Postdoctoral position in RNA localisation - Australia

Postdoctoral position in RNA localisation at CSIRO Plant Industry Canberra

  

CSIRO Plant Industry is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to work on a project to study RNA processing and storage in Arabidopsis. The project aims to establish methods to visualise RNAs at a subcellular level and use these to investigate RNA processing and storage with a focus on seeds. You will join a team in a project funded by the CSIRO Transformational Biology Capability Platform studying RNA regulation in plants and insects and be located in a CSIRO research theme that is working on a wide variety of aspects of plant reproduction.

For Position Details and to Apply:  Please visit the CSIRO careers site at: www.csiro.au/careers (closing date 15th July 2012)

To discuss this position: Contact Dr Chris Helliwell

chris.helliwell@csiro.au

Phone (02) 6246 5346

The 2012 CeMM PhD Program (Vienna, Austria)

THE 2012 CEMM PHD PROGRAM: For our next PhD Program starting in October 2012, we are looking for exceptionally motivated PhD candidates with a keen interest in genomics and medicine and a strong interest to work in teams. You will get the chance to work at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary molecular medicine research and to be trained by the entire CeMM and associated faculty to become one of the scientists shaping the future of molecular medicine.  Requirements:

Final degree in the diploma studies of medicine, biology, chemistry or in any scientific/technical, subject-relevant diploma studies (certificate needed before Oct 2012 to enrol into the PhD program). The working language at CeMM is English, so excellent written and oral communication skills are required.  Available Projects: 1. Immunobiology of persistent viral infections (Ref: PhD ABergthaler), 2. Resetting the leukaemia epigenome - an experimental approach (Ref: PhD CBock 1), 3. Computational modelling of epigenetic defects in leukaemia (Ref: PhD CBock 2), 4. DNA damage response and genomic instability (Ref: PhD JLoizou), 5. Proteomics of the tumor suppressor network in myeloproliferative disorders (Ref: PhD Bennett/RKralovics), 6. Bioinformatics of disease networks in myeloid malignancies (Ref: PhD RKralovics), 7. Transcription factor complexes in cancer (Ref: PhD GSuperti-Furga), 8. Biocomputational analysis of systems drug response (Ref: PhD JColinge 1), 9. Biomathemat!
 ics and the dynamics of clonality in cancer (Ref: PhD JColinge 2), 10. Chemical epigenetics in cancer (Ref: PhD SKubicek).  Additional Faculty: DBarlow, CBinder, KBoztug, SKnapp, SNijman working on epigenetic mechanisms, inflammation and atherosclerosis, genetics of immunodeficiencies and leukaemia, bacterial infections and host defense mechanisms, synthetic lethality and cancer vulnerability, innate immunity and anti-viral programs. Candidates should submit: a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae, names and contact details of two suggested referees. No letters of reference needed at the beginning. After a first selection round referees will be contacted by CeMM to fill out a specific evaluation form. Please send your application documents (saved as PDF file), and using the reference code of your preferred project(s) (up to 3) in the subject line, to: PhD2012@cemm.at; Deadline for applications: 20 March 2012;

CeMM is an international an interdisciplinary research Center in Molecular Medicine installed by the Austrian Academy of Sciences. `From the clinic to the clinic´: Driven by medical needs, CeMM integrates basic research and clinical expertise to pursue innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches focused on cancer, inflammation and immune disorders. CeMM has a new tailor-made building at the center of the Vienna Medical University/General Hospital Campus and close to the heart of the city. Vienna has been ranked the #1 city of the world in terms of quality of life. For more information please visit our website: www.cemm.at


Anita Ender
aender@cemm.oeaw.ac.at
CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences
Vienna, Austria

Anita Ender, PhD2012@cemm.at

PhD opportunity plant genetics - University of Sydney

PhD Research Opportunity at the University of Sydney, Australia


Summary 

The life cycle of a plant begins with a single cell zygote. The zygote undergoes cell divisions to produce an embryo with two opposing poles. Cells at the basal pole make up the embryonic root and these cells will give rise to the entire root system.  Cells at the apical pole of the embryo make up a population of stem cells that are the precursors for the shoot. After germination these cells will continue to divide and differentiate to form all the organs of a plant shoot such as leaves, branches and flowers. We are using the model plant Arabidopsis to study genes and genetic networks that control of cell differentiation and development in the plant shoot and we study transcription factor genes, gene silencing and translation.

