Quantitative molecular ecologist Monash University (Melbourne, Australia) to study ecology of telomere dynamics in fairy-wrens
Start date: between April and Sep 2015
Anne Peters at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, in collaboration with Simon Verhulst, Groningen University, The Netherlands, is seeking an experienced Quantitative Molecular Ecologist to explore the ecology of molecular senescence (telomere attrition). Telomeres shorten as organisms age and short telomeres are associated with greater predisposition to diseases, accelerated organismal senescence and shorter lifespan. Telomere shortening rate is known to vary with external influences and individual quality. This project will use longitudinal sampling of telomere length in individual fairy-wrens, of known age and pedigree. The telomere information will be combined with state of the art statistical methods to study telomere dynamics in relation to life-history and ecology, to disentangle effects of senescence and selective disappearance, and to assess environmental and genetic effects on telomere attrition rate.
As the successful candidate, you will join Anne Peters’ group studying behavioural and evolutionary ecology of fairy-wrens, based at Monash University (Melbourne, Australia). You will be expected to optimise and implement existing qPCR protocols for use in fairy-wrens and apply these to blood/DNA samples (> 2000 longitudinal samples). You will further be expected to maintain consistently high research output in the form of quality publications, supervise and train students, develop and submit grant proposals to external funding agencies, contribute more generally to research activities of the group, and participate in appropriate career development activities. The position (Level A, starting salary ~$75 p.a. with annual increments) is for three years subject to satisfactory annual progress.
Requirements:
-A PhD in molecular ecology, with extensive experience in qPCR, preferably of telomeres
-A publication track record in high-quality journals that clearly reflects the ability to conduct and publish research in the field of molecular ecology
-Demonstrated evidence of a strong interest in applying state-of-the-art molecular methods to current evolutionary and ecological questions with meticulous attention to detail and high quality lab work.
- Strong quantitative skills in the R-environment are highly advantageous, especially animal modelling framework
-Ability to work independently
-Enthusiastic about collaborative research
-Have the ability to communicate effectively with other scientists at the interface of lab and field ecology
-Have a strong command of English
For further details about the host and institution see:
https://sites.google.com/site/petersresearchgroup/
http://monash.edu/science/about/schools/biological-sciences/
and http://www.rug.nl/staff/s.verhulst/
Send a letter of interest about your research achievements and interests to Anne Peters (anne.peters@monash.edu).
This call for expressions of interest will shortly be followed by a call for application through an online application system with a short deadline (t.b.a.). Interested suitable candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Anne for further information.