD program at The University of Queensland. Applicants may also be eligible for a relocation allowance for the successful applicant and any dependants.
Applications should include evidence of relevant qualifications and research experience in plant science, molecular biology or biochemistry, a list of research publications (if any) together with a curriculum vitae and contact details of two academic/research referees. Applications will be considered until a suitable candidate is found. Candidature should commence no later than the 31st March 2009. Only one scholarship will be offered. To submit an application or obtain further information please contact Dr. Dion Harrison, Centre for Native Floriculture, The University of Queensland, Gatton QLD 4343 Australia Phone +61 (07) 5460 1313; Email .
Closing date: Tuesday, March 31, 2009
No. 214
Postdoctoral Research Associate
University of Missouri-Columbia
Water stress physiology — transgenic maize characterization
A position is available from October 2008 (or as soon as possible thereafter) for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the lab of Dr. Robert E. Sharp. The research will involve detailed physiological and biochemical characterization of specific transgenic maize lines for characteristics associated with improved performance under drought, with a focus on root system biology and emphasizing controlled environment studies. Initial characterization will include root growth and developmental responses to soil drying, soil water extraction patterns, and shoot growth and stomatal responses to plant and soil water status. These studies will lead to detailed analysis of specific regulatory mechanisms that are involved in responses identified to be of primary importance. Applicants should have a Ph.D. and interdisciplinary experience and/or interest in plant responses to water stress including whole plant, physiological and biochemical/molecular approaches. The position is available for up to three years.
Further information on plant science at the University of Missouri is available from the Division of Plant Sciences (http://plantsci.missouri.edu/) and Interdisciplinary Plant Group (http://www.plantgroup.org/) web sites. For further information on this position please contact: Dr Robert E. Sharp Division of Plant Sciences 1–31 Agriculture Building University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri 65211 Phone: 573–882–1841
Closing date: Friday, October 31, 2008
No. 218
PhD Scholarship in Plant Molecular Biology
ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Legume Research, University of Newcastle, NSW
A PhD scholarship has been funded by the NSW Department of State and Regional Development to support the Newcastle Node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Legume Research (CILR). The CILR is a network of plant scientists conducting cutting-edge research into legumes and other plant species (www.cilr.uq.edu.au). State-of-the-art facilities and equipment are available. The project is concerned with the transcriptional regulation of protein/oil partitioning in the developing legume embryo using the genetics and genomics legume model Medicago truncatula. This project links to our work on the molecular mechanisms regulating somatic and zygotic embryogenesis. The stipend for the tax-free scholarship is $26,140 per annum for three years with $500 towards any relocation costs. The successful candidate will receive CILR support for research expenses and conference attendance. The successful applicant should have a H1 or good H2A honours degree (or equivalent) with a suitable background in areas such as plant physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry or genetics. Applications should be forwarded to Professor Ray Rose, CILR, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308. Applications close 30 September 2008. For further information contact Professor Ray Rose Phone 02 4921 5711 or Email
Closing date: Tuesday, September 30, 2008
No. 213
Australian Postgraduate Award Industry Scholarship
Australian Centre of Necrotrophic Fungal Pathogens at Murdoch University and Proteomics International
A PhD scholarship is now available through a successful ARC Linkage application by the Australian Centre of Necrotrophic Fungal Pathogens at Murdoch University and Proteomics International. The project is based on the development and application of 2D-LC proteomic chromatography techniques using the model wheat pathogen Stagonospora nodorum.
The successful applicant will have; 1.Upper IIA Honours degree (minimum). 2.A good working knowledge of biochemistry/biological chemistry. 3.An understanding of proteomics and protein separation techniques including the use of HPLC. 4.An understanding or demonstrated willingness to learn mass spectrometry.
Applicants must be citizens or Permanent Residents of Australia or citizens of New Zealand. The current stipend is $25,140 per year for 3 years. Applications are to be forward to Dr. Peter Solomon by no later than Friday 18th July. For further information, contact Dr. Peter Solomon, Australian Centre for Necrotrophic Fungal Pathogens, Murdoch University, Perth WA 6150. Phone 08 9360 7239; Email
Closing date: Friday, July 18, 2008
No. 212
PhD Scholarships in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Proteomics
ANU College of Science, Research School of Biological Sciences
We seek highly motivated PdD students to carry out research aimed at understanding the molecular characteristics of secreted proteins and peptides and gene regulators involved in stem cell maintenance and development and long distance signalling. The project is funded by the ARC as part of the Centre of Excellence for Integrative Legume Research. Two three year scholarships of up to $32,000 per annum are available. Successful candidates will receive support for research expenses, conferences and may be eligible for Centre recognitions. Scholarships are open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian residents with permanent resident status. About the project: Peptide hormones, regulatory genes such as transcription factors and MicroRNAs all play key roles in the development of an organism and its interactions with the environment including cell differentiation and cell to cell signalling. Projects available include gene expression analyses, reverse genetics and analysis of signalling molecules and regulatory elements. Application Procedure: Applicants are encouraged to make contact with Dr Michael Djordjevic (+61 2 6125 3088) or Dr Nijat Imin (+61 2 6125 5099) , before lodging an application. Normal ANU application procedures should be followed. An on-line application should be completed and submitted. (List ARC Centre of Excellence in Interactive Legume Research Scholarship in ‘Other Scholarships’ field on page 1 of the online application form. You should also select the APA award on the application form) The application should contain: • A recent C.V. • Copies of transcripts of academic record • Referee reports (These items can be uploaded to the application form.) Further information regarding the Centre can be found on the Centre website
Closing date: Friday, July 04, 2008
No. 211
Postdoctoral Fellow, Genomics Interactions Group
ANU College of Science, Research School of Biological Sciences
Postdoctoral Fellow, Academic Level A, Fixed Term – 2 years Salary Range: $54,252 — $65,467 pa plus 17% super Reference: RSBS 4874 Applications are invited for the position of Postdoctoral Fellow in the Genomic Interactions Group, Research School of Biological Sciences, The Australian National University. his position is funded by the ARC Centre for Excellence for Integrative Legume Research, which is an internationally-renowned research network of plant scientists conducting high quality, cutting-edge research into legumes and other plant species. The Centre has access to state-of-the-art equipment for proteomics, microarray analysis, metabolomics, transgenic tools and plant growth and major resources for imaging and computing. The successful applicant will work on a project to elucidate the roles of secreted proteins and peptides in plant development including their role in long distance signalling and stem cell maintenance and differentiation. The project will involve developing novel bioassays, peptide detection methods using mass spectrometry, gene expression analyses, reverse genetics, characterisation of signalling molecules and other regulatory elements. We are looking for a Ph.D. graduate with a good molecular biology and biochemistry background and with a strong interest in plant developmental biology. Applicants with a PhD qualification will be paid no less than $61,179. Selection Criteria: http://info.anu.edu.au/hr/jobs/ or from Ms Virginia Riddle, HR Manager, RSBS, T: 02 6125 4752, E: If you wish to discuss the position after obtaining the selection documentation, please contact: Dr Michael Djordjevic, phone 6125 3088, e-mail or Dr Nijat Imin, phone 6125 5099, e-mail .