Research projects on plant developmental genetics are available in the laboratory. Projects will introduce the student to concepts of developmental biology and genetics and will enable the student to learn a broad range of techniques in molecular biology and plant development, and to gain experience in experimental design. The student will also will learn how to prepare data for written and oral presentation to promote communication of their research.

Requisites

B.Sc. in biology, biochemistry or genetics. Working knowledge of English and familiarity with basic molecular biology techniques is desirable but not exclusive.


Contact Details 

Dr. Mary Byrne

e-mail: mary.byrne@sydney.edu.au

Web: http://sydney.edu.au/science/biology/about_us/academic_staff/byrne_mary/

PhD position in Plant Science - Australia

Identification and functional characterisation of flax rust Avr genes

Flax has at least 30 resistance genes able to confer resistance to flax rust (pictured). Each resistance gene enables flax to recognise and respond to isolates of the flax rust fungus carrying a corresponding Avr gene.  Many of these resistance genes have been isolated and some (L6 and M) have been studied at the protein level. Several Avr genes have also been isolated and studied at the protein level (AvrL567, AvrM, AvrP123 and AvrP4). However, a number of flax Avr genes have not yet been identified. This project will combine next generation sequencing, bioinformatics and classical genetics to identify new Avr genes and an inhibitor gene that suppresses the ability of flax to detect some Avr genes. Gene identification will be followed by functional characterisation using an array of molecular and cell biology techniques including plant and fungal transformation, interaction cloning and protein subcellular localisation. This project will be supervised jointly by Dr David Jones, Research School of Biology, ANU, and Drs Peter Dodds and Jeff Ellis, CSIRO Plant Industry.

Supervisor profile: http://biology.anu.edu.au/david_jones/

Contact: david.jones(at)anu.edu.au

PhD position in Plant Science II - Australia

Oxygen and Water Channels in Proteins

Proteins often catalyse reactions that are remarkably efficent. Indeed compared to some industrial catalysts enzymes are remarkable in that they operate at atmospheric pressure, neutral pH, room temperature and with low substrate concentrations.  Part of this remarkable efficency is born out by substrate channels in the enzymes that direct and orcestrate the chemical reaction, transition state intermediate and the release and removal of the product.

The Photosystem II enzyme intakes H₂O and oxidises it to O₂ while cytochrome c oxidase intakes O₂and reduces it to H₂O. The 4-electron oxidation and reduction reactions are very carefully controlled to minimise any hazardous production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).  In these enzymes substrate entry and product exit is channeled into and out of a buried catalytic site. We are interested in developing a project to study the channels and substrate access in PSII and other proteins. This project will involve mutagenesis studies, spectroscopy and computational analysis of substrate and product trajectories through the protein matrix.

Examples
Murray, J.A and Barber, J (2007) Structural characteristics of channels and pathways in photosystem II including the identification of an oxygen channel. Journal of Structural Biology 159, 228–237. <link>

Ho, F.M and Styring, S (2008) Access channels and methanol binding site to the CaMn4 cluster in Photosystem II based on solvent accessibility simulations, with implications for substrate water access. Biochim Biophys Acta 1777, 140–153. <link>

Supervisor profile: http://biology.anu.edu.au/warwick_hillier/

Contact: warwick.hillier(at)anu.edu.au

Postdoctoral position in Computational Genomics - Australia

 A unique opportunity is available for an outstanding early career researcher to take up the position of Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Genomics to develop improved models of genomic diversity.
Location    Canberra/ACT
Term of Contract    Fixed Term of 2 Years
Grade    Level A
Salary Package    $58,077 - $73,669 pa plus 17% superannuation

View Academic Salary Information...
Closing Date    22 January 2012
Position Overview    The Computational Genomics Group in the John Curtin School of Medical Research at The Australian National University have made pioneering contributions to our understanding of genetic diversity within and between mammal species in areas including: the genomic distribution of linkage disequilibrium, human molecular adaptation, the influence of sex on mutation rates, the relationship between epigenetic state and genetic variation, and the radiation of mammals. These contributions have been accompanied by significant methodology developments in the form of both novel statistical models and open source software for analyses of genomic diversity. Our recent advances in models of context-dependent substitution, for instance, represent a significant advance in robust estimation of the mode of natural selection.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will work on the development and application of improved models of sequence divergence, joining a highly productive collaboration between Associate Professors Gavin Huttley and Von Bing Yap (National University of Singapore). The work will build on the PyCogent open source software toolkit for statistical modelling of molecular evolution developed in the Huttley laboratory.

