Position available - botanical systematist - Canberra

[Jim Croft]

Advertisement as in Australian Sept. 16-17 and Nature.

SYSTEMATIST  (PG:95046)
$49K - $59K + Superannuation  [Australian Dollars]

The Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research was formed in 1993 as a
joint venture between the CSIRO Division of Plant Industry and the
Australian Nature Conservation Agency. The national perspective of
the Centre incorporates the native plant research activities and the
combined herbarium collections of the CSIRO Australian National
Herbarium and the Australian National Botanic Gardens Herbarium.

The amalgamated herbarium, known as the Australian National
Herbarium, forms a core to the Centre. It consists of nearly 1
million specimens with a broad coverage of Australia and Malesia,
particularly New Guinea

A major research area of the Centre focuses on the biodiversity and
evolution of the Australian flora. This program involves research
into the taxonomy, systematics, evolution and phylogeny of the
Australian flora, to determine the diversity, distribution,
relationships and genetic systems of native genera and species
including micro-organisms.

We would like to further extend our commitment to this area of
research through the appointment of an experienced systematist with
strong interests in the use and application of modern molecular
technologies to broad questions concerning the evolution and
relationships within the Australian and related floras. The
successful appointee will be expected to develop and lead an active
systematics research program. Particular areas of focus are
negotiable.  We see the appointee as having a key role in the
development and application of molecular technologies to systematics
in the Centre. The successful applicant will have a PhD in
systematics with a minimum of 7 years relevant post doctoral
experience, be internationally recognised as an expert in
systematics, with demonstrated high level of ability in research
leadership and the organisation and co-ordination of research
programs.

This appointment has indefinite tenure

For further information contact Dr Judy West on ph + 61 6.246 5113,
email judy.west at pi.csiro.au or Dr. Jeremy Burdon on ph + 61 6 246
5084, email jeremy.burdon at pi.csiro.au.  The Duty Statement, Selection
Criteria and Information Package can be obtained by contacting
Gillian Harris-Mayes on ph + 61 6 246 5230, fax + 61 6 246 5000,
email gillianh at pi.csiro.au

Candidates should note that the closing date for this position is 13
October 1995



DUTY STATEMENT


CSIRO
DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY
GPO BOX 1600
CANBERRA  ACT  2601


CLASSIFICATION:  Systematist (CSIRO Officer Level 6)

POSITION NO:  PG: 95046

PROGRAM:  Australian Flora Resources and Management Program
          Biodiversity and Evolution of Australian Flora Subprogram

SUPERVISOR:  Dr J G West 246 5113

TENURE:      Term -Indefinite

LOCATION:    Black Mountain


MAIN PURPOSE:

To develop an active systematics research program with negotiable
areas of focus. This position is critically involved in the
development and application of molecular technologies to systematics
in the Division.


MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

1  Conduct scientific research of the highest calibre.

2  Assume responsibility for the management and scientific leadership
   of the systematics research group.

3  Foster collaboration within the program, Division and in the
   related disciplines of the wider Australian scientific community.

4  Serve on Divisional and Organisational committees as required.

5  Identify and pursue sources of external funding support.

6  Take responsibility for botanical curation of a number of families
   or groups of plants.

7  Supervise post graduate students.



SELECTION CRITERIA

SYSTEMATIST - CSOF 6
DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY
(PG:95046)


1  TASK AREAS AND ASSOCIATED PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

  1.1  Development of an active systematics research program, with a
       negotiable area of focus.

  1.2  Development and application of molecular technologies to
       systematics in the Division.

  1.3  International recognition as an expert in systematics.

2  PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  2.1  PhD in systematics with a minimum of seven years post-doctoral
       or equivalent experience.

  2.2  Demonstrated  extensive experience in systematics research.

  2.3  Experience in the use and application of modern molecular
       techniques to systematics.

  2.4  Experience in the use of modern phylogenetic computer
       programs.

  2.5  Experience in the development of botanical databases and their
       application in research.

  2.6  Extensive publication record.

  2.7  Experience in obtaining external funds.

  2.8  Experience in supervising postgraduate students.

3  PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

  3.1  Demonstrated ability in the organisation and co-ordination of
       research programs.

  3.2  Well developed and effective oral and written communication
       skills.

  3.3  Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as part of a team
       and to collaborate in research programs.

  3.4  Ability to operate as a supervisor in accordance with the
       Equal Employment Opportunity, Occupational Health & Safety and
       Industrial Democracy principles.

4  COMMITMENT

  4.1  Demonstrated commitment to a high level of personal
       performance.


Applications should be framed against the Selection Criteria.




Judy West
Director, Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research

judyw at pi.csiro.au