OCE Postdoctoral Fellowship – Host genome engineering and the gut microbime

• Highly innovative host biology project
• Excellent development opportunity within a large multi-faceted organisation
• Join our team at CSIRO – Australia’s premier science & technology research organisation!

The Position: The aim of this project is to study the impact on colonisation and amplification of food borne pathogens, particularly Campylobacter and Salmonella, by direct modification of host factors with precision genome engineering tools. This will be conducted in the real food production animal (the chicken) rather than by translation from a model animal system such as the mouse, which have no relevance to industry. The impact of food borne pathogens on the Australian economy amounts to $1.2 billion per annum.

Specifically you will:

• Analyse research literature to select candidate genes that will impact on host interaction with microbiome. Design and implement strategies using precision genome engineering to knock-out candidate gene.
• Assess the feasibility of using genome engineered chicken cell lines to examine the interaction between bacterial pathogens and host cells.
• Develop a line of knock-out chickens and assess the impact of the gene knock-out on the microbial composition of the gut flora using metagenomics approaches.
• Study the impact of gene knock-out host on the ability for pathogenic bacteria (Clostridia, Listeria, Salmonella) to colonise and propagate.
• Write scientific papers for peer-reviewed international journals, and present research findings at conferences.
• Participate in CSIRO postdoctoral training program

Location: Geelong, Victoria Salary: AU$78K – $86K per annum plus up to 15.4% superannuation Tenure: 36 months Reference: VIC13/03735

To be successful in this position you will need:

• A Ph.D with a strong background in microbiology, molecular biology, or cellular biology is required. Candidates for this position must have high quality first author publications from their Ph. D. work.
• A demonstrated track record in microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, or in an equivalent scientific discipline with excellent written and oral communication skills, in the form of scientific papers in peer-reviewed international journals and conference presentations
• Demonstrated high level skills in molecular biology techniques and/or microbiome compositional analysis;
• Demonstrated ability to analyse information, make independent, correct and timely decisions to achieve project goals and to contribute to the develop collaborations;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently under minimal supervision while contributing to overall team performance and proven ability to meet performance deadlines during the course of the project;
• Ability to work with a broad range of people from varying research backgrounds and evidence of strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to publish the results of scientific research in scientific journals

To Apply

 For further information and to apply online please visit our website at www.csiro.au/careers choose “Positions Vacant” then “Job Search” and insert Reference Number VIC13/03735  where indicated.

Applications Close: 31 October 2013 (11:30pm AEST)

Employer

CSIRO

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. For more information, please visit our website at www.csiro.au

Australia Post Doctoral Fellowship in CSIRO Plant industry 2013

• Your chance to research one of the world's most significant wheat diseases!
• Excellent development opportunity within a large multi-faceted organisation
• Join our team at CSIRO - Australia's premier science & technology research organisation!

The Position:
Applicants are invited to apply for a three year Post Doctoral Fellowship in CSIRO Plant industry, Australia’s premier plant science institute. This project will work on Puccinia graminis tritici (Pgt), the causal agent of wheat stem rust disease, one of the most important wheat diseases worldwide. The position will be with the Rust Research group located at CSIRO laboratories at Black Mountain in Canberra ACT. This project aims to gain a better understanding of how Pgt effectors are recognised by host resistance genes and contribute to causing disease.


Specifically you will:

• Screen effector candidates in a set of wheat lines containing various resistance genes, as this has identified one effector candidate that triggers host-genotype dependent cell death.
• Continue this screening process to identify further Avr gene candidates recognised by wheat resistance genes.
• Conduct functional analysis of selected effector candidates including determining subcellular localisation in host cells and screening for host target proteins by yeast-two-hybrid and pull-down assays.