If you have an outstanding track record in a relevant area such as molecular evolution, population genetics, mathematical statistics, computational or theoretical chemistry, the experience and qualifications necessary to succeed and are keen to join a leading team in research, we would welcome your application. Experience in programming will be highly regarded.

The Australian National University is an equal opportunities employer, encouraging applications from women and applicants from diverse backgrounds

*To be considered for this position, applications must address the selection criteria. Please frame your application accordingly.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Applicant Enquiries: Associate Professor Gavin Huttley
Phone: (02) 6125 7961
Email: Gavin.Huttley@anu.edu.au

Additional Information     PEWER.pdf
Position description     
Responsible to    Associate Professor Gavin Huttley
Role statement    PURPOSE STATEMENT:

A Level A Academic (Research Intensive) is expected to contribute towards the research effort of the institution and to develop his/her research expertise through the pursuit of defined projects relevant to the particular field of research. This position exists to fulfil the aims and objectives of the ARC discovery project DP1095637. The position strengthens the work area by adding to the computational expertise of the Genome Biology Program.

POSITION DIMENSION & RELATIONSHIPS:

The postdoctoral Fellow will directly work with members of the Computational Genomics Laboratory, colleagues within the Genome Biology Program and our international collaborators on improving understanding of genetic diversity through development of statistical models.

ROLE STATEMENT:

Specific duties required of a Level A Academic may include:

• interact with the Chief Investigators of the project to develop a sophisticated understanding of the grant objectives;
• work on the specification and implementation in software of novel statistical models of sequence divergence in collaboration with the Chief Investigators and the application of those models in accordance with the grant objectives,
• Undertake software development in a manner consistent with standards defined by the Chief Investigators,
• conduct research under limited supervision either as a member of team, or where appropriate, independently, and contribute to the production of conference and seminar papers and publications from that research,
• involvement in professional activities including, subject to availability of funds, attendance at conferences and seminars in the field of expertise,
• some administrative functions primarily connected with the area of research of the academic,
• occasional contributions to teaching in relation to his/her research project(s),
• experimental design, and operation of advanced laboratory and technical equipment or conduct of advanced research procedures,
• attendance at laboratory meetings associated with research or the work of the organisational unit to which the research is connected and/or at departmental and/or faculty meetings and/or membership of a limited number of committees,
• advice within the field of the staff member's research to postgraduate students,
• other duties as consistent with the classification of the position.

SKILL BASE (Academic Level A):

A Level A Academic will normally have completed four years of tertiary study in the relevant discipline and/or have equivalent qualifications and/or research experience.
In many cases a position at this level will require an honours degree or higher qualifications or equivalent 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.
Selection criteria     
    SELECTION CRITERIA:

• A PhD degree in the area of genetics, statistics, computational biology / bioinformatics or other quantitative scientific discipline and outstanding record of achievement at the postgraduate level,
• Experience or willingness to learn molecular evolution and applied statistics,
• Experience with Unix and programming in Python or a demonstrated ability to learn computer languages easily,
• A pragmatic, intellectually flexible approach to research,
• Demonstrated ability to foster inclusive, respectful and productive working relationships with staff, students and colleagues at all levels,
• Highly motivated with the ability to work collaboratively in a team as well as independently and excellent written and oral communication skills in English,
• A demonstrated understanding of equal opportunity principles and policies and a commitment to their application in a university context.

AUSTRALIA :PROGRAMA DE BECAS

Favor de difundir el presente programa de becas ofrecido por el Gobierno de Australia entre los  interesados de su campo profesional. La fecha l铆mite para la presentaci贸n de los expedientes de los postulantes es el 31 de mayo de 2011, el cual debe efectuarse en el sitio Web: http://www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/how-to-apply.cfm

 

El programa est谩 dirigido a los empleados y funcionarios de gobierno central, regional, local, o estar contratados por la empresa privada u organizaciones comunitarias.

