SASB News

• Australian Museum fellowships (3 Feb 2010)
• PhD award in biogeography, UNSW (2 Feb 2010)
• Postdoc in Hymenoptera systematics, Adelaide (1 Feb 2010)
• Postdoc in Lepidoptera barcoding, Ontario (12 Jan 2010)
• Systematics Research Fund grants (8 Jan 2010)
• Research Fellows at Netherlands biodiversity centre (16 Dec 2009)
• Vertebrates Curator, Museum of New Zealand (12 Dec 2009)
• Plant systematist, CSIRO (10 Dec 2009)
• Spatial biodiversity analyst, CSIRO (1 Dec 2009)
• Cybertaxonomist and insects curator, International Institute for Species Exploration (22 Nov 2009)
• Research Fellow, Singapore Botanic Gardens (17 Nov 2009)
• Systematics lecturer, Melbourne (13 Nov 2009)
• Beetle taxonomist, International Institute for Species Exploration (13 Nov 2009)

 

---

Visiting Fellowships at Australian Museum

Applications for visiting fellowships at the Australian Museum are open for 2010. http://australianmuseum.net.au/Visiting-Fellowships/ has details on the type of fellowships available. Note that the web page has not been updated since last year, so the closing date for applications is 30th April 2010. There are additional fellowships available which have not been advertised on this page. Contact details are available on the web page (Rebecca Hancock) if you want to find out more.

Applicants specifically interested in working with the Entomology collection at the Museum can contact Dave Britton (Dave.Britton@austmus.gov.au) directly to discuss their proposed project.
Posted 3 Feb 2010 (back to list)

*** 

Australian Postgraduate Award in biogeography
University of New South Wales

An Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) is available for a PhD in the Biogeography Lab of Dr Malte Ebach at the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. The Biogeography Lab investigates the biotic evolution of Australasia and the geographical and geological processes responsible for biotic diversification over time. We seek a highly motivated student with a good honours or Masters degree in biology/ evolutionary biology or geology/palaeontology to choose from two projects:

Evolution and biogeography of water-bugs of Eastern Australasia This project, in collaboration with Professor Gerry Cassis (UNSW), examines the morphological and molecular systematic relationships of selected endemic taxa of water-bugs (Gerromorpha and Nepomorpha) in Australasia and the relationships between the biotic areas they inhabit. The broader project investigates the biotic evolution of Australasia and the geographical and geological processes responsible for biotic diversification.

Requirements: Interest in evolutionary biology, taxonomy, biogeography, field work and natural history. Experience in either systematics, biogeography and molecular techniques would be an advantage.

Palaeozoic biogeography and trilobite evolution This project, in collaboration with Dr John Paterson (UNE), investigates the systematic biology of Carboniferous trilobites (Proetida) and their evolutionary relationships in order to infer paleogeographic and tectonic reconstructions. The broader project investigates the biotic evolution of Australasia and the geographical and geological processes responsible for biotic diversification.

Requirements: Interest in palaeobiology, palaeobiogeography, field work and natural history. Experience in either sedimentology, biostratigraphy and taxonomy would be desirable.

Please note that applicants must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia. Please direct all enquiries and applications to Dr Malte Ebach (mcebach@gmail.com).
Posted 2 Feb 2010 (back to list)

*** 

Postdoctoral position: Systematics of parasitic Hymenoptera
The Ohio State University and The University of Adelaide

A postdoctoral position is available to participate in an NSF-funded Planetary Biodiversity Inventory (PBI) project on the parasitoid wasps of the superfamily Platygastroidea. The goals of this project are to work on the basic systematics of a major group of these wasps and to undertake a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the superfamily. The successful candidate will be involved in both of these areas. The postdoctoral position will be appointed through The Ohio State University, but largely based at the Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity at The University of Adelaide (South Australia) working in the laboratory of Prof. A.D. Austin. Although initially for 12 months there is a strong possibility that the position will be extended for a further 12 months based on satisfactory research performance.