Location: Black Mountain, ACT
Salary: $75K-$85K plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: 3 year term
Reference: ACT13/01796

To be successful in this position you will need:

• A PhD in molecular/cell biology or equivalent area;
• Demonstrated research experience in and knowledge of molecular plant-pathogen interactions;
• Ability to combine bioinformatic and functional approaches to solving biological problems;
• Demonstrated ability to define, investigate and solve complex problems in plant biology using diverse established experimental procedures and new technologies to get answers to difficult scientific questions;
• Record of research publications in peer-reviewed English language journals commensurate with research 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 CSIRO Division of Plant Industry:   CSIRO’s Division of Plant Industry is promoting profitable and sustainable agrifood, fibre and horticultural industries, developing new plant products and improving natural resource management through world-leading research.
http://www.csiro.au/Organisation-Structure/Divisions/Plant-Industry.aspx

To apply

For further information and to apply online please visit our website at CSIRO CAREERS, choose "Positions Vacant" then "Job Search" and insert Reference Number ACT13/01796 where indicated.

Applications close: 9 June 2013

Postdoctoral fellow position Molecular Neurobiology 2013 Australia

We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow to join our group in the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, the University of Newcastle. Our group is led by Dr Murray Cairns, running the Molecular Neurobiology laboratory, and is seeking to understand the molecular basis of neural development and function, and the etiology of neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, by combining high-throughput experimental techniques with state-of-the-art genomics and basic neuroscience. With the demand to analyse huge volume of high-throughput experimental data including next generation sequencing, our group is looking for bioinformaticians with the expertise of developing computational and statistical methods for analysis and integration of various types of next-generation sequencing data.

Qualified candidates should have a PhD in bioinformatics, statistical genomics, or related fields. Candidate should have extensive experience on next generation sequencing data analysis. Experience with microRNA research is a plus. The successful candidate will construct analysis pipelines with existing software tools for analysis of next generation sequencing data towards biological discovery, and will also develop novel computational and statistical methods if such methods are not available.

To apply

Interested candidates should send a CV and three referees' contact details to

Xi.Wang (at) newcastle (dot) edu (doc) au

Australia OCE Postdoctoral Fellowship 2013 - Molecular biology/ Biochemistry

• An excellent early career research opportunity
• Undertake important research on Fusarium disease of wheat and barley
• Join CSIRO - Australia's premier science and technology research organisation - and make a difference

The Position:
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.

Applicants are invited for a three year OCE Post Doctoral Fellowship in CSIRO Plant industry, Australia’s premier plant science institute. This project will work on Fusarium diseases of wheat and barley, namely Fusarium crown rot (FCR) and Fusarium head blight (FHB). The pathogens causing these diseases are scientifically tractable and economically important in Australia and globally. The position will be with the Fusarium research group located at CSIRO laboratories co-located with the University of Queensland in St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland. This project aims to gain a better understanding of how Fusarium spp. overcome the defence responses of host plants, and in particular the chemical defences, to facilitate disease.

Specific duties of the Postdoctoral Fellow will include:

• Conduct research to understand the mode of action of three fungal proteins - amidohydrolase (FpAH1), dienelactone hydrolase (FpDLH1) and a transporter encoding gene (FgABC1) of the major Fusarium species, F. pseudograminearum.
• Identify the host defence metabolites that are potentially targeted by these fungal gene products.
• Produce high quality scientific and technical outputs including journal articles, conference papers and presentations, patents and technical reports.
• Develop innovative concepts and ideas for further research.
• Contribute to the effective functioning of the research team.

Location:   St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
Salary:        AU$81K - AU$88K per annum plus up to 15.4% superannuation (effective 4th July 2013)
Tenure:     3 year term
Ref No.:      Q13/01330
Requirements of the successful candidate will include:

• Completed (or will shortly complete) the requirements for a PhD in biological sciences.
• Demonstrated experience in molecular biology and/or biochemistry that can be applied to understanding plant-pathogen interactions.
• Demonstrated ability to work in teams and independently.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate via written (e.g. scientific publications) and oral (e.g. presentations) means in formal and informal settings.

Owing to terms of the fellowship, candidates must not have more than 3 years of relevant Postdoctoral experience.
About CSIRO:
Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, the 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.

Applications close on the 31st May 2013 (at 11:30 AEST).