Closing date: Friday, July 04, 2008
No. 210
Business Manager, The Plant Accelerator
The University of Adelaide
Australia’s research industry needs access to low cost plant phenotyping facilities in a location that is geographically and scientifically attractive. The Waite Campus houses a critical mass of co-located scientific expertise in cereal genomics, grapevine genomics, plant transformation, molecular genetics, crop physiology, agronomy, and cereal, medic and oil seed breeding. Funding has been secured to construct a national facility which aims to service the requirements of Australian plant researchers. A Business Manager is now required to manage the process to establish the facility, market its service to the wider plant science community and provide executive management of the financial and reporting requirements of the facility. An ability to interact with plant scientists is essential, to help this community benefit maximally from the new facilities. You should have: • The ability to oversee the construction of the facility, both quality control and future management. • The ability to prepare regular financial and written reports to the stakeholders of the facility • The ability to develop and implement both a marketing program and a rigorous financial system. • The ability to work well with members of the scientific community, government departments and staff of the University. Salary $67,570 — $76,017 per annum, plus an employer superannuation contribution of 17% applies. This fixed term position is available immediately until 30th June 2011. Further information may be obtained from Professor Mark Tester, telephone: 83037159 or email: . The duty statement and selection criteria may be obtained from Ms Sally Sibson, telephone: 8303 6713 or email: . Applications, addressing the selection criteria, quoting the reference number ……. And including the names, addresses and/or email details of three referees, should be forwarded in duplicate to: The School of Agriculture Food & Wine, Attn Ms Sally Sibson, The University of Adelaide, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia 5064, or email: by 25/06/08.
Closing date: Wednesday, June 25, 2008
No. 208
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Eukaryotic Molecular Biology/Genetics
School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney
The School of Biological Sciences invites applications for a continuing, full-time (tenure track) position as Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in eukaryotic molecular biology/genetics. The appointee is expected to enhance the School’s position as a leading centre of biological research in an organismal, ecological and evolutionary context. The position is open in any area of eukaryotic molecular biology/genetics but preference may be given to applicants with expertise in developmental genetics, epigenetics or gene regulation. The successful applicant will have a PhD, an outstanding record of scholarly publication, and demonstrated ability to attract competitive grant funding. They will develop and maintain an active research programme within the School. The appointee will supervise research students, and contribute to the intellectual life of the School through participation in seminars, mentoring of advanced-stream students, and by developing research collaborations. The successful candidate will contribute to the teaching of molecular biology/genetics at undergraduate and potentially postgraduate levels. Outstanding communication skills and a commitment to excel in undergraduate teaching and learning are essential. This is an outstanding opportunity to work in a world class research and teaching institution. For appointment at Senior Lecturer level, in addition to the above, the successful applicant must have considerable postdoctoral experience, a strong track record of publications, successful applications for competitive grant funding, and demonstrated administrative skills, preferably with experience in the administration of courses. This is a full-time continuing position (tenure track), 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. Level of appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Level B Remuneration package: $86,731 — $102,992 p.a. (which includes a base salary Lecturer level $73,289 — $87,030 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation). Level C Remuneration package: $106,243 — $122,395 p.a. (which includes a base salary Senior Lecturer level $89,777 — $103,519 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation). For more information or to apply online, please visit http://positions.usyd.edu.au and search by reference number 129691. For specific information about the position, please contact the Head of School, Professor Robyn Overall by email: General enquiries can be directed to Fabrice Noël on (+61 2) 9036 7295 or by email:
Closing date: Wednesday, June 18, 2008
No. 209
Ecology Researchers
Macquarie University
We are currently (early 2008) searching for two talented researchers to join this project. People might be appointed either at postdoctoral level, or for people who have completed honours or master's degrees but have not yet undertaken the PhD, as "Plant ecology researcher" (HEW level 5). In either case, appointees would develop and lead their own research within the overall project, and would first-author the resulting papers. The two appointees would pursue research lines 1 and 2, as described below. A scholarship is also available for undertaking a PhD in association with this project. OVERALL OUTLINE OF THE PROJECT Our overall aims are to identify the most significant dimensions of ecological strategy variation across plant species worldwide. This means understanding the tradeoffs that underpin those dimensions, and how the tradeoffs may shift along physical-geography gradients. The tissue traits and architectures of plant species are not only interesting in themselves, they also control ecosystem processes and define habitat and resources for animals and microorganisms. Within this framework we propose three lines of research, including eleven specific questions or projects. 1. Evolutionary design of stem systems: dissecting trade-offs and correlations among a nexus of traits about woody angiosperm stems, including wood density, hydraulic conductance, hydraulic capacitance, ratio of sapwood cross-sectional area to leaf area, mechanical strength, breakage risk, and leaf-twig-size. 2. Cost-benefit and game-theoretical models for the competitiveness of alternative ecological strategies or trait-combinations along environmental gradients, aiming ultimately towards an evolutionary-ecology vegetation model (EEVM) that has potential to play an important role in understanding the future under climate change. 3. Fuel properties of standing shoots and of litter derived from different species. Fire is really important in vegetation worldwide, so flammability is urgent to understand better. The evolutionary ecology approach is that natural selection should be a good guide to where different trait-combinations are expected to be found in nature. Traits need to be effective in sustaining a species population, and importantly, to remain effective in face of competition from alternative ecological strategies. Stems (line 1) and fuel (line 3) are two very significant issues for global vegetation modeling. They also intersect with each other. Global vegetation models with an evolutionary-ecology perspective (line 2) encapsulate the central challenge of plant ecology. Our ARC project 2003–2007 has brought us to promising lines of attack on each of these issues. See web site for more info on research streams: http://www.bio.mq.edu.au/ecology/westoby/ARC2008–10.htm TO APPLY: http://macquarieuniversity.nga.net.au/bin/fnt_jobs_list.cfm?mode=def
Closing date: Sunday, June 01, 2008
No. 206
Research Associate (REF: 2296) WA Herbicide Resistance Initiative
The University of Western Australia, School of Plant Biology
• 2.5 year appointment • Salary range: Level A $48,905 — $66.367 p.a. – minimum starting salary for appointee with PhD will be $61.827 p.a. • Closing date: 30th May 2008
The sustainability of the Australian grains industry is threatened by the continuing evolution and widespread expansion of herbicide resistant weed populations. This research is aimed at sustainability of a new and novel mode of action herbicide with efficacy on resistant Lolium rigidum populations. The position is funded under the ARC-Linkage grants scheme in a collaborative partnership with Kumiai Chemical Co. Japan. Key skills for this position include a research background in herbicide resistance, herbicide biochemisty, evolutionary genetics, plant molecular biology or related fields and a demonstrated capacity for collaborative work, statistical methods and scientific writing. Applicants must have a PhD. For further information regarding the position please contact Professor Stephen Powles via email . APPLICATION DETAILS: the position description follows. Applicants must address the selection criteria. Written applications quoting the reference number, personal contact details, qualifications and experience, along with contact details of three referees should be sent to Director, Human Resources, The University of Western Australia, M350, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009 or emailed to by the closing date. ROLE STATEMENT The appointee will be responsible for delivery of internationally significant research outcomes pertaining to the evolution of resistance to pyroxasulfone in resistance prone weed species. The appointee will work with Prof. Stephen Powles and Dr. Michael Walsh (School of Plant Biology). KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Design, execute, analyse and publish research on resistance evolution following high dose and low dose pyroxasulfone screening regimes on resistance prone weed species 2. Identify the mechanisms of resistance and the genes responsible 3. Investigate the genetic/population dynamics of the evolution of resistance to pyroxasulfone in resistance prone weed species. 4. Other duties as directed. QUALIFICATIONS AND KNOWLEDGE A PhD in a relevant field RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP 1. A capacity for high level research in relevant areas such as herbicide biochemistry, resistance mechanisms and population genetics 2. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of theoretical and applied science relevant to herbicide resistance and weed control, or equivalent skills pertinent to this research area 3. A capacity for high level research outputs evidenced as peer reviewed publications in scientific journals 4. Demonstrated sound communication and collaboration skills, especially with other scientific and/or government organisations OTHER 1. Understanding of principles of diversity and equity in the workplace 2. “C Class” Drivers Licence or equivalent Position Title: Research Associate Position Classification: Level A Step 6 Supervisor Title: Professor S Powles and Dr M Walsh Supervisor Position Number: 292015 NOTE: An interview will only be granted where it is clearly demonstrated that applicants meet the essential criteria. Applicants who require details of the University policies on Occupational Safety and Health can obtain these via the web at http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policy/osh (or by telephoning 6488 3938) and on Equity and Diversity can obtain these via the web at http://www.equity.uwa.edu.au (or by telephoning 6488 2252).