Desired qualifications include

• experience in descriptive systematics with a preference for previous work with parasitic Hymenoptera
• the ability to work independently and congenially in a busy laboratory
• good oral and written skills
• experience with analyzing data for phylogenetic purposes

Please e-mail any inquiries to Prof. Andy Austin (andy.austin@adelaide.edu.au). Applications outlining research experience along with your CV and e-mail addresses of three referees should be sent to Prof. Norman Johnson (johnson.2@osu.edu). The position is available immediately and until filled, and will be made through The Ohio State University. To build a diverse workforce, Ohio State encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women. Flexible work options are available, EEO/AA employer.
Posted 1 Feb 2010 (back to list)

*** 

Postdoctoral position: DNA barcoding of Lepidoptera
Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, University of Guelph

DNA barcode studies employ a 650-base sequence near the 5' end of the mitochondrial gene COI to differentiate animal species. Over the past five years, over 750K DNA barcode records have been collected from approximately 100K species. This information is building a capacity to rapidly identify organisms, aiding efforts to monitor global biodiversity patterns. The International Barcode of Life Project (www.ibolproject.org), scheduled for launch in late 2010, will allow coverage in the DNA barcode reference library to rise to 500K species by 2015.

Species of Lepidoptera have long been a major focus for DNA barcoding, and DNA barcodes are now available from nearly a quarter of the world’s 160K described species. We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to advance efforts to build comprehensive barcode coverage for the Lepidoptera faunas of Australia and North America. This position involves four key activities linked to project organization and oversight:

• Interact with external collaborators to obtain samples/specimens
• Coordinate the submission of samples/specimens to the Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding (www.dnabarcoding.ca), located within our Institute
• Perform quality checks such as comparing image records to the collaborator-provided taxonomy and examining genetic distance trees built from the barcode records
• Organize and manage data in the online DNA barcoding database, the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD; www.boldsystems.org)

Candidates for this position should have a strong background in Lepidoptera taxonomy; experience in molecular phylogenetics is also desirable. The DNA barcode data gathered in this work will provide the opportunity for high-quality publications in areas such as integrative taxonomy, evolutionary biology, molecular ecology, or phylo-geography depending upon the expertise of the successful candidate.

To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to gsinger@ibolproject.org. As the position is available immediately, the review process will commence as applications are received.
Posted 12 Jan 2010 (back to list)

*** 

Systematics Research Fund is open for applications

The SRF fund is jointly administer by the councils of the Linnean Society of London and the Systematics Association.

Applications of all nationalities are welcome and need not be members of either the Systematics Association or the Linnean Society of London. Typical activities supported include contributions to fieldwork expenditure, the purchase of scientific equipment or expertise (e.g. buying time on analytical equipment), specimen preparation (including the cost of temporary technical assistance), and contributions to publication costs. Projects of a more general or educational nature will also be considered, provided that they include a strong systematics component. Typical activities not supported include attendance at scientific meetings and contributions to student maintenance or tuition fees. The fund does not provide payments for Bench Fees and projects already substantially funded by other bodies may be disadvantaged.

Successful projects are selected by a panel of six systematists who represent a wide range of conceptual interests and taxonomic groups. The value of any single award will not exceed ₤1500.

Applications deadline is the 31st of January. Decisions will be posted March-April. Please read the "Guidelines for applying for SRF funding" before completing the online application form below. Please note that only applications made using the form below are acceptable.

Application forms are accessible at http://www.linnean.org/index.php?id=3D331 or http://www.systass.org/awards/
Posted 8 Jan 2010 (back to list)

*** 

Research Fellow positions at new natural history institution

Early 2010 the Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity Naturalis (NCB Naturalis) will be established in Leiden, The Netherlands. The founding partners are the National Herbarium of the Netherlands (Leiden University branch and Wageningen University branch), the Zoological Museum of Amsterdam (University of Amsterdam) and the National Museum of Natural History Naturalis. The NCB Naturalis will house a natural history museum with over 200 staff members managing a natural history collection containing more than 37 million objects, and a modern research department. Research at the NCB Naturalis will involve systematic/taxonomic studies on the origin and evolution of biodiversity, exploiting the ideas and methods of conservation biology, evolutionary biology, paleontology and mineralogy. A major investment in new scientific infrastructure, including molecular and morphological laboratories, and bioinformatics facilities will be established between 2010 and 2014. These new facilities will greatly improve existing laboratory and analytical facilities and support our new, high profile research. [website]

