[Aqualist] PDF available RSBS, ANU, Canberra

[Tim Barrows]

 From Hilary Stuart-Williams <Hilary at RSBS.ANU.EDU.AU>


THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
RESEARCH SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY GROUP

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
Prof G.D. Farquhar (Plant Physiology/Stable Isotopes) has a vacancy for a
Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) to work on an ARC-funded Discovery project
entitled 'Using the fractionation of hydrogen and carbon isotopes to analyse
the mechanisms of the primary processes of photosynthesis'.   This project
is a combined study with Prof J. Andrews (Molecular Plant Physiology group)
concentrating on the mechanism and regulation of Rubisco and its gene
expression, with emphasis on how it responds to changing conditions.
Prof Farquhar's main focus in this project is in the flow and fractionation
of hydrogen stable isotopes  (from environmental water) and CO2 derived
carbon into the carbohydrate products of the Calvin cycle.  Methods of study
include isotopic analysis, mathematical modelling and experimentation on
wild and cultivated plants.   Excellent facilities are available for
isotopic analysis and experimentation with plant physiology, including
controlled growth and the construction of innovative experimental equipment.
  There are three continuous-flow isotope ratio mass spectrometers in the
group, in addition to dual-inlet facilities on one of these and an
additional dual-inlet machine. We also perform elemental analyses and have
good access to HPLC etc. The Molecular Plant Physiology laboratory has
outstanding facilities for this project and leading expertise in the study
and synthesis of Rubisco.  Goals of the combined study are to improve
photosynthetic efficiency and crop growth, as well as to better the
theoretical understanding of photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism.
The applicant's duties (in collaboration with other members of the group)
are likely to include selection of appropriate species, growth of plants
under controlled conditions, extraction and separation of plant products and
preparation of samples for isotopic analysis.  This will demand a knowledge
of  metabolic pathways in plants and an understanding of interactions
between chemical components both pre- and post mortem.  Separation will
probably involve some wet chemistry and chromatographic methods.  Training
will be given in preparing samples for stable isotope mass spectrometry, the
theoretical and practical basis of  stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry
and interpretation of mass spectrometric data.
Farquhar's and Andrew's groups have strong national and international
reputations, with linkages to laboratories in Europe and USA. Successful
candidates with have the opportunity to enhance their career prospects by
forming collaborations both in Australia and overseas. Additional
information may be found at
http://www.rsbs.anu.edu.au/rsbsweb/groups/mpp.shtml and
http://www.rsbs.anu.edu.au/rsbsweb/groups/envbio.shtml .
Candidates should have a PhD with experience in Plant physiology,
biochemistry or molecular biology, and analytical methods. Enquiries: Prof
Graham Farquhar, telephone 02 6125 53743, fax 02 6125 4919, email
Farquhar at rsbs.anu.edu.au or Dr Hilary Stuart-Williams, telephone 02 6125
2099, email hilary at rsbs.anu.edu.au.
Appointment: PDF - Three-year fixed-term. Successful applicants may take up
the position immediately. Candidates completing a PhD before June 2003 are
encouraged to apply.
Salary: Postdoctoral Fellow (Level A) $42,317 - 51,066 pa (A successful
applicant holding a PhD will be appointed at $47,721 pa min) (Australian
dollars)
Further particulars, including selection criteria, are available from John
Nugent:  Telephone (02) 6125 4138; Fax (02) 6125 4891; Email
John.Nugent at ANU.edu.au

Closing Date: 4th April 2003

*********************************


Hilary Stuart-Williams PhD.
Research Officer in Stable Isotopes
Environmental Biology Group
Research School of Biological Sciences
Australian National University
Canberra, ACT, Australia
(02) 6125 2099
Personal home: www.webone.com.au/~hnksw