 

Requisitos para la Postulaci贸n

 

-          Adem谩s del formulario de postulaci贸n, los postulantes deber谩n entregar.

-          Resultados de test de ingl茅s IELTS o TOEFL.

-          Certificados oficiales que acredite la titulaci贸n oficial de estudios superiores o terciarios.

-          Traducci贸n oficial de certificados que acredite la titulaci贸n oficial de estudios superiores o terciarios

-          Resultados oficiales de la malla curricular de estudios superiores o terciarios (concentraci贸n de notas).

-          3 informes de recomendadotes.

 

Adjunto la convocatoria en menci贸n.

 

Atentamente,

 

 

                        Walter Acu帽a Mart铆nez                          Encargado de Becas                    Subdirecci贸n de Capacitaci贸n          Direcci贸n de Operaciones y Capacitaci贸n Agencia Peruana de Cooperaci贸n Internacional (APCI)

Becas en Australia

Les remito información sobre un programa de becas en Australia. Se ha abierto la inscripción para la ronda de becas para 2012, dentro del programa "Endeavour Awards".  La inscripción se abrió el 1 de abril y cerrará el 30 de junio de 2011. El programa es llevado adelante por el Ministerio de Educación de Australia y por AusAID.

Las mismas están destinadas al Asia - Pacífico, Europa, Medio Oriente y América Latina y apuntan a aquellas personas que quieran realizar cursos de posgrado o doctorado en Australia. Para mayor información se puede visitar el sitio www.deewr.gov.au/endeavourawards o www.AustraliaAwards.gov.au.

Adjunto Nota con información ampliatoria.  Click Aquí

Atentamente,

Ignacio

Juan Ignacio Roccatagliata

Second Secretary

Trade Section

Embassy of the Argentine Republic in Australia

trade@argentina.org.au

(+61 02) 6273 - 9111

Graduate positions: UTasmania.2.ConservationGenetics

Scholarships (x2) for PhD conservation genetics studies of Tasmanian   fauna at the School of Zoology, University of Tasmania

Project1: Conservation genetics of Tasmanian mammals This project will
focus on species of marsupials, such as the Tasmanian bettong and eastern
quoll, which are now restricted to Tasmania, having gone extinct on
mainland Australia, and which may be threatened by the recent invasion
of the red fox. The project will assess current genetic structure and
gene flow in these species across Tasmania. These data will be linked to
dynamic species distribution models to identify high-priority populations
that should be targeted for long-term protection against potential fox
impact. The project would also use genetic methods to reconstruct the
demographic history of the Tasmanian populations of these species, and
this could include comparisons with lost genetic diversity from mainland
populations based on DNA extracted from museum specimens. This project
has the potential to make a major contribution to the conservation of
Australia's biodiversity. Supervisors: Prof Chris Johnson and Dr Chris
Burridge (University of Tasmania).

Project2: Population genetics of related montane butterfly species
This project will focus on two closely related Tasmanian butterfly
species that occupy high elevations: Oreixenica ptunarra (threatened
species) and O. lathoniella. These species differ in abundance, range,
and flight capabilities. Populations of O. ptunarra are often sympatric
with the more abundant and widespread O. lathionella, and hence this
study will contrast spatial genetic variation in the two species using
phylogeographic and population genetic (microsatellite) analyses. The
study will test hypotheses that relate differences in patterns of
spatial genetic variation between the two species to differences in
flight capabilities and habitat requirements. The threatened species
(O. ptunarra) is of particular concern with respect to vegetation
management (fire and grazing regimes), and this study will also
investigate the species' ability to move between regions of suitable
habitat as their location changes through time. Supervisors: Dr Chris
Burridge, Dr Peter McQuillan (University of Tasmania) and Dr Phil Bell
and Dr Clare Hawkins (DPIPWE, Tasmania).  Both projects are based at
the University of Tasmania (http://www.utas.edu.au ), one of Australia's
oldest universities, with great opportunities for intellectual development
and also outdoor recreation. The Central Science Laboratory contains a
large, well-equipped molecular genetics facility.

