Postdoctoral position in Mathematical Biology

Highlights:

1. The University of Sydney is Australia's first University with an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence, and employs over 6,800 permanent staff supporting over 46,000 students.
2. Funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC), within a cross disciplinary project with the School of Information Technologies, we are delighted to announce an opportunity for an outstanding researcher to work in an exciting area of mathematical biology at the University of Sydney.
3. Nothing evolves in isolation. In 150 years since the publication of Darwin's Origin of Species our understanding of evolution has come a huge distance, yet our understanding of coevolution is less developed.
4. While there has been a vast development in the last few decades in phylogenetic methods, which uncover evolutionary history at the species level and above, this development has not been paralleled in the study of how such histories relate to each other for ecologically linked groups of species, such as parasites or pathogens and their hosts.
5. Understanding coevolution at the macroscopic level is the key to understanding the "big picture" of how parasites and pathogens coevolve with, and switch between, their hosts.
6. The central aim of this project is to develop and extend the statistical framework of coevolution at the species level and above, to fill this gap in our knowledge.
7. You should have a solid PhD in bioinformatics or computational/theoretical biology. Your thorough understanding of modern statistical methods is crucial, as are proven computational skills and biological knowledge.
8. Programming expertise in an object-oriented language such as C++/Java will be highly regarded, as will previous research experience related to some or all of the following: health, conservation/biodiversity, evolution and/or coevolution, phylogenetics, and cophylogenetics.
9. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a dynamic environment and to conduct unique research in a wide diversity of areas as well as engaging with outstanding local research and undergraduate students. You will closely work with Associate Professor Michael Charleston and will assist in a challenging topic that will have major contributions to health, conservation and biodiversity, as well to fundamental knowledge of coevolution.
10. The position is full-time fixed-term for up to three years subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of employment for new appointees.
11. Remuneration package: up to A$90,055 pa (which includes a base salary Level A, leave loading and up to 17% employer's contribution to superannuation).
12. Some assistance towards relocation cost and visa sponsorship may be available for the successful appointee if required and level of appointment will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
13. All applications must be submitted via The University of Sydney careers website. Visit www.sydney.edu.au/positions and search the reference number for more information and to apply.
14. CLOSING DATE: 16 May 2010 (11:30pm Sydney time)
15. The University is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups and women are encouraged. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
16. Ref. http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AAZ470/postdoctoral-research-associate