POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP -
CROWN ROT OF WINTER CEREALS
Centre for Systems Biology, Faculty of Sciences (Toowoomba)
 
Salary:  Academic Level A Step 5-8 $56,594 to $62,840 pa
 
Crown rot is a significant disease of wheat and barley and a major production constraint for grain growers in many regions of Australia. The most important cause of this disease is infection by the fungal pathogen Fusarium pseudograminearum. The Crop Improvement Program within the USQ’s Centre for Systems Biology (CSBi) is currently engaged in a long term research program which seeks to: i) understand the biology of crown rot infection in Australian environments, ii) study the expression of disease resistance in host tissues; and iii) to develop genetic tools to assist plant breeders in selecting for crown rot resistance in elite breeding lines.
 
CSBi is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the skills to take a leading role in furthering our research on crown rot. They will participate in an on-going investigation of host-pathogen interactions between cereals and the crown rot pathogen. In this context they will investigate genetic regions known to confer partial resistance to crown rot in a range of wheat populations. The successful applicant will be expected to co-supervise honours and postgraduate research students. This research is funded by several projects supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
 
This fixed-term appointment is available immediately for a period of twelve months. Further funding will be sought to extend this position.
 
Applicants for this position must possess, or be about to complete, a PhD in a relevant area of molecular Plant Science. Evidence of excellent organisational and communication skills, an enthusiastic, innovative approach to research and the ability to work effectively in a research team are essential. Knowledge of and research experience in one or more of the following areas: i) cereal plant pathology (especially crown rot) and host-pathogen interactions; ii) gene expression studies iii) genetic mapping or iv) advanced microscopy (fluorescence and/or confocal) are highly desirable.
 
Reference No: 008108                                                                                                             Closes: Friday 6 June 2008
           
 
To Apply:
 
1.                   Obtain an information package from www.usq.edu.au/jobs or email jobs@usq.edu.au or phone Recruitment on 4631 2193.
 
2.                   Your application must include:
(i)      USQ Application Cover Sheet
(ii)     Curriculum Vitae
(iii)     A statement systematically addressing the selection criteria (found in the Position Description)
 
3.                   Send to:
Recruitment, Human Resources
The University of Southern Queensland
Toowoomba  QLD  4350 by 5pm on the closing date
Or
Email jobs@usq.edu.au
By 5pm on the closing date.
* Applications will be received up to the first mail following the closing date.
 
An Equal Opportunity Employer
http://www.usq.edu.au