Postdoctoral Research Associate

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The School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) is involved with many field-based projects that deliver outstanding research. The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) examines life from the core of the Earth to its upper atmosphere, deep in time through to the present and modelling towards the future.

Research within BEES is clustered within four general thematic areas:

o Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

o Climate Science

o Environmental Change, Sustainability and Resources

o Paleoenvironments and Earth History

BEES hosts the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, which comprises one of the largest and most diverse research groups in the area of evolutionary ecology and genetics in Australia.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be involved in conducting research on Transgenerational Consequences of Different Environmental Experiences. The research will form part of Prof. Nakagawa's ARC project DP200100367. The position will involve performing experimental work in the laboratory and research synthesis of the relevant literature. Although there are some pre-specified projects, the Postdoctoral Research Associate is encouraged to develop their own ideas as well as driving these planned projects.

About the role

• $95K - $102K plus 9.5% superannuation and leave loading
• Fixed Term – 23 months
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role of Postdoctoral Research Associate reports to Prof. Shinichi Nakagawa and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Conduct experimental using invertebrate model of transgenerational effects (most likely Drosophila although it was initially planned to use a zebrafish system). These experiments involve breeding, phenotyping and maintenance.
• Conduct research synthesis (systematic reviews, meta-analyses, research weaving) of academic literature on transgenerational effects.
• Collect and analyse data, manage databases and coordinate record keeping for research activities.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposal submissions to funding bodies and actively seek collaboration with industry partners as appropriate.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
• Assist with the training of research assistants and students.
• Assist with the supervision of Honours and Higher Degree students, as opportunities arise.
• Coordinate research activities, actively contribute to research outputs to meet project milestones and any other research activities, as required.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant

To be successful in this role you will have:

• PhD or equivalent in Biological/Life Sciences or related area.
• Demonstrated experience in relevant empirical research, with strong preference for behavioural/cognition research (especially on insects; experience with Drosophila is a plus) although not essential.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• An understanding and experience in research synthesis (preferred but not required; a record of publishing a review or opinion article would count towards this).
• Strong skills in experimental design, data collection, statistical analyses (in R) and project management.
• A track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Superb work ethic, strong commitment to transparency and meticulous attention to detail, including record keeping.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently as a part of a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.

Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application. Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
Shinichi Nakagawa
E: [email protected]
Applications close: March 25th, 2020

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