Closing date: Friday, May 30, 2008
No. 205
PhD Scholarship Guanylate cyclases: novel moonlighting members of an expanding family
Monash University, Parkville Campus
An opportunity exists to join an international team to work on an exciting project investigating plant signalling networks. The enzyme guanylate cyclase (GC) forms cGMP which acts as a signalling molecule in many diverse prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In higher plants cGMP has been shown to act as a second messenger in an ever increasing number of physiological processes. The realisation of the importance of cGMP in plant processes has lead to a search for molecules capable of catalysing the formation of cGMP. We have recently identified and partially characterised the first molecules from higher plants with GC activity using a rationally designed search motif of the catalytic domain of annotated GCs. We identified several members of the family of leucine rich repeat receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLK) in Arabidopsis with novel domain organisation containing putative GC catalytic regions. In fact, the GC domain appears to provide these proteins with an additional novel function not previously recognised. Our aims are to determine if the GC functional domain is active and the biological importance of the GC domain in plant growth and development. The outcomes will provide new insight into the biological role and catalytic mechanisms of novel classes of multi-task enzymes with key functions in higher plants. The project will be based at Monash University Parkville campus and involve collaboration with Prof Chris Gehring at the University of Western Cape (South Africa). The project is supported by an ARC Discovery grant. The successful candidate will have an honours degree or equivalent in biological science, agriculture or a related field and be eligible for admission for post-graduate enrolment at Monash University. Candidates should have strong skills and interests in molecular biology and/or protein analysis techniques and experience in plant biology would be an advantage, but is not essential. Stipend: Equivalent to a Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS; $20,007 in 2008 and indexed yearly). To apply: Please send a CV, including academic record and the names and contact details of at least 2 referees to Helen Irving (see contact details below) by Friday 30 May 2008. Please include the phrase “PhD Scholarship” in the subject line. Contact: Dr Helen Irving ( or 03 9903 9565)
Closing date: Friday, May 30, 2008
No. 207
Postdoctoral Fellow, CSIRO Plant Industry
CSIRO Plant Industry, Black Mountain, ACT
Applications are invited for a three-year Postdoctoral Fellowship investigating the role of small RNAs as mobile silencing signals regulating plant development. This project is part of a larger program led by Peter Waterhouse investigating regulation and function of small RNAs in plants (see Brosnan et al. 2007 PNAS 104:14741). The research will be based largely at the CSIRO Plant Industry labs in Canberra, with links to groups at the University of Sydney. We are looking for a Ph.D. graduate with a good molecular biology background and with a strong interest in plant developmental biology. Additional experience in imaging and analysis of plant structure, especially using fluorescence and confocal microscopy, is desirable.
This position is for a term of 3 years. $65K — $72K Plus Superannuation Reference: 2008/571 Selection criteria and other information can be found at: https://recruitment.csiro.au/ by entering the reference number 2008/571. Applications must be submitted online.
For further information about the position contact: Peter Waterhouse; , ph. 61 2 6246 5365 or Rosemary White; , ph. 61 2 6246 5475
Closing date: Friday, May 16, 2008
No. 204
Post-Doctoral Position in Plant Metabolomics/Biochemistry/Imaging & Microscopy
Joint BioEnergy Institute
The Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) is a new multi-organizational research center comprising world-class resources and expertise located in one facility at Emeryville, California. The goal of JBEI is to use rapidly advancing scientific techniques, such as systems and synthetic biology, to accelerate development of the nation's biofuels industry. JBEI is a U.S. Department of Energy funded Bioenergy Research Center, managed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) with partners from 5 internationally recognized scientific institutions: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), University of California-Davis (UCD), University of California-Berkeley (UCB), and the Carnegie Institution for Science The Feedstocks Division (Plant Biology Section) of the newly funded Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) is looking for motivated people to undertake research into plant cell wall structure and function. The incumbent shall be responsible for characterizing and profiling plant cell walls using microscopy, advanced imaging technologies and/or metabolomics. Candidates for the position should have experience in biochemistry, chemistry or related areas. Candidates should also have experience in one or more of the following areas and techniques: experience with microscopy (e.g. confocal, EM, fluorescence), experience with imaging systems (e.g. NMR, MALDI, 2D-NMR, IR/NIR), metabolomics and excellent computational skills. Duties: Essential -Develop methods to profile plant cell walls using combinations of microscopy, metabolomics and available advanced imaging technologies. Collect and analyze data and prepare results for publication in scientific journals and presentations at seminars. Assist with the development of funding proposals. Assist PI with training and workflow oversight of technical staff and students. Maintain an accurate and detailed scientific logbook of all experiments performed and ensure that others could duplicate results. Participate in group meetings and seminars. Qualifications: Essential -Ph.D in Biochemistry, Chemistry or related areas. Experience with the development and utilization of advanced imaging systems and/or microscopy and/or metabolomics. Excellent computational skills. Demonstrated ability to conduct experiments independently, maintain appropriate records and manage data. Strong collaborative skills and ability to work in a team environment. Good verbal and written communication skills. Experience with writing submissions for scientific journals. Marginal -Experience with biological systems. Computer programming skills. Experience with mass spectrometry. Notes: This is a one year Term appointment, renewable under the same conditions, contingent upon the continued availability of funding and work. There may be multiple positions available for this job opening. For consideration apply online at: http://jobs.lbl.gov, select “Search Jobs”, and enter jobnumber 21642 in the keyword search field.