Applicants minimally require a BSc with a substantial research component
to part of their study (the latter may have been achieved by different
means depending on the country of study; within Australia this typically
represents a BSc Honours degree; externally, a MSc degree would be
the most common means of entry). Demonstrated expertise with molecular
laboratory procedures is desirable (DNA extraction, PCR, DNA sequencing,
microsatellite genotyping) but not essential, as are interests and
experience in conservation biology and GIS.

Scholarship comprises $AUS 22,500 per year (3 years, with a possible 6
month extension). Student fees will be required if the you are not an
Australian or New Zealand citizen, or an Australian permanent resident
($AUS 19,376 per year, to be paid upfront each year), unless you are
able to attract your own scholarship, in which case the fees will be
waived. Please note that the scholarship cannot be used to pay the
fees (the scholarship is provided in weekly instalments, not upfront),
and applicants seeking to meet living costs or fee payments through
additional employment simultaneously with their studies are unlikely
to be successful. Students from a non-English speaking background will
require proof of English-language ability (e.g. an IELTS of 6.5).

To apply:  Please send a cover letter expressing your interest (in the
form of an e-mail), contact details of at least two referees, and an
curriculum vitae including details of undergraduate and any (post)graduate
performance to Dr. Chris Burridge (chris.burridge@utas.edu.au
). Applications remain open until the positions are filled.

Please note, I am away from my office until April 26th, and may not be 
able to respond until after this date.

Chris Burridge
School of Zoology
University of Tasmania
Private Bag 5
Hobart, Tasmania 7001
Australia

e-mail: chris.burridge@utas.edu.au
phone: +61 3 6226 7653
fax: +61 3 6226 2745
web: http://fcms.its.utas.edu.au/scieng/zoo/pagedetails.asp?lpersonId=3D5232

Graduate position: Conservation genetics of Providence Petrel

Scholarship for MSc/PhD study at the School of Zoology, University of  

Tasmania, Hobart, Australia

Topic: Conservation genetics of the Providence Petrel

A fully funded research project with scholarship is available for 
immediate start.

Background to project:
Petrels are often important seabird species with respect to nutrient 
inputs to oceanic islands, where they commonly nest. However, on 
Norfolk Island (southwest Pacific) a huge colony of Providence Petrels 
(>1 million breeding pairs) was hunted to extinction by humans during 
the early 1800's. In the following 200 years the vegetation of Norfolk 
Island has declined, with ensuing problems of erosion, and degradation 
of habitat for other imperiled taxa such as the endemic Norfolk 
parakeet. For these reasons, managers seek to re-establish a 
population of Providence Petrel on Norfolk Island by releasing 
individuals sourced from Lord Howe Island (over 1000 km away). Similar 
colony re-establishments have already been performed successfully for 
petrel species on other islands. However, in this case an important 
conservation implication is the fate of a small Providence Petrel 
colony at Phillip Island (~30 individuals, only 4 km from Norfolk... 
not the "Phillip Island" near Melbourne). Individuals at Phillip 
Island exhibit different behaviour from those at Lord Howe (e.g. time 
of return to colony), and could represent the sole-perilously small-
population of a distinct species.

The aim of this study is to assess the distinctiveness of Lord Howe 
and Phillip Island Providence Petrels. The project will use a variety 
of genetic techniques (nuclear introns, microsatellites, mitochondrial 
DNA) to determine whether the Phillip Island colony may require 
consideration before proceeding with re-establishing a Norfolk Island 
colony. Molecular analysis will also be performed on paleontological 
Norfolk Island material, to assess the genetic distinctiveness of this 
now extinct colony. Comparisons of morphology and call dialect will 
also be performed. The breeding season occurs in May, and a field trip 
to Phillip Island to collect blood samples in 2011 is a possibility if 
a student can enroll in time. The scope of the project can be varied 
to represent either an MSc or PhD study.

The project is based at the University of Tasmania (http://www.utas.edu.au
), one of Australia's oldest universities, with great opportunities 
for intellectual development and also outdoor recreation. The Central 
Science Laboratory contains a large, well-equipped molecular genetics 
facility. Work on the paleontological material will be conducted with 
Dr. Trevor Worthy (University of New South Wales) and Dr Jeremy Austin 
at the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/acad/
). Dr David Priddel and Nicholas Carlile from the NSW Department of 
Environment and Climate Change will oversee fieldwork.

