- Full time
- Fixed Term - 2.5 years
- Bundoora Campus
- Work with inspiring people who are driven to make a difference!
About the position
This position contributes to the ARC linkage project “Identifying hotspots of endemism for invertebrate conservation in south-east Australia”, led by Prof. Heloise Gibb (La Trobe University) and including partners from Zoos Victoria, DEECA, Australian Museum, South Australian Museum, UNSW, Deakin and Monash University.
This project will inform conservation planning by identifying the distributions and drivers of forest invertebrate diversity and endemism in south-eastern Australia and providing solutions for biodiversity protection and restoration. Focussing on the poorly-known and dispersal-limited leaf litter invertebrates of south-eastern Australian wet forests, the project will: 1. Document and georeference biodiversity; 2. Identify hotspots of endemism for conservation prioritisation and model their relationship with contemporary and past environments; 3. a) Estimate the loss of phylogenetic diversity caused by past and future environmental threats; and b) Predict where undiscovered endemic species persist.
The position will contribute to field and lab collection and collation of data. They will model hotspots of endemism and how they relate to past environments and make predictions about how endemic species will be affected by global change. A key outcome will be publication of research in peer-reviewed journals that contributes to our understanding of current and future species distributions, including currently undescribed species.
Duties will include but not limited to:
- Acquire and interpret research data and results. Run analyses and tests using specified and agreed techniques and models. Contribute to the development of techniques, models and methods. Specific to this project:
- Spatial analysis, mapping and site selection
- Field sampling, including litter sampling using Tullgren funnels
- Identification of terrestrial invertebrates
- DNA sequencing for barcoding and phylogenetics and analysis of genetic data
- Database organisation and entry
- Statistical modelling including analysis of phylogenetic endemism
- Conduct and publish, or otherwise disseminate high quality and/or high impact research/scholarly activities under limited supervision either independently or as part of a team.
- Participate in professional activities including presentations at conferences and seminars in field of expertise.
Skills and Experience
To be considered for this position, you will have
- Completion of a PhD in an area of ecology, phylogenetics, biogeography or invertebrate biology.
- Evidence of experience in research and evaluation and the ability to work effectively under limited supervision or independently.
- A record of leading scientific publications in international journals of moderate to high impact.
- Experience in the analysis and modelling of data, including the capacity to integrate data from a range of sources and of uneven quality.
Please refer to the Position Description for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.
Welcome to Bundoora campus – Please click on the video link below:
https://f.io/KDo0ceng
Benefits:
- 17% employer contributed superannuation
- On site child care facilities
- Flexible work arrangements
- Discounts for staff and their family members to study a range of La Trobe courses
How to apply
Closing date: By 11:55pm, Wednesday 1st May 2024
Position Enquiries: Heloise Gibb, Professor Environment & Genetics
via email H.Gibb@latrobe.edu.au
Recruitment Enquiries: Lisa White, Talent Acquisition Consultant,
via email Lisa.White@latrobe.edu.au
Position Description below:
PD - Research Officer ( in Invertebrate Biogeography & Conservation).pdf
Only candidates with Full Working Rights in Australia may apply for this position.
Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:
- Cover letter;
- An up to date resume
- A separate document addressing each bullet point under the Essential Criteria ‘Skills and knowledge required for the position’, which is located in the position description.
Please scroll down to apply.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates.
All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.