Closing date: Friday, May 09, 2008
No. 203
Post-Doctoral Position in Plant Proteomics/Biochemistry/Cell Biology
Joint BioEnergy Institute
The Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) is a new multi-organizational research center comprising world-class resources and expertise located in one facility at Emeryville, California. The goal of JBEI is to use rapidly advancing scientific techniques, such as systems and synthetic biology, to accelerate development of the nation's biofuels industry. JBEI is a U.S. Department of Energy funded Bioenergy Research Center, managed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) with partners from 5 internationally recognized scientific institutions: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), University of California-Davis (UCD), University of California-Berkeley (UCB), and the Carnegie Institution for Science The Feedstocks Division (Plant Biology Section) of the newly funded Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) is looking for motivated people to undertake research into plant cell wall biosynthesis. The incumbent shall be responsible for investigating the involvement of subcellular compartments and protein complexes in the biosynthesis of plant cell walls. Candidates for the position should have experience in biochemistry, cell biology or a related discipline. Candidates should also have experience in one or more of the following areas and techniques: proteomics, subcellular fractionation, mass spectrometry, plant cell culture, biochemistry techniques. Duties: Essential –Utilize and develop methods to analyze components involved in cell wall biosynthesis using cell biology, proteomics and metabolomic techniques. Develop methods to isolate and purify subcellular compartments from plants (e.g. Golgi) and characterise constituents using proteomic and metabolic techniques. Characterisation will employ cell culture/ plant culture, 1D/2D/BN-PAGE, western blotting, enzyme assays, microscopy, mass spectrometry (LC/MSMS and MALDI/MSMS), sample preparation and protein/peptide chromatography. Collect and analyse data and prepare results for publication in scientific journals and presentations at seminars. Assist with the development of funding proposals. Assist PI with training and workflow oversight of technical staff and students. Maintain an accurate and detailed scientific logbook of all experiments performed and ensure that others could duplicate results. Participate in group meetings and seminars. Qualifications: Essential -Ph.D in Biochemistry or related areas. Knowledge of plant biological systems. Experience with proteomics and/or metabolomics, subcellular fractionation and basic biochemical techniques. Demonstrated ability to conduct experiments independently, maintain appropriate records and manage data. Strong collaborative skills and ability to work in a team environment. Good verbal and written communication skills. Experience with writing submissions for scientific journals. Marginal -Experience with Arabidopsis or other model plants. Experience with protein/peptide chromatography. Experience with protein expression systems. Notes: This is a one year Term appointment, renewable under the same conditions, contingent upon the continued availability of funding and work. There may be multiple positions available for this job opening. For consideration apply online at: http://jobs.lbl.gov, select “Search Jobs”, and enter jobnumber 21643 in the keyword search field.
Closing date: Friday, May 09, 2008
No. 201
Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow in Sustainable Grasslands (Level B/C)
Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Sydney Campus Reference No. 126084
The Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources combines applied economics and sciences to grow and excel in teaching, research and community service within the industries. The Faculty has an active international, inter-disciplinary research program dedicated to ensuring food security and sustainable natural resource management.
The Faculty is inviting applications for a Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow in Sustainable Grasslands, who will focus on grasslands and pastoral systems suitable for the Monaro region of NSW. Key issues for this region include sustainability of the pastoral industry, suitability of pasture species including native species for grazing, drought tolerance of these species and weed management. Overarching sustainability issues such as soil and water quality are increasingly important and research needs include the identification of suitable techniques for managing grasslands for both animal production and conservation and improvement of the natural resource base, especially carbon and water.
The appointee will spend 30% of his/her time teaching in the field of sustainable grasslands, and establish links not only within the Faculty and University but also with key industry stakeholders including the Monaro Farming Systems Group.
Essential criteria for appointment at Level B/C include: a PhD or equivalent; demonstrated research ability; willingness to engage in teaching at levels; demonstrated capacity to undertake research relevant to sustainable grasslands; demonstrated tutoring skills and an ability to organize field teaching exercises; familiarity with the Australasian agricultural/horticultural industries; excellent written and oral communication skills; an ability to relate to the rural community and to work cooperatively in teams. Appointment at Level C would require a strong track record in research publications and funding. Field experience in Australasian grassland systems will be highly regarded. Experience with GIS will be an advantage. Applicants must have a valid Australian NSW driver’s licence or to gain one within six months of appointment.
Current research strengths in the Faculty include soil science, management of land and water resources, spatial information systems, precision agriculture, plant breeding and plant biotechnology, plant disease and crop protection, cereal science, post-harvest horticulture, and agricultural and resource economics.
The appointee will develop a research program relevant to the pastoral and grazing issues in the Monaro region. The Faculty has a strong research culture, access to high country grasslands under the auspices of the Casey Trust, and excellent relationships with CSIRO, NSW Departments of Primary Industries and Natural Resources. Further in formation on the Faculty is available at www.agric.usyd.edu.au
The position is full-time fixed term of 3 years, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation. The position may be extended subject to funding and need. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of employment for new appointees.
Remuneration package at level B: $85,030 — $100,973 p.a. (which includes a base salary $71,852 — $85,324 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).
Remuneration package at level C: $104,160 — $119,995 p.a. (which includes a base salary $88,017 — $101,489 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).
Level of appointment and responsibility will be commensurate with skills and experience.
For more information or to apply online, please visit http://positions.usyd.edu.au and search by reference number 126084. Specific enquiries can be directed to Dr Lindsay C. Campbell, Discipline Leader of the Sciences Group, on (+61 2) 9351 2941 or (+61 2) 9351 2529 or by email: For general enquiries please contact Fabrice Noël on (+61 2) 9036 7295 or by email:
Closing date: Sunday, May 04, 2008
No. 200
Lecturer in Soil Microbiology (Level B)
Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Natural Resources, Sydney Campus Reference No. 126083
The Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources combines applied economics and sciences to grow and excel in teaching, research and community service within the industries. The Faculty has an active international, inter-disciplinary research program dedicated to ensuring food security and sustainable natural resource management.
The Faculty seeks to appoint a Lecturer in Soil Microbiology who will develop research and teaching in an area of vital importance to achieving agricultural sustainability, promoting the activity of microbes that mediate critical processes in soil, including nitrogen fixation, carbon and nitrogen cycling and carbon sequestration, under changing climatic conditions. The appointee would be expected to undertake research in these areas, to provide relevant microbiological expertise related to microorganisms introduced into soils as inoculants, to curate the Rhizobium collection and to interact with current research teams in both the FAFNR and the Faculty of Science. The appointee will also be expected to develop new teaching for undergraduate students in the Faculties of Science, supervise the research projects of Honours and postgraduate students, and oversee curation of the Sydney University Nitrogen Fixation Centre (SUNFix) culture collection of rhizobia and plant growth promoting microbes (PGPR). This valuable collection is unique in Australia.
Essential selection criteria for appointment at Level B are: a PhD degree or equivalent; demonstrated research capability in applied soil microbiology preferably including experience with rhizobia; demonstrated teaching and communication skills; a valid driver’s license within three months of appointment. Desirable selection criteria are: success in applying for research funding; willingness to interact and conduct research with the microbial inoculant industry.
The Faculty has established areas of research strengths in soil science, plant pathology and plant breeding including cereals and legumes, precision agriculture, spatial information systems and agricultural and resource economics. Its links in the Faculty of Science give it access to central facilities such as the Key Centres for Microscopy and Microanalysis and Polymer Colloids. The appointee would be expected to support cognate research in areas such as carbon sequestration in soils, providing relevant microbiological expertise related to introduced microorganisms and to develop an appropriate unit of study for the Faculties of Science.
The position is full-time continuing, subject to completion of a satisfactory probation and confirmation period for new appointees. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of appointment.
Remuneration package: $85,030 — $100,973 p.a. (which includes a base salary Lecturer Level B $71,852 — $85,324 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).