Applicants require a BSc with a substantial research component to part 
of their study (the latter may have been achieved by different means 
depending on the country of study; within Australia this typically 
represents a BSc Honours degree). Demonstrated expertise with 
molecular laboratory procedures is desirable (DNA extraction, PCR, DNA 
sequencing, microsatellite genotyping) but not essential, as are 
interests in conservation biology, molecular ecology, and species 
delineation.

The Scholarship comprises $AUS 22,500 per year (2 years for MSc; 3 
years for PhD with a possible 6 month extension). Student fees will be 
required if the you are not an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or 
an Australian permanent resident ($AUS 18,400 per year for MSc; $AUS 
19,376 per year for PhD), unless you are able to attract your own 
scholarship, in which case the fees will be waived. Students from a 
non-English speaking background will require proof of English-language 
ability (e.g. an IELTS of 6.5).

To apply:  Please send a cover letter expressing your interest (in the 
form of an e-mail), contact details of at least two referees, and an 
curriculum vitae to Dr. Chris Burridge (chris.burridge@utas.edu.au). 
Applications remain open until the position is filled.

===========================

Chris Burridge
School of Zoology
University of Tasmania
Private Bag 5
Hobart, Tasmania 7001
Australia

e-mail: chris.burridge@utas.edu.au
phone: +61 3 6226 7653
fax: +61 3 6226 2745
web: http://fcms.its.utas.edu.au/scieng/zoo/pagedetails.asp?lpersonId=5232

Postdoctoral position in plant biochemistry

Department of Genome Biology & Division of Plant Sciences, The John Curtin School of Medical Research & Research School of Biology, ANU College of Medicine, Biology and Environment

