Postdoctoral opportunity - Systematist - Lamiales

[Jim Croft]

CSIRO PLANT INDUSTRY, Canberra ACT, AUSTRALIA

Post Doctoral Fellows $46K - $53K + SUPERANNUATION

CSIRO Plant Industry seeks to benefit Australia’s agri-business
industries through research that improves international
competitiveness and sustains the resource base.  This is achieved by
applying strategic research in the plant sciences to promote
profitable and sustainable agri-food and fibre industries, develop
novel plant products and improve natural resource management.  The
Division has a staff of over 800 with 60% located at its
headquarters in Canberra and other groups located at sites across
Australia.
	
Plant Systematist  PG:00120

We are seeking an experienced Post Doctoral Fellow to assist in the
development of a systematics research project concentrating on the
Australasian members of the Lamiales.

The successful applicant will assess morphological characters and
apply this data to re-evaluate the major monophyletic groupings in
the Labiatae. They will use molecular systematics and DNA sequences
in a complementary fashion to expand the molecular database with
emphasis on Australasian groups.

He/she will have the ability to conduct independent and innovative
research aimed at resolving taxonomic problems in the Lamiales and a
demonstrated understanding of modern methods of phylogenetic
systematics. Candidates must have a PhD in Plant Systematics and
Evolution.

For further information contact Dr Judy West (02) 6246 5113 or email
judy.west at pi.csiro.au

This position is for a term of 3 years.

Pre-employment medical criteria exist for these positions.

An Information Package and Selection Documentation for the positions
can be obtained by contacting our answering service on (02) 6246
5434, by fax (02) 6246 5000 or by email recruit at pi.csiro.au.
Alternatively, hearing impaired applicants may call TTY on (02) 6246
5136.  This information is also available via our web site
http://www.pi.csiro.au/

Applicants must obtain and respond to the Selection Criteria and
Duty Statement.  Address your application for the above positions
quoting the appropriate reference number and include details of your
experience, skills and qualifications.  Please mark applications
‘Confidential’ and forward to Naomi Hedgecoe, Human Resources, CSIRO
Plant Industry, GPO Box 1600, Canberra ACT 2601, by 6 November 2000

(NOTE: THIS POSITION IS TO BE INCLUDED ON THE INTERNET PAGE
‘EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN AUSTRALIA’.  THIS ADVERTISEMENT IS NOT 
RESTRICTED TO AUSTRALIAN APPLICANTS ONLY)

POSITION NO: PG:00120 DUTY STATEMENT
CSIRO PLANT INDUSTRY, GPO Box 1600, CANBERRA  ACT  2601, AUSTRALIA

(Closing Date 6 November, 2000)

CLASSIFICATION:  Post Doctoral Fellow (CSIRO Officer Level 4)

POSITION NO:  PG:00105

PROGRAM:  UA – Australian Flora Resources and Management

SUPERVISOR:  Dr Judy West (02) 6246 5113

TENURE:  Term - 3 years

LOCATION:  Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT, AUSTRALIA

MAIN PURPOSE:

To assist in the development of a systematics research project
concentrating on the Australasian members of Lamiales. It is
anticipated that the research project will combine detailed
morphological and anatomical analysis of key characters, with DNA
studies, to search for stronger support for currently hypothesised
clades in Labiatae. The research will involve the establishment of a
taxonomic project to form the core of a broad-scale Lamiales
research area involving other collaborators within the Centre for
Plant Biodiversity Research as well as external to CSIRO. The
position will be based in Canberra.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop a major systematics research project in the Labiatae, which
will form the core of a Lamiales focus for the Centre for Plant
Biodiversity Research.

Assess morphological characters and apply this data to re-evaluate
the major monophyletic groupings in the Labiatae.

Use molecular systematics and DNA sequences in complementary fashion
to expand molecular database with emphasis on Australasian groups.
Develop collaborative research links within Australia and
externally.

Communicate the results of research and analyses orally and in
written form to colleagues within the project, other systematists,
the scientific research community and stakeholders.
Liaise with supervisor and project collaborators to ensure project
milestones are achieved on time.

Define problems for investigation and develop, plan and recommend
research by consulting with other scientists, industry and published
literature.

POSITION NO: PG:00120  SELECTION CRITERIA
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW - CSOF 4

(Closing Date 6 November, 2000)

Pre-requisite: PhD in plant systematics and evolution or a related
discipline.

1.  TASK AREAS AND ASSOCIATED PRINCIPAL ACTIVITES

1.1  Ability to conduct independent and innovative research aimed at
resolving taxonomic problems in the Lamiales.

1.2  Demonstrated ability to perform high quality research
characterised by originality and creativity.

1.3  Demonstrated understanding of modern methods of phylogenetic
systematics.

1.4  Demonstrated ability to organise a research program,
efficiently delivering outcomes against deadlines.

1.5  Demonstrated evidence of research achievements in systematics.

2.  PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

2.1  Experience with standard taxonomic, field, laboratory,
anatomical and herbarium techniques, including SEM and light
microscopy.

2.2  Experience in a range of accepted molecular systematic
techniques, including analysis of molecular data.

2.3  Demonstrated skills in oral and written presentations to
colleagues, the broader scientific community, and stakeholders, with
ability to communicate complex scientific issues to a wide variety
of audiences.

3. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

3.1  Adaptability and the ability to work both independently and
co-operatively as part of a team.

3.2  Ability to liaise and collaborate with external co-workers and
collaborators.

3.3  Good organisational and analytical skills

3.4  Demonstrated ability to use initiative.

3.5  Ability to work in accordance with Equal Employment
Opportunity, Occupational Health and Safety and Industrial Democracy
principles.

3.6  Reliability, accuracy, thoroughness, tenacity.

4. COMMITMENT

4.1  Demonstrated evidence of self-motivation and initiative,
requiring minimal supervision.

4.2  Demonstrated commitment to high levels of personal performance
and the provision of quality outcomes.

4.3  Ability to aid and instruct others in field laboratory
procedures.

4.4  Ability to adapt to changes in procedural demands in the course
of the project.

Applications should be framed against the Selection Criteria.