Research Asssociate (Coral Reef Studies)
Location: School of Earth and Environment, University of Western Australia, Perth
Closing Date: Friday, 19 February 2010
Position Statement
- 3 year appointment
- Salary range: Level A $53,542 - $72,537 p.a. - minimum starting salary for appointee with PhD will be $70,058 p.a.
- Plus 17% superannuation
- Closing date: Friday, 19 February 2010
The School of Earth and Environment has a unique combination of expertise with research programs spanning the physical and biological aspects of the environment, as well as the organisation and impact of human activities within that environment. The School emphasises an integrated global perspective and has an international reputation for research and teaching in Earth and Environmental Sciences. The successful candidate will also be affiliated with the node of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Coral Reef Studies and the new Oceans Institute.
This position offers an exciting opportunity for an innovative, enthusiastic individual in the area of marine biogeochemistry to address how rising levels of anthropogenic pCO2 are affecting surface seawater chemistry and the dynamics of carbonate calcification. The appointee will focus on how coral reef and marine ecosystems generally are responding to climate variability and change over both short and long time scales as well as under projected future climate states using natural and controlled systems. The role also requires fostering of cross-disciplinary links with research staff working in related areas such as marine biogeochemistry, quaternary studies, climate science and environmental management both within and outside the University, including local, State and Commonwealth government agencies. Applicants must have a PhD in marine biogeochemistry or a closely related area. Some assistance with relocation expenses (if applicable) may be negotiated.
All staff are expected to demonstrate a commitment to Equity & Diversity and Safety principles.
Details of the University of WEtsern Australia's policies on Equity and Diversity can be accessed at http://www.equity.uwa.edu.au or by telephoning 08 6488 2252.
Details of the University policies on Occupational Safety and Health can be accessed at http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies or by telephoning 6488 3938.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct high quality in the area of ocean acidification to help quantify how rising levels of atmospheric CO₂ over the past century have changed surface seawater carbonate chemistry and to develop a mechanistic understanding of its impact on biogenic calcification and marine ecosystems generally.
- Undertake and assist in research program in coral reefs and coastal processes generally in both the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
- Assist in the development of methods for boron isotopic measurements and help establish culturing facilities.
- Supervise honours level and assist in the supervision of postgraduate student’s research.
- Apply for external funding to support the research activities.
- Publish academic papers and other scholarly outputs to an international standard.
- Other duties as directed by the project supervisor or Head of School
Selection Criteria (specific work capabilities)
A PhD in Marine Biogeochemistry or a closely related area with an emphasis on the development of paleo-oceanographic proxies in carbonate systems.
A strong track record in research and publication related to the development of a mechanistic understanding of how pCO₂ effects elemental and isotopic fractionation during biogenic calcification.
Experience in biogenic culturing seawater carbonate chemistry and analytical measurements performed using in - situ methods with some expertise in ICPMS analytical methods.
Experience in paleo-pH and recent (anthropogenic) ocean acidification reconstructions based on boron isotopic and elemental systematic in biogenic carbonates.
A capacity to develop cross-disciplinary links with other cognate disciplinary areas in research and teaching. A capacity to develop links with industry groups, government organizations and community groups in research and teaching.
A willingness to supervise Honours and assist in the supervision of Postgraduate level students.
A willingness to undertake marine field work in coral reefs and marine system generally and assist in undergraduate and postgraduate fieldwork. A commitment to the principles of equity and diversity.
Enquiries to
Professor Malcolm McCulloch
+ 61 (0)8 6488 1921
malcolm.mcculloch@uwa.edu.au
Salary
- Salary range: Level A $53,542 - $72,537 p.a. - minimum starting salary for appointee with PhD will be $70,058 p.a.
- Plus 17% superannuation
Method of Application Procedure
Please obtain the position’s application package by accessing the website http://jobs.uwa.edu.au/ or telephoning the 24 hour "hotline" on 08 6488 3733. Essential details of the University’s application procedures are contained in the package.
