Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Community Ecology

School of Biological Sciences

The School of Biological Sciences at the University of Queensland is one of the largest most productive Biology Departments in Australia with strengths in ecology, evolution, genetics, and conservation biology.  Information about the School may be accessed: http://www.biology.uq.edu.au/.

Prof. Margaret Mayfield, is the Head of School for the School of Biological Sciences and the supervisor of this position.  Prof. Mayfield is a plant community ecologist whose research group works on applied and theoretical questions in community ecology, focusing primarily on natural plant and insect communities in human-modified landscapes.  More information about Dr. Mayfield and her research group is available here: http://www.mayfieldplantecologylab.org/site/Home.html.

The role

This position is for a three-year, full time postdoctoral researcher interested in theoretical plant community ecology.  This position is based at The University of Queensland in Brisbane Australia and the successful candidate will work closely with Prof Margaret Mayfield (primary supervisor) and the members of Prof. Mayfield’s research group (see http://www.mayfieldplantecologylab.org/site/Home.html).

This is an open position and is not associated with a specific research project and thus the successful candidate will have extensive freedom in deciding what topics/projects they would like to work on.  We are particularly interested in ecologists with strong quantitative skills who are interested in empirical tests of ecological theory though the position is open to applicants with a wide range of backgrounds and is not restricted to applicants with a background in plants or field work in any particular system. Some field experience is desirable but not essential. Candidates will be considered from broad backgrounds, including candidates who have purely theoretical interests/experience to those who focus on field or lab-based experiments, asking theoretical to applied questions.  Primarily, Dr. Mayfield is looking for a postdoc who is interested in the same research topics currently being explored in the Mayfield research group. For candidates interested in field-based projects, there is an expectation that field projects would utilise Prof. Mayfield’s established field sites in winter annual wildflower communities of SW Western Australia.

The person

Applicants must have a PhD in ecology or a related/relevant discipline (applied mathematics/statistics or geography for instance). Though this position will involve research on plants (insects are also a possibility) applicants with more experience in animal or microbial systems who have similar general research interests to Dr. Mayfield are encouraged to apply. Key elements of this position include the ability to conduct exciting independent community ecology research, mentor students from undergraduate to graduate levels, the ability to take research from development stages to publication and the interest and ability to act as a senior member of Prof. Mayfield’s research group. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to teach, but this is likely to represent 10% or less of the successful candidate’s time and is not required. The successful candidate is expected to produce multiple publications in international peer-reviewed journals, and present research at domestic and international conferences. 

The University of Queensland values diversity and inclusion. Applications are particularly encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Remuneration

This is a 3-year, full time, fixed term appointment at Academic level A, with an expected appointment start date in March to September 2018 (negotiable). The remuneration package will be in the range $81,545.80 - $87,535.13p.a., plus employer superannuation contributions of up to 17% (total package will be in the range $95,408.59- $102,416.10p.a.).

Enquiries

To discuss this position please contact Professor Margie Mayfield (m.mayfield@uq.edu.au).

To submit an application for this role, use the Apply button below.

Reference: 501889