Starting May 1st 2010, the NCB Naturalis has positions available for four Research Fellows (fulltime). We seek to attract Research Fellows to support our high profile research themes, namely "Morphology and evolutionary developmental genetics", "Phylogenetics and horizontal genomics", "Biogeography" and "Global Change Biology". You are an energetic and enthusiast scientist with a proven track record and a clear view on how your research program will contribute to the future success of NCB Naturalis. You are eager to join our new institute, to cooperate with the existing staff of the NCB Naturalis, to study the NCB Naturalis collections, and to use the new scientific infrastructure. Developing active interactions between the NCB Naturalis and our partners in biodiversity research as well as acquisition of externally funded projects are essential. You are expected to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels and to represent the NCB Naturalis in societal and scientific communities. To give your research program a head-start each research fellow will have the opportunity to supervise a PhD candidate (to be appointed).

Requirements: You have a PhD degree in systematics, evolutionary biology, geology, or other relevant discipline and at least two years, and preferably not more than six years, of experience at the postdoctoral level. You have excellent teaching and communications skills in English, both written and verbal. Furthermore, you have an excellent scientific track record (given the point in your career) and are involved in innovative and multidisciplinary research projects in biodiversity research, operating in an international scientific network. You are able to engage in collaborative networks with students and university partners as well as existing NCB Naturalis research staff. Depending on the research theme, desired qualifications may include:

• Ample experience with modern molecular techniques, advanced microscopy techniques, GIS applications and/or web-based taxonomy
• Experience with research popularisation
• Interest in the applications of systematic research in conservation, environmental management and species identification services

We offer a fulltime contract (36 hours per week) for five years. A competitive salary up to a maximum of circa EUR 59,000 gross per year depending on experience and qualifications, including holiday allowance (8%). All our employees are incorporated into a pension fund.

You are invited to submit your application including your curriculum vitae, a clearly focused research program of maximum four pages (containing a five year working plan, a proposed budget, and the topic of the PhD candidate's research), a complete list of publications, up to five keywords describing the research area ,a statement of teaching interests and the names and e-mail addresses of at least three persons that can be contacted for reference (and who have agreed to be contacted) before February 1st by e-mail to sollicitaties@naturalis.nl, or by mail: Naturalis, HR department, PO box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands.

Any additional information can be requested from Prof.Dr. E.F. Smets, Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity Naturalis (section National Herbarium of the Netherlands), e-mail smets@nhn.leidenuniv.nl, phone +31 71 527 35 15
Posted 16 Dec 2009 (back to list)

*** 

Curator of Terrestrial Vertebrates

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is seeking to appoint a Curator of Terrestrial Vertebrates within its Natural Environment team. The appointee will work closely with the Curator of Fossil Vertebrates and a Collection Manager. The position will have primary responsibility for Te Papa's collection of 28,000 birds and 10,000 other terrestrial vertebrates.

The successful candidate will be expected to

• Develop and curate all groups represented in Te Papa's collection of terrestrial vertebrates.
• Conduct biosystematic research on priority groups of New Zealand terrestrial vertebrates, preferably using both morphological and molecular techniques.
• Work proactively with the Curator of Fossil Vertebrates to develop strong research partnerships, secure external research funding, and build relationships with stakeholders in other organisations and institutions.
• Contribute to the development of Natural Environment exhibitions, visitor experience products, and outreach activities, especially in relation to terrestrial vertebrates.
• Actively develop web-based products that contribute to Te Papa's website, Collections Online and other online initiatives.

The successful applicant will have a PhD or equivalent competency, a track record of published research in terrestrial vertebrates, experience of curating or working with collections, and a commitment to outreach activities and exhibition development in a team-based museum environment.

