[CDHC] Postdoctoral opportunities at AIMS

[Cheryl Woodley]

Hi CDHC Members
David Bourne of AIMS asked that I post these postdoctoral opportunities 
to the List.
Cheryl


Opportunities to Join a World Leader – 3 Postdoctoral Researchers
The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is Australia’s 
tropical marine research agency
delivering knowledge to underpin the sustainable development, 
conservation and management of
tropical marine environments. Working for AIMS will give you the 
satisfaction of making a vital
contribution to the future. AIMS’ headquarters are based on Cape 
Ferguson, 50 km from Townsville,
Queensland, Australia.

Exciting opportunities exist at AIMS Townsville for exceptional early 
career postdoctoral scientists
to play a leading role in a 3 year multidisciplinary programme entitled 
“Does Inter-kingdom
Signalling (Communication) Orchestrate the Tropical Marine Biosphere”. A 
keystone symbiosis in
tropical coral reefs is that between the coral animals and 
photosynthetic algae or zooxanthellae
belonging to Symbiodinium spp. Microbes are known to be highly abundant 
in and on corals but are
rarely considered to be critical in the symbiosis and have not been 
studied from this perspective.
Symbioses between bacteria and other animals or plants have been proven 
to be essential for
organismal survival and to be facilitated by “communication” between 
bacteria and their hosts. This
AIMS project will use corals as the model marine species and explore 
chemical communication
between the coral, zooxanthellae and bacteria.

AIMS has 3 postdoctoral positions available for outstanding early career 
researchers (minimum of 1-
2 year postdoctoral experience). All are full-time (nine days per 
fortnight) for 3 years at a base
salary range of $68,788-$83,397 (commencement salary determined by 
qualifications and
experience), plus up to 15.4% superannuation and full travel from 
Townsville to AIMS each day.

Enquiries: Prof Linda Blackall, via email l.blackall at aims.gov.au or by 
phone +61 7 47534102.

Coral Ecologist
The successful candidate will have leadership skills in the study of 
marine biota, wide experience
with field based studies (including certifications for diving, boat 
handling, etc.) of tropical corals and
their spawning, extensive practice in marine species (specifically 
corals) in aquarium systems, and a
detailed and proven track record with the study of corals using modern 
molecular and bioinformatic
methods. Knowledge and study of inter-kingdom communication in marine 
animals is highly
advantageous. A very good publication record commensurate with career 
stage is critical.

Molecular Microbiologist
The successful candidate will have leadership skills in the study of 
complex microbial communities,
broad skills in classical (e.g. bacterial isolation and molecular 
identification) and contemporary
(several molecular ecological methods like DGGE, real time PCR, DNA 
sequencing and analysis, etc.)
microbiological methods for determining structure and function of 
microbial ecosystems. Knowledge
and study of quorum-sensing and/or other communication mechanisms in 
microbial communities,
microbial bioinformatic skills, and chemical analysis (e.g. of 
communication chemicals etc.) are
highly advantageous. A very good publication record commensurate with 
career stage is critical.
Genetic Bioinformaticist

The successful candidate will be a leader in gene bioinformatics of data 
generated from eukaryotes,
prokaryotes and/or viruses. A clear demonstration of the use of 
genomic/metagenomic data to lead
and focus studies into the functional aspects (e.g. microarray etc.) of 
biological systems is crucial.
Knowledge of data analysis of genes involved in chemical communication 
is important as is
willingness to participate in laboratory, aquarium and field studies 
exploring the research question.
A very good publication record commensurate with career stage is critical.
Applications close on 14th August, 2009.

-- 
Cheryl Woodley, Ph.D.
Coral Health and Disease Program

DOC/NOAA/NOS/NCCOS
Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research
Hollings Marine Laboratory
331 Fort Johnson Rd
Charleston, SC 29412
843.762.8862 Phone
843.762.8737 Fax
cheryl.woodley at noaa.gov