Post Doctoral Fellow - Taxonomy

This is an opportunity for an early-career insect taxonomist with a special interest in weevils (Curculionidae) to make a contribution to the largest and most significant collection of Australian weevils in the world.

The successful applicant would contribute to the development of the Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC), with a focus on weevils, however, we are willing to consider applicants whose research experience has been with other insect orders but who are willing to redirect their interest to weevils. The ANIC is the pre-eminent and largest collection of Australian insects and other invertebrates in the world and is an invaluable resource and research tool. It is housed at CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, which also conducts research in many aspects of insect biology, including ecology, biocontrol, biosecurity, biosensors and as model genomic systems.  

Specifically you will bring cutting edge systematic methodology to the world-class research already conducted by CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences on weevil evolutionary biology/taxonomy, which could include using some or all of the following tools:

• combined molecular and morphological systematics
• chemical taxonomy (e.g. pheromone research)
• morphological characterisation/imaging analysis
• ecological/life history determination
• applying web-based technologies to facilitate taxonomic procedures or products
• plant-insect interactions (including pathological or beneficial associations depending upon the study group).

Location:  Canberra, ACT
Salary:     $70K- $80K PLUS up to 15.4% Superannuation
Ref No:   2010/974

To be successful you'll:

• Demonstrated skills as an insect systematist/taxonomist with experience in Curculionidae, or a willingness to retrain to study weevils.
• Research experience in modern systematic methodology, which could include activities from the following (or other similar) areas of technical specialization (molecular systematics, chemical taxonomy, ability to analyse combined molecular and morphological data sets, ecological determination, plant-insect interactions, web based delivery of taxonomic products).
• Independent thinking and capacity to be self-starting.
• A team player, who values and respects other team members and their contributions and who works in partnership with colleagues.
• Capacity to work successfully within a structured research organisation and deal with change in a constructive way.

About CSIRO:

Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), is a powerhouse of ideas, technologies and skills for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments, industries, business and communities. CSIRO  has over 6,500 staff located across the country and aims to deliver great science and innovative solutions for industry, society and the environment by igniting the creative spirit of its staff. 

CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences (CES) In partnership with the community and industry, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences undertakes world-class research on enzymology and synthetic biology, ecology and evolutionary biology.

http://www.csiro.au/org/About-CES.html

Weevil systematics research at the Australian National insect Collection is conducted in the Zimmerman Weevil Research Laboratory, which currently consists of a research scientist (the Zimmerman Fellow), a PhD student, a full-time and a part-time technician. The Laboratory is fully stocked with literature on Australian weevils and modern imaging equipment, and additional equipment for systematic research is available elsewhere in the ANIC and CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged to apply for all CSIRO positions.