This is a full time permanent appointment. Applications close at 10am on Monday 1 February 2010. For further details contact recruitment@tepapa.govt.nz and quote reference TP1020. See also advertisement.
Posted 12 Dec 2009 (back to list)

*** 

Plant Systematist

The Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research at CSIRO Plant Industry seeks a qualified, skilled and motivated scientist to research molecular and morphological systematics of key groups of the Australian flora. The research will involve establishing the identity, diversity and origins of Australian plant groups - including characterizing relationships using morphology and molecular data, developing hypotheses and phylogenies of plant lineages in an evolutionary context. In particular we are seeking a researcher to initiate a research program focusing on the Australian members of the Asteraceae, one of the largest and less understood groups of the Australian flora. Projects will use the collection resources of the Australian National Herbarium (ANH), The Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) and its partner Australian herbaria and overseas agencies.

Possible projects include systematics of major lineages of Australian Asteraceae, including plants of horticultural utility. These studies may include morphological and anatomical studies, investigation of polyploidy, ecotype differentiation, plant-animal interactions, population genetics and the application of Next Generation DNA sequencing technologies to address these questions. The successful applicant will work with a team and develop a collaborative research program. Experience in Asteraceae systematic is beneficial but highly qualified applicants that are willing begin a new research program in Asteraceae systematics are encouraged to apply.

Location: Canberra, Australia; salary: $83k to $90k; close date: 31 December 2009

Contact: Should you require more information on this position please contact Dr Joe Miller by email: Joe.Miller@csiro.au. Application information is available at
https://recruitment.csiro.au/asp/job_details.asp?RefNo=2009/976
Posted 10 Dec 2009 (back to list)

*** 

PostDoctoral Fellow - Spatial Biodiversity Analyst-Phylogeographer

The Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research at CSIRO Plant Industry requires a qualified, skilled and motivated scientist to research spatial biological information from the Australian National Herbarium together with phylogenetic data and environmental attributes (such as climate, terrain, soils) to map spatial patterns of biodiversity in environmental space. The appointee will develop and test hypotheses relating to contemporary distribution of particular plant groups in relation to phylogenetic relationships as well as developing predictive approaches to conservation planning at regional and national scales.

The successful applicant will work in a team to develop and maintain standards for the capture, management, visualization, analysis and delivery of the spatial content in the organization's databases, as well as to validate and maintain the spatial data quality. The successful applicant will further develop this team by leading collaborations among CSIRO Plant Industry, the Biodiversity Theme (BRABA) and non-CSIRO scientists throughout Australia and internationally.

Location: Canberra, Australia; salary: $73k to $80k; term: 3 years (36 months); close date: 31 December 2009

Contact: Should you require more information on this position please contact Dr Joe Miller by email: Joe.Miller@csiro.au. More information is available at
https://recruitment.csiro.au/asp/job_details.asp?RefNo=2009/974
Posted 1 Dec 2009 (back to list)

*** 

Cybertaxonomist and Curator Of Insects

The International Institute for Species Exploration (IISE) and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, invite applications and nominations for the position of Associate Director of the IISE, Cybertaxonomist, and Curator of Insects. The successful candidate will join a trans-disciplinary team of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to modernization and advancement of descriptive taxonomy through innovation in cyberinfrastructure, e-monography, and collaborative taxonomy. Position will be filled at Assistant or Associate Professor rank, salary commensurate with experience. Requirements include an earned doctorate in insect taxonomy and demonstrated commitment to comparative morphology, taxonomic revisions, and collection growth and enhancement. Core research efforts are expected to be collaborative: organizing and leading a 'taxon knowledge community', seeking competitive external funding, leading expeditions, producing online monographs, and working with a team of scholars, scientists and engineers to identify and remove impediments to taxonomy through technology and practices. Candidate will teach a course in area of expertise.

