PhD Scholarship - The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences

The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (SCMB) combines the disciplines of Chemistry, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Parasitology into a single academic unit. The common thread in our discipline mix is the capacity of molecular-based approaches to create understanding and underpin Discovery. The School has modern research laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment and research infrastructure. The School includes over 50 academic staff, who are widely published internationally and have extensive research backgrounds.

The Australian Centre for Ecogenomics (ACE) is a strategic research initiative established at University of Queensland in 2010 under the direction of Professor Phil Hugenholtz and Professor Gene Tyson and has since become a globally recognised hub of culture-independent microbiology. It provides a focal point for sequence-based analysis of microbial communities and builds strength in this space not only in Australia, but the southern hemisphere as a whole. ACE is located on Level 5 of the Molecular Biosciences Building (#76). More information about ACE and SCMB may be found on the ACE Website and SCMB Website respectively.

The Role

The successful candidate will be working under the direct supervision of Dr Chris Rinke as part of an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship Project, entitled “Archaeal Dark Matter and the Origin of Eukaryotes”.  The candidate will be housed in an excellent research environment with the latest laboratory facilities and have the opportunity to work with highly qualified researchers. The candidate will be involved in single-cell genomics, metagenomics, fluorescence microscopy, phylogeny and metabolic reconstruction.  During the course of the PhD, the candidate will have the opportunity to attend (inter)national conferences to present their research.

The Person

Applicants should possess a BSc Hons, or equivalent, majoring in a relevant discipline (microbiology, biochemistry or molecular biology).

Ideal applicants will have appropriate laboratory experience, including experience with molecular biology techniques, and basic bioinformatics skills. Prior experience with "next-gen" sequencing platforms, microbial single-cell genomics, and microfluidics would be beneficial. Excellent communications skills, motivation and the ability to work as part of a team are also required. Specialist training will be available.

Mandatory requirements for applicants:

Excellent academic performance to Honours/Masters level, evidenced by a high Grade Point Average (GPA); and a general interest in microbial ecology.

Desirable requirements for applicants:

One or more peer-reviewed research publications. A background in single-cell genomics is preferred.

Remuneration

The stipend is equivalent to the APA rate, $27,082 (2018 rate), indexed annually. The scholarship will be for three (3) years with the possibility of two six (6)-month extensions and is subject to the UQ Research Scholarship General Conditions.

Enquiries

To discuss this role, please contact Dr Chris Rinke at c.rinke@uq.edu.au.

Applications

1. A cover letter (including the names of 3 referees, one of which should be your immediate/Honours supervisor) that describes why you are interested in pursuing this project, and why you should be selected as the successful postgraduate candidate, and
2. A resume including a list of current practical laboratory skills. Only applicants that apply through the UQ jobs website below and who have included both of these documents will be considered.
3. Academic transcripts for all post-secondary study undertaken, complete or incomplete, including the institution grading scale;

Important:

Please do not send your application directly to the person listed in the enquiries section of the advertisement since these will not be considered. Applications not received via UQ Jobs online system will not be considered.

Applicants must note that applying for this project does not guarantee admission to UQ in the Higher Degree Research (HDR) PhD program.  Applicants selected to participate in the project will be invited to apply to the UQ Graduate School for admission to UQ. Participation in the Project and award of a scholarship is conditional on the applicant receiving an offer of admission from UQ Graduate School. The SCMB HDR Office will guide the successful application through the admission application process.”