Join a globally recognised lab with a welcoming & high performing team. Use your molecular biology and ecological modelling experience to monitor biodiversity using eDNA.

• 2.5 year, fixed-term, full-time appointment.
• $101,369 - $114,307 (ALA.6 – ALB.1) per annum, plus 17% superannuation.
• Curtin Bentley (Perth) based, Western Australia.

Job Reference: 1244354

Are you passionate about environmental conservation and developing future methods to monitor biodiversity using eDNA? Join our globally recognised Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory team renowned for excellence in research and its cutting-edge facilities including ultra-clean labs and in-house sequencing. This is also an exciting opportunity work with a major, multi-national company in the resources sector.

Your new role

We are seeking a researcher to join the eDNA for Global Environment Studies program (https://www.edgesprogram.org/) and lead project 6: Terrestrial ecosystem biomonitoring across the tree of life using eDNA.

The objective of this project is to validate cutting edge molecular tools to assess terrestrial biodiversity (soil microbial communities, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates), particularly in arid ecosystems. Using that information, the goal is to start development of an eDNA based metric for evaluating the condition of terrestrial ecosystems. This approach to ecosystem monitoring will advance the study of individual species to understanding entire ecosystems and how species interconnect. Knowledge generated in this research will enable land managers to better plan eDNA surveys, use eDNA biodiversity assessments appropriately and support decision making for sustainable land management. We envisage that the findings of this project will have broad and long-lasting significance.

The successful candidate will be PhD qualified in a relevant field, or close to having their thesis conferred. Ideally, you will also have experience undertaking molecular work and ecological modelling.

In this role you will be responsible for planning and implementing experiments to achieve the project aims, including remote fieldwork, obtaining permits, sample processing, and molecular analyses. They will be expected to lead the project with support from key collaborators and a dynamic research team of postdocs and HDR students.

Other key responsibilities and accountabilities of the role include:

• Liaising with industry and community stakeholders
• Conduct high quality research, including publications in high quality outlets.
• Undertake supervisory roles, such as PhD, honours and/or research assistant supervision.
• Contribute to a positive School/Faculty/University culture reflecting Curtin’s Values of Respect, Integrity, Impact, Courage and Excellence.
• Other duties as directed from time to time.

Please note, as this is a fixed-term contract, you will require work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role.

About us

The TrEnD Lab is located within the School of Molecular and Life Sciences at Curtin University. We are a dynamic research team with access to world class laboratory facilities and expertise. Curtin is a world leader in the development of new DNA based biodiversity monitoring tools with over 100 publications in the last two years and projects with ~20 industry partners that has seen our work translated to “on-ground” benefits”. The lab is internationally recognised for its intellectual and technical capacity and has a strong track record of attracting, retaining and mentoring the best minds globally in this field.

To find out more about the lab, please visit our website https://research.curtin.edu.au/scieng/research/trend-lab/.

The School of Molecular and Life Sciences comprises of the Disciplines of Agriculture and Food, Chemistry, and Ecology, and delivers outstanding education programs in these and related topics such as Agribusiness, Environmental Science, Coastal and Marine Science, and Biochemistry.

The school strives to act as a source of independent and expert advice to industry, government, and society, and to carry out research and development with relevance to the regional community.

To find out more about the school, please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/learning-teaching/science-engineering/school-of-molecular-life-sciences/.

Why Choose Curtin?

Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2023 rankings. Curtin has campuses in Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, and Mauritius, and delivers courses through more than 130 partner institutions worldwide.

We are an energetic and dedicated team of academics and professionals working to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. 

In addition, we offer a competitive remuneration and benefits package including generous superannuation and salary packaging provisions and leave entitlements, and hotel and health insurance discounts

For more information on our university, please visit www.curtin.edu.au

About Perth

One of the world’s most liveable cities, Perth offers a sunny, Mediterranean climate, natural beauty in the shape of magnificent beaches, national parks, beautiful wineries, one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, and an eclectic mix of restaurants, shopping, and cultural experiences.

Join us!

Please provide a cover letter, your CV and separate document addressing the selection criteria (noted below) to allow us to assess your suitability for this role.  

Essential Criteria:

1. A doctoral qualification in a relevant academic discipline (Biology, Molecular Ecology, Ecological Modelling)
2. Willingness and ability to travel to remote locations for field work
3. A strong record of high-quality research as evidenced by publications in relevant disciplines (Biology, Ecology)
4. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders from diverse community/industry backgrounds.

Desirable:

1. Experience in molecular labs (including DNA extraction, PCR, Sequencing) and competency generating high quality data and performing bioinformatics analyses
2. Experience with ecological modelling and measures related to ecosystem condition

To view a copy of the generic Academic Role Statement, please copy and paste the following link into your web browser.

http://tiny.cc/aw2izz

Applications close: Tuesday, 17 September 2024, 10.00am AWST

Applicants should note that prior to appointment, any offer of employment is subject to completion of National Police Records checks, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or +61 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the job reference number.

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted.

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Disclaimer

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.