Postdoc in the ecology and evolution of host-symbiont interactions at CSIRO Canberra.
We invite applications for a three-year Post-Doctoral research position to study mutualistic interactions between plants and soil symbionts. This project will investigate the evolution of associations between plants and soil mutualists (rhizobial bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi). These interactions take place within potentially complex networks composing a diverse array of potential partners and competitors. Characterizing these complex networks and identifying the biotic and environmental factors that determine how they are assembled is an important step towards understanding how effective mutualisms between plants and soil microbe evolve and persist. This work will utilize interactions between native Australian legumes and their associated soil symbionts. These systems provide an ideal model for testing hypotheses regarding how the community composition and function of symbiotic organisms is shaped by interactions with hosts, environmental heterogeneity (e.g. soil chemistry) and spatial variation. The postdoctoral fellow will have access to a recently developed and comprehensive host phylogeny (Acacia) to use as a foundation to design a project investigating the role of evolutionary history in structuring host symbiont interactions in an ecologically important and widespread legume group. Applicants must have, or will shortly obtain a PhD. Ideally, the candidates PhD or other past research will be in evolutionary biology or ecology. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with deep interests in community genetics and evolutionary ecology, as opposed to someone with a specific laboratory skill set. Interested individuals should apply for this position online at http://csiro.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.checkJobDetailsNewApplication&returnToEvent=jobs.listJobs&jobid=29b90385-c593-ca73-09cb-6523f560aa6a&CurATC=EXT&CurBID=62AFB35D-9273-4A11-8DCC-9DB401354197&JobListID=22FC4F47-E994-46A3-B8C9-9BC901269F43&jobsListKey=c744891f-2e49-4fc4-9826-93eaf095f038&persistVariables=CurATC,CurBID,JobListID,jobsListKey,JobID&lid=24927610126. The position includes generous remuneration and relocation allowances. Informal inquiries regarding this position should be directed to Pete Thrall ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>).