To apply

For further information and to apply, click on http://csiro.nga.net.au/?jati=b2014355-1d49-c372-d5cc-769d9409f8ce or go to http://www.csiro.au/careers click on Positions Vacant and enter reference number Q12/04098.

Australian: Postdoctoral Fellowship to Enhanced Vaccine and Antibody development

• Develop strategies to improve vaccine efficacy and extend the use, and reduce the dose of vaccine required.
• Excellent development opportunity within a large multi-faceted organisation
• Join our team at CSIRO - Australia's premier science & technology research organisation!

The Position:
There is at present a great emphasis on the development of new therapeutics and the enhancement of existing vaccine approaches to provide long-term protection. Further to this, currently existing adjuvants can have deleterious side-effects, such as inflammation. Therefore, to enhance the use and effectiveness of vaccination, alternative adjuvants must be developed. Natural immunomodulators have the potential to be developed as novel therapeutics and vaccine adjuvants. Moreover, cytokines can be used as new forms of anti-viral agents or as vaccine adjuvants. Therefore, it is critically important to develop strategies to improve vaccine efficacy and extend the use, and reduce the dose of vaccine required. We have recently identified interferon-? in the chicken and shown it to be a factor involved in antiviral activity and identified that rChIFNλ has a range of antiviral-related activities in the chicken. The post doctoral fellow will join a well integrated team and will work closely with members of the team, particularly with those working on enhanced vaccine and antibody production technology.

Specifically you will:

• Develop recombinant proteins and test their biological activities;
• Assess the adjuvant potential of recombinant proteins;
• Participate in vaccine challenge trials to assess the adjuvant activity of recombinant proteins;
• Develop and implement a variety of assays with which to investigate host responses to vaccination;
• Fulfil the research milestones for the vaccine project and contribute to the effective functioning of the research team and help deliver upon CSIRO’s organizational objectives;
• Participate in CSIRO postdoctoral training program and, similarly, participate in regular team meetings and discussions with supervisor to set and monitor progress and milestones;
• Accurately record experimental results and develop innovative concepts and ideas for further research;
• Write scientific papers for peer-reviewed international journals and present research findings at conferences. Regularly review relevant literature and patents and protect key intellectual property;

Location: Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria
Salary: $78K - $86K per annum plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: 36 months
Reference: VIC13/01546

To be successful in this position you will need:

• A Ph.D with a strong background in immunology and antibody production is required.  Candidates for this position must have high quality first author publications from their Ph. D. work.
• Demonstrated high level skills in immunology and antibody techniques;
• Demonstrated high level skills in recombinant protein production and characterisation;
• A demonstrated track record in immunology with excellent written and oral communication skills, in the form of scientific papers in peer-reviewed international journals and conference presentations;
• Demonstrated ability to analyse information, make independent, correct and timely decisions to achieve project goals and to contribute to the develop collaborations, particularly with industry partners;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently or under minimal supervision while contributing to overall team performance and proven ability to manage performance deadlines during the course of the project;

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.

To apply

For further information and to apply online please visit our website at CSIRO CAREERS, choose "Positions Vacant" then "Job Search" and insert Reference Number VIC13/01546 where indicated.

Applications Close: 17 May 2013

Australia: Postdoc position to study antiviral polymer-based prodrugs for the treatment of Hepatitis C

• Establish the use of high-throughput techniques in the accelerated discovery of antiviral polymer-based prodrugs for the treatment of Hepatitis C
• Design, develop and characterise novel functional copolymers
• Join CSIRO, Australia's leading scientific research organisation

Applications are invited for an Postdoctoral Fellowship in a project that will establish the use of high-throughput techniques (HTT) in the accelerated discovery of antiviral polymer-based prodrugs for the treatment of Hepatitis C. This disease affects over 200 million people worldwide yet the available treatment suffers from poor effectiveness and significant side effects.

To address this global challenge, there is an opportunity to identify successful polymer carriers for delivery of antiviral drugs to the liver and accomplish this using HTT for polymer synthesis, characterisation and evaluation.