For more information or to apply online, please visit http://positions.usyd.edu.au and search by reference number 126083. Specific enquiries can be directed to Professor Alex McBratney on +61 2 9351 2935 or by email: or to Dr Lindsay C. Campbell, Discipline Leader of the Sciences Group, on +61 2 9351 2941 or +61 2 9351 2529 or by email: For general enquiries please contact Fabrice Noël on +61 2 9036 7295 or by email:
Closing date: Sunday, May 04, 2008
No. 202
Post Doctoral Research Associate
University of Edinburgh, UK
Based in one of the UK's largest research groupings for geoscience, at the University of Edinburgh, you will join a new NERC-funded project working in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the South American tropics. You will have expertise in leaf physiology and the knowledge of the carbon cycle of forests. Collaborating with colleagues, you will participate in laboratory- and field-based measurements, data analysis and synthesis components of the project, with the overall aim of improving our understanding of the role of nutrients in constraining respiration in plant leaves and roots. The post-holder will work with Dr Patrick Meir (Edinburgh University, UK), Dr Owen Atkin [Australia National University (ANU), Canberra, Australia] and Professor Jon Lloyd (Leeds University, UK). The post offers the opportunity to spend significant time working in the world-class controlled environment facilities at ANU, as well as field work in Peru (Tambopata), French Guiana (Paracou) and New Zealand (Franz Josef Glacier chronosequence). Additional formal project partners include Professor Graham Farquhar FRS, Professor Matthew Turnbull, Dr Damian Bonal and Professor Norma Salinas.
For more details and information on how to apply, see: http://www.jobs.ed.ac.uk/vacancies/index.cfm?fuseaction=vacancies.detail&vacancy_ref=3008914
Closing date: Wednesday, April 30, 2008
No. 199
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry (Nanoscale systems and surface science)
University of Western Sydney, College of Health and Science, School of Natural Sciences, Parramatta Campus
Ref No. 70321 Remuneration Package: Academic Level B $85,336 to $100,698 p.a.; Academic Level C $103,747 to $119,007 p.a. (comprising Salary Level B $72,110 to $85,150 p.a/Level C $87,756 to $100,799 p.a., 17% Superannuation and Leaving Loading).
The School of Natural Sciences at the University of Western Sydney is one of six schools within the College of Health and Science. Our school is educating tomorrow’s graduates in an environment that is contemporary, challenging, and adapted to a rapidly evolving world. Our programs embrace a range of innovative approaches to teaching, often in partnership with external organisations, and are designed to equip our graduates with a passion for life long learning. The school’s teaching and research programs are intrinsically inter disciplinary, and embrace:
•Agriculture and horticulture, including significant research strengths in plants, soils and environment, and sustainable plant production; •Animal science; •Environmental health, management and science; •Food, nutrition and biotechnology; •Biological and chemical sciences; •Medical science; •Forensic science.
We seek a forward thinking and innovative scholar for appointment to the role of Lecturer (Level B) or Senior Lecturer (Level C) in the field of biochemistry. The scholar will also be expected to pursue an active research program in the broad area of encapsulation and controlled release of biomolecules and bioactive species. A PhD is essential. The appointee will be based at the Parramatta Campus of UWS, but multi-campus teaching may be required.
Position Enquiries: Professor John Bartlett, (02) 4570 1438,
Closing Date: 18 April 2008
Please visit the UWS Website: http://www.uws.edu.au/vacancies/ for full details on these positions and how to apply.
UWS values workplace diversity
Closing date: Friday, April 18, 2008
No. 196
Curator of Botanic Services & Professor of Plant Biology
Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand
Vacancy Number 4193
· Unique opportunity
· Build exceptional partnerships
· Visionary leadership required
Internationally famed 'The Garden City', Christchurch's well-established expansive parks and public gardens owe much to the planning and foresight of the city's original founders. The Christchurch City Council and the University of Canterbury have created a unique partnership to work collaboratively for the benefit of our city and both institutions.
The Council and the University's College of Science are searching for a talented professional to undertake the dual role of Curator of Botanic Gardens and Professor of Plant Biology. This key position will be employed in a permanent position by the Council.
The primary purpose of this position is to provide the visionary leadership for the overall strategic direction of the Botanical Services of our city, and leadership of research and teaching in plant diversity and systematics in the University's School of Biological Sciences.
Some of the exciting responsibilities of this critical role include implementation of the Hagley Park/Botanic Gardens Masterplan, building exceptional relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders and enhancing the community's appreciation for the aesthetic diversity of plants while educating the public about plants in urban landscapes. In addition, the role will conduct and support original research, pursue grants, provide teaching for staff, students and interest groups, and develop the scientific documentation of the living plant collections.
For a detailed outline of the position and the required background check out our recruitment website on www.jobs.ccc.govt.nz
Apply online at www.jobs.ccc.govt.nz , alternatively for specific enquires phone the Christchurch City Council Customer Service Centre on +64 3 941 8999. Please quote vacancy number 4193. Online applications will be electronically acknowledged and further correspondence may be by email.
Applications close on Sunday 17 February 2008.
Closing date: Sunday, February 17, 2008
No. 194
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Applied Entomology
College of Health and Science, School of Natural Sciences, University of Western Sydney
Reference Number: 70323
Remuneration
The School of Natural Sciences is seeking a motivated academic to fill a continuing position on the Hawkesbury Campus of the University of Western Sydney. The remuneration package is Academic Level B $82,851 to $97,765 p.a. or Academic Level C $100,725 to $115,541 p.a. (comprising Salary Level B $70,010 to $82,670 p.a. or Level C $85,200 to $97,863 p.a. plus 17% Superannuation and Leave Loading).
About the School
The School of Natural Sciences is one of six schools within the College of Health and Science. Our school is educating tomorrow’s graduates in an environment that is contemporary, challenging, and adapted to a rapidly evolving world. Our programs embrace a range of innovative approaches to teaching, often in partnership with external organisations, and are designed to equip our graduates with a passion for life long learning. The school’s teaching and research programs are intrinsically inter disciplinary, and embrace:
· Agriculture and horticulture, including significant research strengths in plants, soils and environment, and sustainable plant production;
· Animal science;
· Environmental health, management and science;
· Food, nutrition and biotechnology;
· Biological and chemical sciences, including geochemistry;
· Medical science;
· Forensic science
The position
We seek a forward thinking and innovative scholar to take on the role of Lecturer (Level B) or Senior Lecturer (Level C) in the field of applied entomology. The appointee will be based at the Hawkesbury Campus of UWS, but multi-campus teaching may be required.
The successful applicant must have PhD and will be expected to be involved in a range of academic activities including the coordination and teaching of units in Plant Protection, Invertebrate Biology and related areas within programs across the school. The appointee will be expected to conduct applied entomology research relevant to the ‘Sustainable Plant Production’ theme of the Centre for Plant and Food Science (PAFS) and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate student projects in their area of expertise.
Suitably qualified applicants may be required to take on leadership roles within their discipline areas.
