None posted
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH IN MACROEVOLUTION AND MACROECOLOGY.
Two postdoctoral research positions are available in the Centre for Macroevolution and Macroecology in the Evolution, Ecology and Genetics Division of the Research School of Biological Sciences at the Australian National University in Canberra.
1. Phylogenetic analysis of patterns of evolvability: Does the tempo and mode of evolution increase in particular times, places or lineages? Why are some lineages more or less successful over evolutionary time? Does evolution result in traits that increase the generation of variation or the efficiency of selection? The emphasis of this research program is to frame questions such as these in a way that allows them to be tested and applied to important case studies. The postdoc will develop and extend a broad-scale comparative approach to these questions, in particular making use of the analysis of large molecular phylogenies and patterns of molecular evolution. There is considerable scope for the postdoc to develop innovative and independent research within this program. See jobs.anu.edu.au for more details.
2. Diversification of a hotspot flora: The origins of biodiversity hotspots are still incompletely understood, particularly those located in Mediterranean-climate regions. This includes Australia’s southwest, where there are over 7000 plant species, half of which are endemic. We are using phylogenetic, geographic and ecological data to investigate the spectacular diversity of southwest Australia, focusing on the massive radiation of the Proteaceae family as a case study. We are testing general explanations of diversity including models based on clade age, diversification rates, and ecological carrying capacity, as well as hypotheses more specific to the southwest. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for constructing large species-level molecular phylogenies, assembling databases of species geographic distributions and ecological traits, then using these to analyse patterns and test models of diversity. See jobs.anu.edu.au for more details.
Closing date is 27th May, 2012. Positions are for two to three years. Flexible appointments can be considered (e.g. part time or flexible hours). More information on the research projects, employment conditions and application procedure are available from llindell.bromham@anu.edu.au or marcel.cardillo@anu.edu.au.
POSTDOC - ADAPTIVE SIGNIFICANCE OF COLOUR CHANGE
A post-doctoral position is available based in the Department of Zoology at the University of Melbourne, Australia to join an ARC-funded interdisciplinary collaboration between Dr Devi Stuart-Fox (The University of Melbourne), Prof. John Endler (Deakin University – near Melbourne) and Prof. Warren Porter (University of Wisconsin, USA). We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic person to work on the adaptive significance of visible and near-infrared (NIR) colour change in bearded dragon lizards. The aim of the project is to understand the evolutionary drivers of colour change. Specifically, the project will assess the relationship between animal-visible and NIR colour and colour changes, and how that relationship varies within and between individuals and in relation to environmental and visual parameters. The research fellow will conduct extensive fieldwork at a range of sites in semi-arid Australia, and apply a range of techniques including spectrodadiometry, thermal imaging and potentially radio-tracking. The research fellow will also learn and apply visual and biophysical modelling techniques to assess the consequences of animal-visible and NIR colour change for signalling or camouflage and thermoregulation. Applicants should have a background in sensory and/or biophysical ecology, excellent interpersonal and written and oral communication skills, and ability to work to deadlines on research publications and grant applications. Experience with spectroradiometry, thermal imaging and/or biophysical modelling is highly advantageous.
The successful candidate will be expected to start on the 1st August 2012. Application details, including specific selection criteria, can be found at www.jobs.unimelb.edu.au, Position number 0028711.
Applications will close Monday 2nd April 2012. For further information please contact: Dr. Devi Stuart-Fox Tel +61 3 83444846 devis@unimelb.edu.au
Macquarie University (http://www.mq.edu.au).
Monash University (http://www.monash.edu.au/resgrant/loganfs)
The University of Queensland (http://www.uq.edu.au)
The University of Western Australia (http://www.acs.uwa.edu.au/research/opps/sum/saor/uprfcall.html)
[ Submit an item for this page ]