Classification: Academic Level A
Salary package: $73,309 - $92,015 per annum plus 17% superannuation
Term: Full time, Fixed term (3 years)

Position overview

ANU has an international reputation for research and education relevant to the health and well-being of the population of Australia, as well as that of the developing world. This is achieved through discovery research, applied research in health service settings, research-led teaching in health and medical sciences, and the translation of research findings into practice and policy. The ANU College of Science comprises of the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, the Research School of Biology, the Research School of Chemistry, the Research School of Earth Science, the Fenner School of Environment and Society, the Mathematical Sciences Institute, the Research School of Physics and Engineering, and the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science. These schools work together to deliver world-class research and education. The College has a strong tradition of research excellence that has fostered distinguished Nobel Laureates and Kyoto Prize winners and that trains scientific leaders in disciplines in which the ANU is consistently ranked in the top twenty in the world.

This project will examine the role that flies (Insecta: Diptera) play in transmitting microbes from the environment to domestic animals and humans. While files are often viewed as carriers of disease, exactly what they transmit, and over what distances, remains poorly understood. We will conduct high throughput sequencing to survey the microorganisms on two common fly species and explore the use of flies as autonomous drones for environmental sampling. This will involve sequencing, assembly and identification of microbe genomes from individual flies. Using a novel marker system, the we will then measure how far these species can be detected carrying microbes from a point bait source. This project will generate novel data into how microbes disperse, but also have immediate agricultural and medical applications.

The desired candidate should have a Ph.D. in microbiology, entomology, ecology, evolutionary biology or a related field. He or she should be independent and self-driven, with a solid understanding of microbiology, with experience in the wet lab, as well as bioinformatic analysis. The candidate should have a strong track record or first-author papers, and evidence of excellent organisational skills. This work is a partnership between and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), so good communication and interpersonal will be helpful. Familiarity with insect identification is a positive, though not required.

The Australian National University is a world-leading institution and provides a range of lifestyle, financial and non-financial rewards and programs to support staff in maintaining a healthy work/life balance whilst encouraging success in reaching their full career potential. For more information, please click here.

ANU Values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. People with a disability are encouraged to apply. For more information about staff equity at ANU, click here.”

For more information about the position please contact A/Prof. Alexander Mikheyev, E: alexander.mikheyev@anu.edu.au

Application information

In order to apply for his role, please make sure that you upload the following documents:

• A statement addressing the selection criteria, and
• A current curriculum vitae (CV).

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

Position Description & Selection Criteria

Applications close: 28 Sep 2020 11:55:00 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time