Research Fellow, Environmental Changes
RF1, Fixed Term (3 years), Full Time, Nathan campus. Griffith University, Australia
Reference: EFC0087/10
An exciting postdoctoral position is available in the area of forest ecosystem responses and adaptation to global environmental changes. This project will assess the key role of interactive biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon in regulating forest ecosystem responses to global changes (rising CO2, warming, fires etc.) and develop appropriate strategies for adaptation to and mitigation of those changes. The project will take a multi-disciplinary approach (including soil science, plant physiology, biogeochemistry, molecular microbiology) and involve use of a series of advanced techniques (e.g. stable isotopic, 13C and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and molecular biology techniques). This position will be based at the Environmental Futures Centre, Nathan campus.
The successful applicant will work closely with the Project Leader and carry out independent and/or team research in the area specified. The appointee is expected to perform both field work and laboratory analysis for this project, publish papers in high quality journals, collaborate with other researchers, supervise technical staffs and research higher degree students, and apply for research funding (competitive and others). The successful applicant will have a PhD in Soil Science, Environmental Sciences, Ecology or Microbiology. The candidate must have a strong interest in the research areas of biogeochemical cycling, forest ecosystem processes and global changes and research experience in nutrient cycling / biogeochemistry, and must be able to demonstrate a strong track record of recent publications in high quality journals. Experience in molecular microbiology is desirable.
Application should address the following key accountability and selection criteria.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
a) Contribute to research activities to achieve the objectives of the CCAASI funded project - the key role of interactive biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon in regulating forest ecosystem responses to global changes.
b) Coordinate and conduct the field work (including the survey of plant communities, soil and plant sampling etc.), laboratory analysis (including chemical, biochemical and molecular analyses), and data analysis.
c) Prepare results/findings for oral and written communication, including scientific publication (conference papers and journal articles) and presentations to stakeholders.
d) Work independently while maintaining liaison and collaboration with other members of the project team, the research centre and other institutions.
e) Contribute to overall project management, including coordination and supervision of research activities, and to the preparation of research proposal submissions to external funding bodies.
f) Assist with the supervision of postgraduate research students and research assistants.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
ESSENTIAL:
a) PhD in Soil Science, Environmental Sciences, Ecology or Microbiology.
b) Proven research skills and experience in biogeochemical cycling, forest ecology, and microbial ecology.
c) Well-developed communication skills and the ability to work effectively and conduct collaborative research as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
d) Demonstrated excellent oral, written communication and presentation skills.
e) Evidence of a developing publications record in quality international journals and experience in the preparation of competitive research grant proposals as part of a team.
f) Demonstrated ability to meet competing deadlines.
DESIRABLE:
a) Familiarity with NMR spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy and molecular biology techniques.
b) Experience in contributing to supervision of undergraduate honours and/or research higher degree students;
Salary range: $64,949 - $67,336 per annum. Salary package including 17% employer superannuation contribution: $75,991 - $78,784 per annum.
Further information:
For recruitment queries, contact Ms Sue Thorne, HR Officer on +61-7-555 28151, email: s.thorne@griffith.edu.au. For position queries, contact Dr Chengrong Chen, Environmental Futures Centre, Griffith University, Australia on +61-7-373 57494, email: c.chen@griffith.edu.au.
Applications close: 16 April 2010
