• Contribute to research with real impact!
• Offering outstanding career development and professional support
• Join CSIRO, Australia's premier science and technology research organisation

 Role Overview:
CSIRO offers PhD graduates an opportunity to launch their scientific careers through our Office of the Chief Executive (OCE) Postdoctoral Fellowships.  Successful applicants will work with leaders in the field of science and receive personal development and learning opportunities.

Applications are invited for a three-year OCE Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Genomics of Climate Adaptability.

The Position
There is mounting evidence for large differences between species in their ability to adapt to climate change.  On one hand some ‘climate specialists’ confined to tropical or semi-tropical rainforest habitats may have negligible ability to adapt to altered climate regimes (see eg Nature 470: 479; Science 325:1244). On the other hand some generalist species may become invasive in the disrupted ecosystems generated by climate change.  There would clearly be profound consequences for biodiversity management strategies if these patterns prove to be general phenomena.

CSIRO, University of Melbourne and Monash University have therefore begun a large, multidisciplinary collaboration to test a range of species for their phenotypic and genotypic abilities to adapt to altered climates, and to determine the genomic basis for these abilities.  The initial focus has been on 20 Drosophila species but we are also extending our work to other species, including bactroceran fruit flies. 

This position focuses mainly on potentially invasive species, including a mix of Drosophila and Bactrocera.  As a Postdoctoral Fellow, your primary responsibilities will include bioinformatic and biostatistical analyses of genome data, and you will also have the opportunity to contribute to empirical studies, including some complementary metabolomic work.

Specifically you will:

• Undertake research on the comparative genomics of climate stress responses in Drosophila and Bactrocera species.
• Develop innovative concepts and ideas for further research
• Under broad supervision, assist in the planning and preparation of research proposals and carry out investigations requiring originality, creativity and innovation.
• Produce high quality scientific and technical outputs including journal articles, conference papers and presentations, patents and technical reports.

Location:    Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT
Salary:       $81K - $88K plus up to 15.4% superannuation 
Tenure:      Specified Term of 3 years
Reference:  ACT13/01472

To be successful in this position you will need:

• A PhD, or will shortly satisfy requirements for a PhD, in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in genome bioinformatics / biostatistics and preferably also some training in biochemistry
• Demonstrated ability to develop and pursue novel research approaches
• Evidence of strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to publish the results of scientific research in scientific journals and present research at national/international conferences.

Note:  Owing to the terms of CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowships, you must not have more than 3 years relevant post doctoral experience.

Who we are: The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is one of the largest and most diverse scientific organisations in the world. By igniting the creative spirit of our people, we deliver great science and innovative solutions that benefit industry, society and the environment.

About: At CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences we apply multidisciplinary science to the sustainability of Australia’s agriculture and forestry, built environments, biodiversity, communities, and industries.  We do this through research into environmental, biological, economic and societal interactions.

Click on the link below to view the full Position Description and Selection Criteria.

Position Details - ACT13/01472