Further information
Information about the School of Natural Sciences can be found at http://www.uws.edu.au/about/acadorg/schools/naturalsciences
Information about the Centre for Plant and Food Science can be found at http://www.uws.edu.au/pafs
The position description and information on how to apply can be found at http://pubapps.uws.edu.au/vacancies/
Enquiries
Address your enquiries in the first instance to Professor John Bartlett (02) 4570 1438 or email
Closing date: Friday, February 15, 2008
No. 195
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Geographical Information Systems
College of Health and Science, School of Natural Sciences, University of Western Sydney
Reference Number: 70322
Remuneration
The School of Natural Sciences is seeking a motivated academic to fill a continuing position on the Hawkesbury Campus of the University of Western Sydney. The remuneration package is Academic Level B $82,851 to $97,765 p.a. or Academic Level C $100,725 to $115,541 p.a. (comprising Salary Level B $70,010 to $82,670 p.a. or Level C $85,200 to $97,863 p.a. plus 17% Superannuation and Leave Loading).
About the School
The School of Natural Sciences is one of six schools within the College of Health and Science. Our school is educating tomorrow’s graduates in an environment that is contemporary, challenging, and adapted to a rapidly evolving world. Our programs embrace a range of innovative approaches to teaching, often in partnership with external organisations, and are designed to equip our graduates with a passion for life long learning. The school’s teaching and research programs are intrinsically inter disciplinary, and embrace:
· Agriculture and horticulture, including significant research strengths in plants, soils and environment, and sustainable plant production;
· Animal science;
· Environmental health, management and science;
· Food, nutrition and biotechnology;
· Biological and chemical sciences, including geochemistry;
· Medical science;
· Forensic science
The position
We seek a forward thinking and innovative scholar for appointment to the role of Lecturer (Level B) or Senior Lecturer (Level C) in the field of geographical information systems (GIS). The successful candidate will have a strong background in both theoretical and applied aspects of GIS and remote sensing, which complements that of academic staff pursuing teaching and research activities in environmental sciences, geochemistry, water science, agriculture and peri-urban landscapes. The appointee will be based at the Hawkesbury Campus of UWS, but multi-campus teaching may be required.
The successful applicant must have a PhD and will be expected to be involved in a range of academic activities including the coordination and teaching of units in theoretical and applied aspects of geographical information systems and complementary areas within programs across the school. The appointee will assist in linking GIS with the School’s teaching programs in natural resources management and will be expected to conduct research and supervise undergraduate, honours and postgraduate students in their area of expertise, and build strong teaching and research linkages with staff in allied areas.
Suitably qualified applicants may be required to take on leadership roles within their discipline areas.
Further information
Information about the School of Natural Sciences can be found at http://www.uws.edu.au/about/acadorg/schools/naturalsciences
The position description and information on how to apply can be found at http://pubapps.uws.edu.au/vacancies/
Enquiries
Address your enquiries in the first instance to Professor John Bartlett (02) 4570 1438 or email
Closing date: Friday, February 15, 2008
No. 197
Postdoctoral Fellow — Academic Level A
Australian National University College Science Research School of Biological Sciences Molecular Plant Physiology Group
Fixed Term – 2 years Salary Range: $61,179- $65,467 pa plus 17% super Reference: RSBS 4545
Applications are invited for the position of Postdoctoral Fellow in the Molecular Plant Physiology Group, Research School of Biological Sciences. The successful applicant will work on an ARC funded project awarded to Professor Susanne von Caemmerer on the metabolic and enzymatic regulation of C4 photosynthesis.
Candidates will have a PhD degree in an appropriate field of biology, knowledge of plant physiology, plant biochemistry and molecular biology, and demonstrated ability to conduct independent and innovative research of high quality in plant biology.
Selection Criteria: http://info.anu.edu.au/hr/jobs/ or from from Virginia Riddle, T: 02 6125 4752, E: ..
Enquiries: Prof Susanne von Caemmerer, T: 02 6125 5053, E:
Further Particulars about the position may be downloaded here: http://asps.org.au/employment/pdfs/Job197Furtherparticulars.pdf .
Information for applicants: http://info.anu.edu.au/hr/Jobs/How_to_Apply/index.asp Job Application Cover sheet: http://info.anu.edu.au/Policies/_DHR/Forms/HR86.asp
Closing date: Tuesday, February 12, 2008
No. 190
Plant Cell/Molecular Physiologist
Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
Description of Duties: Plant Physiologist (Cellular/Molecular Emphasis)
The Department of Biological Sciences, SIUE invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level. We seek applicants with broad training in biological sciences emphasizing cellular/molecular approaches to plant biology. Teaching experience in this or related areas is highly desirable. The successful candidate will share responsibility for teaching a Cell and Molecular course for biology majors, teach plant physiology, and teach upper-division courses in his/her area of expertise. Occasional teaching of non-majors biology courses will be required. Candidate must exhibit potential for independent and innovative research involving Master’s and undergraduate students.
Qualifications: A Ph.D. in plant physiology or plant cell/molecular biology, or a related field. Relevant post-doctoral teaching and/or research experience preferred. Review of applications will begin on 7 January 2008 and continue until the position is filled. To apply, send a letter of application with a statement of teaching philosophy, statement of research interests, curriculum vitae, copies of official transcripts, three letters of reference, and no more than three reprints to:
Chair, Plant Cell/Molecular Physiologist Search Committee
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Department of Biological Sciences
Box 1651L
Edwardsville, IL 62026–1651
USA
SIUE is a comprehensive regional university located on a 2,660 acre campus in a semi-rural setting 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis, MO. SIUE is dedicated to excellence in undergraduate education.
SIUE is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. SIUE is a state university – benefits under state sponsored plans may not be available to holders of F1 or J1 visas.
Closing date: Thursday, January 31, 2008
No. 193
Research Scientist — Two Positions
CSIRO Plant Industry, Adelaide, South Australia
Reference Numbers: 2007/1315 & 2007/1337
We require two motivated Research Scientists with excellent research track records in plant development/reproduction to join a team carrying out research on apomixis as part of a collaboration with CSIR in India. The successful candidates will have a PhD in Plant Molecular Biology or a related discipline with prior Post-Doctoral experience, and will be involved in achieving project objectives utilising the apomictic model plant Hieracium or Arabidopsis.
This DEST funded research project is for a 3 year term.
For selection documentation and details on how to apply visit www.csiro.au/careers or call 1300 301 509
Closing date: Friday, December 14, 2007
No. 192
Research Associate
School of Plant Biology, The University of Western Australia
Reference No: 2059
3 year appointment
Salary Range: Level A $48,905 — $66,367 p.a. — minimum starting salary for appointee with PhD will be $61,827 p.a.
This project will investigate the potential for broad-acre weed control, centred on karrikinolide, the highly potent, naturally occurring germination stimulant in smoke (the butenolide molecule 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one). Karrikinolide has the potential to promote synchronous germination of weed seedbanks by relieving seed dormancy in many species through an as yet unknown mechanism. The program involves cross-disciplinary research centred on the various seed dormancy and germination syndromes of important weed species, with a strong field-based component. Studies will focus on weed seed germination ecology and dormancy release in an agricultural and bushland setting, field-based analyses of karrikinolide efficacy in promoting weed emergence, the molecule’s stability and movement through soil profiles and methods of broad-acre delivery. The position is funded under the ARC-Linkage grants scheme, with a collaborative partnership between Kings Park and Botanic Garden and UWA School of Plant Biology. The position will deliver internationally significant research outcomes under this collaborative partnership and the appointee is expected to collaborate closely with researchers from both institutions. Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant field.
For further information regarding the position please contact Professor Stephen Powles or Professor Kingsley Dixon via email or .