To apply, please submit a letter indicating the level for which you are applying; your curriculum vitae; three publications and/or selected articles; and research and teaching statements. A minimum of three letters of recommendation should be sent electronically; please include the names and e-mail addresses of each letter writer with your application. Your application materials should be sent to Dr. Quentin Wheeler, Chair, Cybertaxonomist Search Committee, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, c/o Ms. Anna Fields, PO Box 874501, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501. Electronic applications as pdf files to anna.fields@asu.edu are preferred. The initial closing date of applications is January 4, 2010; applications will be reviewed weekly thereafter until the position is filled. A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply. For additional information on this position and the School of Life Sciences, please visit http://sols.asu.edu/jobs.
Posted 22 Nov 2009 (back to list)

*** 

Singapore Botanic Gardens Fellowship

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is pleased to offer an annual Humphrey Morrison Burkill Research Fellowship on a competitive basis to a qualified botanist with special interest in the flora of South East Asia.

The H.M. Burkill Research Fellowship is a generous bequest from Peter Burkill and Linda Upfill, the children of H. M. Burkill to honour their father and grandfather, I. H. Burkill. The senior Burkills were both former directors of the Singapore Botanic Gardens: I. H. Burkill (1912-1925) and H.M. Burkill (1957-1969). Its primary aim is to help promising young botanists to develop a career in tropical botany.

The yearly H.M. Burkill Research Fellowship offers the successful applicant a one-time sum of up to S$4,500. The money is to be used for a proposed period of up to three weeks stay in Singapore to carry out research in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The funds may be used for research related costs, including airfare, food and living expenses in Singapore.

The proposed research project submitted for consideration must be based on the resources of the Singapore Botanic Gardens including the herbarium.

Qualifications of the applicants:

• A PhD degree in Botany, or a post-graduate student in higher degree program in Botany at a recognised university
• Preferably below the age of 30
• Demonstration of a strong interest and promising research skills/potential in tropical botany

Interested applicants shall send their application letter, together with the research proposal and an updated cv, by email or air mail to Dr. Chin See Chung, Director, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569; email address: chin_see_chung@nparks.gov.sg. The proposal should state the proposed period of stay in Singapore and the requested amount of financial support up to a maximum of S$4,500.

The Research Fellow shall submit a report on the research accomplishments before departing Singapore. He/she shall acknowledge the H.M. Burkill Research Fellowship and the Singapore Botanic Gardens in any subsequent publications that use information generated during the period of the award.

The deadline for the submission of applications for the first award of the H.M. Burkill Research Fellowship for the year 2010 shall be 31 March, 2010. The selected recipient will be informed duly in writing.
Posted 17 Nov 2009 (back to list)

*** 

Lecturer in Plant Systematic and Evolutionary Biology
School of Botany, The University of Melbourne, Australia

The School of Botany is seeking an outstanding plant scientist (Level B, continuing) with experience in the area of plant systematic and evolutionary biology. It is expected that the successful appointee will establish a strong independent research program that will complement one or more of the current research groups within the School. The School provides an outstanding environment for creative multi-disciplinary research, including state-of-the-art-technologies.

Applicants should have postdoctoral research experience, especially in applying molecular techniques to systematic botany, a strong record of publications in international journals, and evidence of ability to attract research and/or fellowship funding. Applicants should also have demonstrated potential and commitment to teaching and knowledge transfer, in line with the University’s strategic plan.

This position is available from mid 2010. For further information and a position description either go to http://www.hr.unimelb.edu.au/careers/ and search under position no. 0022363, or contact Professor Ian Woodrow on phone +61 3 83447503 or email i.woodrow@unimelb.edu.au.
Posted 13 Nov 2009 (back to list)

*** 

Beetle Morphologist/Taxonomist

The International Institute for Species Exploration, Arizona State University, invites applications and nominations for a postdoc available January 1, 2010. Duties include dissections, descriptions, and digital illustrations of beetles for print and Web publications, participating in the Institute team working on various cybertaxonomy initiatives, and supporting the research of the director, currently including taxonomic studies of Eleodes (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae). ASU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Submit statement of interest, CV, and names/email addresses of three references to: Quentin Wheeler, Vice President and Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Arizona State University. Please submit electronically to tyna.chu@asu.edu with subject line Morphology Postdoc. Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Posted 13 Nov 2009 (back to list)