[Aqualist] positions available (Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, Adelaide University)

[Tim Barrows]

Two positions are available at the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, 
Adelaide University (www.adelaide.edu.au/acad)

Postdoc: Genetic studies of megafaunal extinctions across the 
Southern Hemisphere
The Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD) has an Australian 
Research Council-funded project to investigate the genetic impacts 
and relative roles of climate change and human colonisation on 
megafaunal species and subsequent extinction events across the 
Southern Hemisphere. This position will involve collecting megafaunal 
remains from caves and museums in South America, New Zealand and 
Australia as well as rigorous ancient DNA laboratory techniques and 
large scale population genetic analyses to study demographic and 
phylogeographic histories. A PhD student is associated with the 
project and co-supervision will be part of the role. A PhD or 
equivalent experience in a relevant discipline (ancient DNA, zoology, 
population genetics, palaeoecology, or archaeology) is required, 
along with a background in ancient DNA or similar analytical skills 
in molecular biology, and a keen interest in natural history and 
evolution. Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the 
ability to liase, collaborate and interact with a large international 
team of researchers will be important, along with experience with 
advanced computational phylogenetic packages. The salary will be in 
the range of (Level B) Aus $64,757-76,900 pa, with an employer 
superannuation contribution of 9%, and is available immediately for a 
period of 2 years. 
<http://www.adelaide.edu.au/jobs/current/11085/>http://www.adelaide.edu.au/jobs/current/11085/ 


Technician: Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities (CERF) 
funded research position into endemic small mammals: Biodiversity, 
taxonomy and extinction processes.
A 2-year CERF-funded research assistant (technician grade) position 
is available at the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD) on a 
project to study small mammal biodiversity, taxonomy and extinction 
processes using historical museum specimens and cave preserved 
subfossil remains. This study is part of a larger project involving 
Prof Steve Donnellan (South Australian Museum), and Dr Ken Aplin 
(Project leader, ANU/CSIRO) analysing biodiversity of endemic small 
vertebrates, past and present. The ACAD project aims to fundamentally 
redesign current approaches to assessing biodiversity in the past, 
and to analysing the causes of changes in biodiversity, as well as 
providing a solid taxonomic framework for extinct and extant 
Australian small mammals, including the detection of cryptic species 
that may still survive. The technical work will involve ancient DNA 
extraction and sequencing, and computational analyses. There is a 
strong potential for a suitable applicant to be involved in 
publications, and an ability and willingness to assist with technical 
training of postgraduate students would be helpful. A highly 
motivated person is required, with strong scientific background in 
evolution, population genetics and molecular biological laboratory 
work, and a demonstrated capacity for initiative and independent 
thinking. Salary:  HEO 4  $42,325 - $46,555 pa, with an employer 
superannuation contribution of 9%.

To obtain the selection criteria or further information, please 
contact Ms Maria Lekis, maria.lekis at adelaide.edu.au


Maria Lekis
Network Administrator
ARC Environmental Futures Research Network
The University of Adelaide
Darling Building, Rm 209a
North Terrace Campus SA 5005
Australia
Ph: +61 08 8303 3952 Fax: +61 08 8303 4364
Visit us at: <http://www.adelaide.edu.au/efn/>http://www.adelaide.edu.au/efn/
or <http://www.adelaide.edu.au/efn/>http://www.adelaide.edu.au/efn/


http://www.ees.adelaide.edu.au/acad/