Application details: The position description, selection criteria and other information may be downloaded here. Applicants must address the selection criteria. Written applications quoting the reference number, personal contact details, qualifications and experience, along with contact details of three referees should be sent to Director, Human Resources, The University of Western Australia, M350, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009 or emailed to by the closing date.
Closing date: Friday, December 07, 2007
Positions without a nominated closing date
Post-doc
Plant Science Group, University of Newcastle
A highly motivated and enthusiastic post-doc with a broad range of skills is sought to join a dynamic Plant Science Group at the University of Newcastle, NSW. Experience in one or more of the following areas would be an advantage: Broad range of molecular biology skills including plant transformation Membrane transport Carbohydrate metabolism Enzyme measurement Whole plant physiology This position is available immediately. For further information please contact Prof Christopher Grof Email: Phone: 0249215858.
Four ARC funded appointments for post-doctoral Research Associates and two PhD Scholarships
University of Western Australia and Murdoch University
Four appointments for post-doctoral Research Associates and two scholarships for PhD students are available on a project funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and a number of Industry partners (Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Power, Minerals and Energy Research Institute of Western Australia, Alcoa World Alumina, Worsley Alumina, BHP Billiton Ravensthorpe Nickel, Aztech and Tiwest). The ARC project will be executed at the University of Western Australia and Murdoch University. The Research Associate positions are in the areas of plant ecophysiology (position 2413), plant genetics and breeding (position 2414), plant molecular biology (position 2415) and plant pathology / molecular biology (position 2416). Details are available at https://www.his.admin.uwa.edu.au/jobvacs/external/academic/ads.htm. The two PhD scholarships (one at each of the collaborating universities) are in these same areas and details can be obtained from the same people listed in the advertisements. The successful applicants will work in a multidisciplinary team on various aspects of phosphate nutrition and the susceptibility to the phytopathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi, both in Australian plants and in Arabidopsis thaliana (as a model plants).
PhD Scholarship: Understanding macadamia growth and development through field studies and functional-structural modelling
The University of Queensland
The complexity of the phenology, physiology and canopy development of macadamia make it a challenging area of study. This project will provide the opportunity to apply the latest in functional structural plant modelling techniques to integrate existing hypotheses, use the resulting models to discover where our understanding is incomplete, then to investigate the system in field studies. This research will form the basis for future systems that can be applied to the broader tropical fruit and nut industry. Areas of particular interest in these studies of macadamia include: — Physiology, phenology and consistency of flowering — Carbon allocation, including aspects of carbon storage — Responses to planting density and pruning, including impact on the light environment These studies will involve the student in work with the macadamia industry from northern New South Wales to Bundaberg, and will be supported by expertise in horticulture and plant physiology from the Queensland Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries and the NSW Department of Primary Industries. The research will be undertaken within a group involved in similar projects on kiwifruit vine, pea, and soybean at The University of Queensland. The project is funded by the Australian Macadamia Society and Horticulture Australia Limited. See http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/ for further information on research study at The University of Queensland . Stipends available: — PhD scholarship of $20,000 p.a. for a full-time candidate — Top-up PhD Scholarship of $7,000 p.a. for a full-time candidate with an APA or similar scholarship. Duration: -Three years with a possible six month extension. Applications: Expressions of interest should be 1,000 words or less and address the following criteria: — Academic record, including performance in first degree; — Relevant plant science, horticulture or computational science experience (if any); — Research experience and publications (if any); — The names of two academic and/or research referees (with full contact details including email addresses and telephone numbers). Successful applicants must be accepted for PhD candidature at the University of Queensland (see http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/admission) and apply for associated UQ and APA scholarships. Contact: Dr Jim Hanan Phone: 07 3365–8234 Centre for Biological Information Technology University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia Email: URL http://www.maths.uq.edu.au/~jim
Postdoctoral Fellow — Academic Level A
Deakin University, Geelong campus at Waurn Ponds
Plant molecular biology/plant pathology Project title: Influence of DNA repair capability on defence against pathogens
This project is located within the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University and is a collaborative project with the School of Integrative Biology, The University of Queensland. We are examining links between DNA damage caused by UV light, and its influence on defence against pathogens. Arabidopsis is being used as the model system to investigate cellular, molecular and genetic components of the signalling that is necessary to induce plant resistance.
Applicants should hold a PhD and have a record of publication in international journals. PhD candidates who have recently submitted are encouraged to apply.
The position is full-time and fixed term for 12 months. Depending on funding there is the possibility of extension into subsequent years.
Salary: (Level A) $45,674 — $57,672
The position is available for commencement now.
Please send CV and names of two referees to: Associate Professor David Cahill School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Geelong campus at Waurn Ponds Geelong, Victoria, 3217
For further information contact Associate Professor David Cahill, or phone 03 5227 1299
Further information on the School of Life and Environmental Sciences can also be found at: http://www.deakin.edu.au/scitech/les/
PhD Scholarships in Plant Cell Physiology
School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide
We are seeking adept and highly motivated individuals to join a research team investigating the mechanism and physiological significance of cell-specific calcium accumulation within the leaves of higher plants1,2. The research will involve a range of single-cell based biochemical and molecular assays, as well as the construction and physiological analysis of specific plant genetic mutants. The ultimate aim of the program is to improve the nutritional qualities of crop plants allowing the fortification of animal and human diets without adversely affecting crop plant physiology.
These projects are offered in Professor Roger Leigh’s laboratory following his appointment as the Head of the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine. Professor Leigh relocated his laboratory in October 2006 from the University of Cambridge where he was Professor of Botany. The PhD scholars will be part of an integrated research team and will be supervised jointly by Professor Leigh and Dr Matthew Gilliham, Senior Research Fellow, and involve close collaborations with the co-located research groups of Professor Steve Tyerman and Dr Brent Kaiser.
Scholarship applicants should have: a good BSc (Hons) degree in molecular biology, plant physiology or a related biological science; a demonstrated ability to work independently, and as part of a team; good communication skills and Australian or NZ citizenship or Australian permanent residency. The scholarships are available immediately for a minimum of three years and carry a living allowance of $25 000 per annum (tax free), in addition to project funding and travel.
International applicants are encouraged to apply for EIPRS or ASI scholarships, see http://www.international.adelaide.edu.au/scholarships/ for details
Contact Dr Matthew Gilliham, Plant Research Centre, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia, 5064; email: ; tel: 08 8303 8145 for further information and application forms.
1. Karley AJ, Leigh RA and Sanders D (2000) TIPS 5, 465–470.
2. Storey R and Leigh R A (2004) Plant Physiol, 136, 3838–3848.
The scholarships are open until they are filled. A closing date of 30 August 2007 is applicable to international scholarships.
PhD Scholarship: Plant Energy Processes
Research School of Biological Sciences and School of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The Australian National University
A top-up scholarship is available for an interested student to join a research team investigating the photosynthetic function of plants. This dynamic research team is well funded and has a suite of excellent equipment. Possible projects in biophysical plant physiology include:
· Tracking photosynthetic electron transfers in vivo under environmental stress;
· Dynamic architecture of plant thylakoid membranes between light and dark;
· Entropy as a novel determinant of photosynthetic structure and function.
One $7000 top-up scholarship is available for a PhD student with an APA or ANU UNIVERSITY RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS . Students who do not yet hold scholarships but expect to achieve first-class honours standard should contact Prof. Fred Chow or A/Prof. Barry Pogson to discuss potential topics.