Location: Clayton, Victoria, Australia
Salary: $81k - $88k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Reference Number: VIC13/01482

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop and characterise of novel functional copolymers.
• Develop a protocol for a high-throughput platform (Chemspeed) to prepare libraries of statistical copolymers.
• Define available macromolecular space (eg. achievable loadings of drug and targeting monomers).
• Achieve expertise in biodistribution studies, in vitro efficacy of these polymers and in vivo targeting data, nominate the lead candidates for clinical trials.
• Provide support and supervision to junior staff or students, contribute to the effective functioning of the research team and help deliver on CSIRO's organisational objectives.
• Produce high quality scientific and technical outputs including journal articles, conference papers and presentations, patents and technical reports. Regularly review relevant literature and patents.
• Develop innovative concepts and ideas for further research.
• Participate in CSIRO's postdoctoral training program.

The successful candidate will have:

• A PhD, or will shortly satisfy the requirements for a PhD degree in a relevant scientific discipline. Must not have more than 3 years related postdoctoral experience.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct innovative research in synthetic organic chemistry and organic structure characterisation applied to small molecule and/or polymer synthesis.
• Demonstrated ability to develop experimental plans and pursue novel research approaches.
• Demonstrated originality, creativity and innovation in solving problems and introducing new directions and approaches.
• Ability to work with a broad range of people from varying research backgrounds and evidence of strong communication skills including the ability to publish results in scientific journals.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing to overall team performance and ability to meet performance deadlines.

About CSIRO: Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, CSIRO is a powerhouse of ideas, technologies and skills for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments, industries, business and communities across the nation. Visit: www.csiro.au

About CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering (CMSE): CMSE's innovation in new materials occurs at the intersection of biology, chemistry and physics. Our research is making an impact for Australians in manufacturing, health, automotive and aerospace, defence and resource exploration.

To apply

For further information and to apply online please visit our website at CSIRO CAREERS, choose "Positions Vacant" then "Job Search" and insert Reference Number VIC13/01482 where indicated or go directly to:
http://csiro.nga.net.au/?jati=f5d74d57-1518-3c53-67b9-769e43d046bb


Applications close: 2 June 2013

Postdoctoral Fellow position in Ecology 2013 - Australia

Help practitioners and custodians protect biodiversity in Queensland, Australia.
* Work on biodiversity conservation in the coal seam gas source areas of Queensland.
* Develop optimal pathways to ensure the persistence of key species and ecosystems.

An opportunity exists for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work with the CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences team on Conservation Decision Making, on a project entitled "Priority threat identification and management of biodiversity".

In this project you will develop and employ novel methods from decision making theory to derive optimized management recommendations to help practitioners and custodians protect biodiversity in Queensland. The recommendations will look at co-benefits and trade-offs for likely management success, benefits to biodiversity and economic cost over time or space in order to manage threats to environmental issues.

Specifically you will:

* Develop innovative concepts, theories and techniques to facilitate decision making across space and time for invasive and threatened species.
* In consultation with stakeholders, identify threats to biodiversity in the region proposed for coal seam gas extraction and associated activities.
* Contribute to management recommendation to help protect biodiversity in coal seam gas affected areas.
* Publish findings in high impact journals, present findings at national and international conferences, and participate in working groups.
* Contribute to a dynamic, innovative and effective Biodiversity research team.

Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Salary: $78,000 - $85,000 plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Reference Number: Q13/01315

The successful candidate will have:

* A PhD in Ecology, Conservation or related field of decision theory.
* Demonstrated research achievement in decision theory, optimal resource allocation or cost effective analysis.
* Proven ability to initiate research characterised by originality, creativity and innovation.
* A record of achievement in developing, completing and reporting on research projects within required timeframes.
* Demonstrated ability to generate and publish findings in international peer reviewed journals.
* High level written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.

About CSIRO: Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, CSIRO is a powerhouse of ideas, technologies and skills for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments, industries, business and communities across the nation. Visit: www.csiro.au

CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences applies multidisciplinary science to the sustainability of Australia's agriculture and forestry, built environments, biodiversity, communities and industries.