Studentships at Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Canberra

[Jim Croft]

The Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research is a collaborative research
centre formed between CSIRO Plant Industry and Biodiversity Group,
Environment Australia.  The Centre's research program covers a wide
range of activities aimed at documenting, classifying and conserving
Australia's flora.

To promote these aims, we are now offering the following three
positions, based in Canberra, ACT, Australia:

1. PHD STUDENTSHIP: Conservation genetics of rare and endangered species.

Term: 3 years and six months, subject to satisfactory progress

A PhD studentship is available for work on the demography and population
genetics of two rare plant species - Gentiana wingecarribinensis and
Grevillea iaspicula.

The successful applicant will be expected to develop a research program,
a significant primary goal of which is the development of conservation
management strategies for these endangered species.  A range of research
approaches are possible, including demographic monitoring, investigation
of reproductive biology and the use of genetic markers to examine genetic
diversity and mating system parameters.  Some population modelling may be
appropriate.

The successful applicant will be expected to work closely with a range of
government agencies involved in establishing and monitoring conservation
plans for the species.

The student will be required to enrol and be accepted for a PhD in the
Department of Forestry at the Australian National University.  Research
work will be carried out at the Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research
under the supervision of Dr Andrew Young, who may be contacted for
further details on +61-02-6246-5318, or email a.young at pi.csiro.au

Applications close 3 October 1997.

2. PHD STUDENTSHIP: Systematics of Flowering Plants

Term: 3 years and six months subject to satisfactory progress

A PhD Studentship placed in CSIRO Plant Industry and the Australian
National Herbarium is available for research in plant systematics of
Australian angiosperms.

The successful applicant will be expected to:

1.      have primary interest in, and commitment to, collection-based
research in systematic botany,

2.      be familiar with, or be keen to learn, a range of systematic
methods and techniques (e.g. comparative, morphological, molecular,
cytogenetic, phylogenetic and historical biogeographic analyses) in
their research, and

3.      have interest and experience in field work

He/she will develop a research program/project with a mix of
morphological and molecular studies on some element of the Australian
flora.  We are particularly interested in the following groups:
Portulacaceae, Asteraceae, Myrtaceae, Proteaceae, Orchidaceae, Fabaceae
and Mimosaceae.

This scholarship provides an opportunity to work with Plant Systematists
with international reputations and in an herbarium and research centre
with valuable networks and research facilities.

The student will be required to enrol and be accepted for a PhD in the
Australian National University, Canberra.  Research will be carried out
at the Australian National Herbarium, Centre for Plant Biodiversity
Research under the supervision of Dr Judy West and Dr Randy Bayer.

Contact Dr West on +61-02-6246-5113 or email j.west at pi.csiro.au or
Dr Bayer on +61-02-6246-5514, or email r.bayer at pi.csiro.au for further
details.  Fax number for both persons is +61-02-6246-5249.
Applications close 3 October 1997.


3. POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW: Taxonomic relationships in eastern Australian
                                   Pultenaea.

Term: 2 years and nine months

CSIRO Plant Industry are seeking a Post Doctoral Fellow to work on a
project aimed at resolving taxonomic problems in Pultenaea (Fabaceae).
The person will have a relevant PhD and proven research achievements
in systematics.

He/she will have developed a good understanding of modern methods of
phylogenetic systematics and have experience with standard taxonomic
laboratory and herbarium techniques, particularly SEM and light
microscopy.  Experience with techniques for analysing taxonomic
variation, including multivariate analyses is important, as are
effective oral and written communication skills.

The duties will involve development of DELTA database for the relevant
taxa, preparation of a revision of the genus Pultenaea and a treatment
of the eastern Australian species for Flora of Australia.

This appointment is for a term of 2 years 9 months.

For further information contact Dr Judy West +61-02-6246-5113 or
email j.west at pi.csiro.au

The Duty Statement and Selection Criteria can be obtained by
contacting Jenny Davis-Downs +61-02-6246-5183 or fax +61-02-6246-5000,
or email j.davis-downs at pi.csiro.au

As a first step, applicants are advised to obtain the Selection Criteria
and Duty Statement.  Address your application for the above position,
quoting Reference No PG:97037, and include details of your experience,
skills and qualifications.  Please mark 'Confidential' and forward to:
The Personnel Section, CSIRO Plant Industry, GPO Box 1600, Canberra
ACT  2601 by 8 September 1997.

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Applicants for all three positions are encouraged to obtain further
information by contacting the appropriate supervisor or Jenny
Davis-Downs as above.

Applications for positions 1 and 2 should include a curriculum vitae
with academic record, a statement of your current study program and
research interests, and the names and address of two referees, at least
one of whom should be able to comment on your University career.

Information about the Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research and the
Australian Herbarium can be found at
             http://www.anbg.gov.au/cpbr/
including links to collaborating organizations.