Please note APA/ANU UNIVERSITY RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS are only open to Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and permanent residents of Australia.
Email:
Web: www.rsbs.anu.edu.au/ResearchGroups/PBE/profiles/Fred_Chow/index.php
Email:
Web: www.plantenergy.uwa.edu.au
www.anu.edu.au/bambi/people/academic/pogson.php
Research Fellow / Post Doctoral Fellow — Soil Water – Atmospheric Scientist
Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga
Full time Fixed Term
The Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC) and the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre (NWGIC) have recently established a collaborative program known as 'NWGIC Winegrowing Futures'. This collaboration will support wine industry research through a $30 million co-investment program over five years. Regional field sites are used for the Centre’s viticulture trials.
Responsibilities: The NWGIC is seeking to appoint a postdoctoral fellow/research fellow who will assess soil based versus micrometeorological based estimates of vine/vineyard ET. The objective is to move from point-source soil-based measures of estimating vine water requirement to atmospheric determination at vineyard and sub-regional scale. This will require obtaining accurate seasonal measures of soil water balance in train with micrometeorological techniques to determine vapour and CO2 fluxes. Constructing water balances for vineyards requires an individual who possesses a complex mix of skills.
The appointee will work with a multidisciplinary research team comprised of NWGIC, CSIRO and CSU Centre of WATER staff to ground-truth new water use forecasting methodologies against current industry standards.
The position is 100% research and reports to the NWGIC Director. The appointee will present research outputs at industry and technical forums.
Selection Criteria
Essential
• PhD in Science or Engineering with a major in hydrology, meteorology, physics, or related discipline with equivalent research experience (for appointment as Research Fellow/Postdoctoral Fellow). • Significant progress towards PhD in Science or Engineering with a major in hydrology, meteorology, physics, or related discipline with equivalent research experience (for appointment as Research Associate). • Experience working in field environments with remotely located instrumentation. • Demonstrated ability to design, implement, sample, and interpret results from field-based experimental trials. • Working knowledge of statistics and the application of advanced statistical methods including computer programming skills. • Knowledge and skills in the area of soil water monitoring, sap-flow measurement, and methodologies used to measure water exchange between the land surface and the atmosphere. • Demonstrated ability to communicate actively and effectively, both verbally and in writing to a broad range of target audiences. • Demonstrated ability to work independently, under supervision, and as part of a team to achieve shared goals. • Demonstrated ability to work within defined timeframes and budgets.
Desirable
• Understanding of perennial crop physiology. • Experience in collection and analysis of climatic data and weather events. • Experience with verifying and modifying water balance models to suit irrigated vineyards. • Knowledge of boundary layer physics, including eddy covariance technique to estimate CO2 and H2O exchanges.
Conditions: Contract until December 2010
Further information on this position is available from:
Dr Ron Hutton, Deputy Director, National Wine & Grape Industry Centre Charles Sturt University
Telephone: +61 (0)2 6933 2108
Email:
The University encourages applicants to apply for the position by Monday 18 June 2007, however, will continue to consider applications until the position is filled.
PhD Scholarship
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Western Australia
An APAI (Australian Postgraduate Award Industry) scholarship is available for the project entitled — Ecohydrological Feedbacks Between Vegetation and Soil in Natural and Engineered Landforms in Arid Australia
This multidisciplinary project is based in the Schools of Plant Biology and Earth and Geographical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, with close collaboration with Newcrest’s Telfer Gold Mine operation. It is further linked to Curtin University of Technology (Western Australia), Newcastle University (New South Wales), and Duke University (North Carolina, USA).
The scholarship is available immediately. The annual stipend under the APAI programme is currently in excess of $25,000 (tax exempt). Only Australian citizens or Australian residents with permanent resident status are eligible (New Zealand permanent residents are eligible).
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to work on the experimental assessment of plant water relations using various methods, including portable gas-exchange equipment, sapflow meters and pressure bombs. The student will work as part of a team consisting of plant ecophysiologists, ecologists, soil scientists, geophysicists and geomorphologists. Experimental sites will be set up in the Great Sandy Desert to assess vegetation and soil feedbacks. A background in plant ecophysiology, with experience in plant water relations is desirable.
Please contact Professor Hans Lambers or Dr Erik Veneklaas for further information prior to submitting an application. Applications should be sent with: (i) a statement of practical and academic suitability for the proposed research topic, (ii) a resume, (iii) academic transcript/s, and (iv) contact information (including email addresses) of at least two referees to Professor Hans Lambers, School of Plant Biology, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009.
For further details, please contact Professor Hans Lambers (08) 6488 7381, Fax (08) 6488 1108, Email: or Dr Erik Veneklaas .
Applications are accepted until a suitable candidate has been found.
PhD Scholarships: Plant Ecophysiology and Ecosystem Processes
School of Biological Sciences, The University of Sydney
Top-up scholarships of up to $8000 are available for exceptional students to join a research group investigating the functioning of plants and ecosystems. This new and dynamic research group is well funded and has a suite of the latest equipment. There are a range of potential topics from biochemical through to ecosystem scales. A few possibilities include:
*
• Diffusion of CO2 within leaves *
• Uptake of organic nitrogen by Australian native plants *
• Response of desert plants to a temporally variable water supply *
• Response of alpine plants to a temporally variable nutrient supply *
• NO signalling and unravelling the complex response of plants to drought
The group has strong and active international links with Canada and France, and successful candidates may be given the opportunity of spending part of their candidature overseas.
Three $8000 top-up scholarships are available for PhD students with an APA or UPA scholarship. Students who don’t yet hold scholarships but expect to achieve first-class honours standard should contact Charles Warren to discuss potential topics.
Please note APA/UPA scholarships are only open to Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and permanent residents of Australia.
e-mail:
web: http://www.bio.usyd.edu.au/c_warren/index.html
PhD Scholarship in plant physiology/ecotoxicology/molecular biology
The University of Adelaide
The project is funded by the ARC and the University of Adelaide in collaboration with the Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The principal focus is to examine the mechanisms of uptake of arsenic and cadmium in plants with the aim to reduce the concentrations of these elements in agricultural produce, particularly grains, including rice. The PhD project would examine one of these elements. Results from a previous successful PhD project and subsequent research suggests that redistribution of these elements from the root is under control of inducible biochemical and membrane transport processes, the activities of which vary substantially between different species, and between different cultivars of the same species. There is scope within the project to concentrate on the mechanisms of uptake into the plant, the biochemical processes involved in complexation and compartmentation, or the molecular basis for the differential accumulation of arsenic or cadmium. Opportunities exist for visits to the collaborating lab in Beijing.
Tax-free stipend of $25,000 p.a. for three years plus travel and maintenance
of $6–8,000 per annum for three years.
Applicants for this project should expect to gain or hold a first class or high 2A honours degree, or equivalent, in plant biology, preferably with a background in plant physiology or plant molecular biology.
Applicants must be eligible for admission to the PhD program at The University of Adelaide. Applications should include evidence of qualifications and research experience, together with a curriculum vitae and contact details of two academic referees.
Further information can be obtained from:
Associate Professor Rob Reid, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005,
Email:
Phone: (08) 8303 5290 Fax: (08) 8303 6222
Selection is expected to be made by 31 March 2007 for commencement before 30 June 2007. Applications will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. More than one scholarship may be offered.