Improving photosynthetic performance of crops is an attractive untapped option to increase productivity. We have a unique lead with ANU-patented technology for design of improved Rubisco mutants, and are looking to recruit a postdoctoral fellow to our small multidisciplinary team employing bioinformatics, molecular biology, chloroplast transformation and plant physiology.
Location	Canberra/ACT
Term of Contract	Fixed Term of 2 Years
Grade	Level A
Salary Package	$56,113 - $71,178 pa plus 17% superannuation View Academic Salary Information...
Closing Date	4 February 2011
Position Overview	Although inefficiency of the key CO2-fixing enzyme, Rubisco, in photosynthesis is a major factor limiting crop productivity little attention has been given to this route for crop improvement. Our development of a new integrated procedure (now in ANU national-phase patent applications) for designing Rubisco mutants with improved kinetic profiles and validating them in vitro and in planta, initially in a tobacco-model plant, gives us a unique lead to exploit this route. We have built an integrated team with expertise in computational simulation, bioinformatics, molecular biology, chloroplast transformation, enzymology and plant physiology, and are now expanding it by new recruitments. We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow with skills in biochemistry/molecular biology and plant or animal physiology, and experience in applying them in molecular biological and cellular and/or whole organism research. The postdoctoral fellow should be able to work both independently and co-operatively as part of a collaborative team, supervise junior researchers, and have an interest in translating basic research into areas of economic and social importance. For enquiries please contact Professor Jill Gready or Associate Professor John Evans on (02) 6125 8304 or (02) 6125 4492 or email Jill.Gready@anu.edu.au or John.Evans@anu.edu.au
Additional Information	PEWER21955.pdf
Position description
Responsible to	Group Leader, Computational Proteomics and Therapy Design Group
Role statement	PURPOSE STATEMENT: The Postdoctoral Fellow will carry out part of a new collaborative research program funded by Bayer Bioscience to develop The Australian National University’s (ANU) patented technology for design of improved Rubisco mutants. The project builds on successful proof-of-concept studies and aims to design and validate a portfolio of mutants suitable for transformation into a variety of crops. KEY ACCOUNTABILITY AREAS: POSITION DIMENSION AND RELATIONSHIPS: This role is within a cross-campus multidisciplinary research project between The John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR) and the Research School of Biology (RSB), led by Professor Jill Gready. Tthe project leverages from the computational and molecular biology expertise of Professor Gready’s group in JCSMR, and from expertise in Rubisco enzymology, chloroplast transformation in a tobacco-model plant, and plant physiological assessments of photosynthesis of Associate Professor John Evans and Associate Professor Spencer Whitney in RSB. The project couples the interests of the two areas in Rubisco research and the shared goals of enhancing Rubisco performance as a means of improving photosynthetic performance and productivity of crops. The Postdoctoral Fellow will undertake plasmid preparation, sequencing and other molecular biological components of the project in JCSMR and interact strongly with researchers undertaking in silico components of the project. Within RSB, the Postdoctoral Fellow will undertake Rubisco kinetics, chloroplast transformation and whole-plant analyses. The project is one of two Rubisco-focussed projects involving a cross-campus collaboration between JCSMR and RSB. Both projects have the same overall goals but different approaches to achieving enhancement of Rubisco performance in plants. The Postdoctoral Fellow will contribute to the development of a critical mass of expertise in combining in silico Rubisco research with experimental Rubisco kinetics and plant physiology analyses. These will strengthen The Australian National University’s pre-eminence in photosynthesis research and allow for its translation into crop development and other applications. ROLE STATEMENT: Under the broad direction of the project co-supervisors, Professor Jill Gready and Associate Professor John Evans, the Postdoctoral Fellow will: 1. Contribute to the ongoing planning and assessment of progress of the project research with the project supervisors and other members of the project team, including in conjunction with meetings with the industry partner. 2. Design and carry out experiments to prepare plasmids of designed Rubisco mutants and transform them into tobacco, measure Rubisco kinetic parameters in vitro and in planta together with relevant plant physiological properties, and analyse the results. 3. Liaise with the in silico researcher position on the project undertaking the mutant design on interpretation of the kinetic and other experimental analyses to prioritise mutant production and characterization to facilitate effective feedback between in silico and experimental test steps. 4. Working with the in silico researcher position on the project, co-ordinate the overall workflow of the project to maintain focus on the project milestones and reduce avoidable loss of time and resources. 5. Train and supervise project technical support staff in carrying out relevant experimental components of the project research, including setting up and maintenance of glasshouse experiments, and liaise with other researchers in the case where such staff are shared with another project. 6. Working with the in silico researcher position on the project, co-ordinate the writing of 6-monthly reports for the industry partner and assist with other reporting functions and meetings with the industry partner as necessary. 7. Independently or in collaboration with others, prepare reports of research results for varied purposes, including for funder, present research results to a range of audiences, both academic/research and translational (e.g. funder), and take a lead or co-lead role in preparing manuscripts for publication in international peer-reviewed journals or other appropriate publications 8. Offer guidance and, where appropriate, contribute to training undergraduate and postgraduate research students. 9. Attend and contribute to regular project research meetings, and other laboratory research meetings as appropriate, and maintain current awareness of the relevant scientific literature. 10. Maintain research records compliant with requirements for protecting IP rights, as specified in the Bayer Bioscience – ANU Agreement and ANU IP Policy. Maintain commercial-in-confidence material appropriately. 11. Other duties as consistent with the classification of the position. A Level A Academic shall work with support, guidance and/or direction from staff classified at Level B and above and with an increasing degree of autonomy as the research academic gains in skill and experience. SKILL BASE A Level A Academic will normally have completed four years of tertiary study in the relevant discipline and/or have equivalent qualifications and/or research experience. In many cases a position at this level will require an honours degree or higher qualifications or equivalent 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.
Selection criteria
	SELECTION CRITERIA: 1. Ability to conduct research and contribute to obtaining research funding in the field of biochemistry/molecular biology, plant or animal physiology. A PhD in one of these areas is highly desirable. 2. Demonstrated experience in applying molecular biological and cellular and/or whole organism methods in plant and/or animal research. A knowledge and understanding of IP rights and patenting procedures will be highly regarded. 3. Ability to contribute to dissemination of research results in an academic environment through a demonstrated record of preparing reports of research results for required purposes, presenting research results to a range of audiences, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. 4. An interest in working in basic strategic research with a translational pathway to an outcome of economic and/or social importance would be beneficial. 5. Ability to work both independently and co-operatively as part of a collaborative team. Experience in working within a multidisciplinary team, including in training and supervision of junior researchers and technical staff will be highly regarded. 6. Well developed oral and written communication skills including the ability to maintain confidential material and information. 7. A demonstrated understanding of equal opportunity principles and policies and a commitment to their application in a university context.