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Title

OCE Postdoctoral Fellowship - Effect of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds on Australian Wild Fish Populations
Posted
Reference   (Please mention Stopdodo/Environment Jobs in your application)
Sectors
Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Water Resources
Location Australia (South Australia) - Australasia
Town/City Adelaide
Salary Additional Information $65K - $72K plus Superannuation
Salary Range 50,000 - 79,999
Type Fixed Term and Permanent Roles
Status Full Time
Level Voluntary & Interns
Deadline 13/06/2008
Company Name CSIRO
Contact Name
Website Further Details / Applications
CSIRO logo
Directory Entry : The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is Australia's national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world.
Also Listing:
Description
  
Reference Number:2008/374
 Position Title:OCE Postdoctoral Fellowship - Effect of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds on Australian Wild Fish Populations
 Division:CSIRO Land and Water
 Location:Adelaide, SA
 Classification:CSOF4 to CSOF4
 Salary Range:$65K - $72K plus Superannuation
 Tenure:3 year term
 Applicants:International Applicants Welcome
 Relocation Assistance:May be offered to the successful applicant.
 Applications Close:13 Jun 2008
 Job Category:
 		Post Doctoral/Fellowship
Scientific Research
 

Applications are invited for a three year OCE Postdoctoral Fellowship to assess the impact of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on Australian wild fish populations at the Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research (CECR), Australia's leading environmental contaminants research facility. The position will be based at CECR in Adelaide, Australia.

CECR is a dynamic research group working on a range of contaminants to minimise their adverse environmental impacts. It has a strong publication record and collaborative links across the world. The fellow will be part of a team of experienced and science-driven senior researchers of high international standing, working on a project of both national and international significance. The researcher will be exposed to a truly multi-disciplinary environment where chemists, toxicologists, biologists and scientists from other backgrounds work in close collaboration to solve major problems that cross the traditional discipline boundaries. The research training will cover a wide range of skills such as development and validation of a suite of in-vitro assays, development of novel molecular biomarkers for the native fish species, biochemical assays, histopathological assessment of wild fish during field monitoring studies; integrated assessment of EDCs using multiple lines of evidence and predictive modelling.

The fellow will require skills in aquatic toxicology, environmental chemistry and an interest in population biology. The project will involve collaboration with Dr Sue Jobling (Brunel University, UK) who is a world authority in the area of EDCs and their effects on wildlife. Dr Jobling will provide general input into project directions and lead the environmental modelling aspect of the work.

Candidates should have obtained a PhD in aquatic toxicology/environmental toxicology or a related field. Demonstrated experience in fish ecotoxicology/ histology/molecular biology techniques is essential. The fellow should have excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills and ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary research team.

 

 

 
 
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 Position Description 
   
 

The position will be within a multi-disciplinary team based at the CECR Laboratories in Adelaide (Urrbrae), Australia.

There are four main parts to the EDC project

  1. To quantify the estrogenic and androgenic load in the creeks and rivers receiving treated effluent as environmental flows;
  2. To assess the reproductive health and sustainability of indigenous fish populations in impacted areas for symptoms of endocrine disruption;
  3. To develop molecular biomarkers in native fish species for rapid assessment of EDCs related effects in the Australian riverine environment; and
  4. To develop and apply predictive models to extrapolate the effects of EDC exposure to the population level.

This Project is an excellent opportunity for a Fellow to contribute to an internationally recognised group, and to develop expertise in many new techniques. Primary responsibilities are to conduct research on EDCs.

Duties include:

  1. Conduct research under limited supervision to generate new knowledge and methods for EDCs.
  2. Liaise with multidisciplinary team on a regular basis to develop novel biomarkers for monitoring EDCs in the real environment.
  3. Interpret results, and contribute to project reports, meeting key deliverables and milestones.
  4. Prepare refereed journal publications, conference and seminar papers arising from the appointee’s research.
  5. Use of email, word processing and data processing software including online literature search applications.

Qualities we are seeking

  1. Willingness to learn and to take up new challenges.
  2. Strong knowledge in the field of aquatic ecotoxicology.
  3. Experienced and trained in using histological/molecular/biochemical techniques for assessing environmental impacts of EDCs.
  4. Demonstrated capacity to interact with researchers with diverse disciplinary backgrounds.
  5. Highly organised and work as a team player.

 

 
 
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 Selection Criteria 
   
 

Applicants must address the selection criteria.  Applicants that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.  To assist you prepare your application please read the information available at "Guidelines for Applicants"

 

Essential:

  1. PhD in environmental toxicology/environmental molecular biology.
  2. Demonstrated experience in fish ecotoxicology/ histology/molecular biology techniques.
  3. Sound understanding of environmental fate and effects of trace organic contaminants on ecosystem health.
  4. Practical experience in extracting DNA, DNA cloning and sequencing and developing molecular biomarkers.
  5. Strong interpersonal skills and experience in working as part of a multidisciplinary and multinational team.
  6. Demonstrated high level of organisational ability and initiative including experience in prioritising tasks to meet competing demands.
  7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  8. Ability to carry out work in a safe manner at all times, and comply with OHS&E standards.
  9. Knowledge of, and commitment to, the principles of EEO and comply with CSIRO security practices.

 

Desirable:

  1. Practical experience in conducting biochemical and bioassays for monitoring environmental effects of EDCs.
  2. Experience in using molecular techniques such as in-situ hybridisation, real-time PCR, Western Blotting.
  3. Practical experience in assessing contaminant effects of abiotic and biotic environmental samples.
  4. Commencement possible within 1 month of acceptance of Fellowship.

 

 

 

 

**Note that to be eligible for consideration for appointment to a Post Doctoral fellowship within CSIRO an applicant’s total relevant work experience, on completion of the fellowship at CSIRO, must not exceed six full-time equivalent years since confirmation of their doctorate.

 
 
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 More Information 
   
 

Applications

Before you apply ensure that your documents are in Text, MS Word or PDF. Ensure your file is not larger than 1MB in PDF format, or 2MB for all other formats. Your Documents will be converted into PDF format.

 

CSIRO prefers applications be lodged online via this careers site.

You are required to include two documents:(1) A document Addressing the "Selection Criteria" and

(2) A "Resume or CV" including the names of at least two referees.

Note:  Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.

If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 301 509 and someone will be able to assist you. Outside business hours please email: csiro-careers@csiro.au

If you are unable to lodge your application online, please fax your application (quoting reference number 2008/374) to +61 2 6246 4455  or alternatively post to:

CSIRO Careers Online

PO Box 225

DICKSON ACT 2602

Contact: Should you require more information on this position please contact Dr Anu Kumar via email at Anupama.Kumar@csiro.au

Please do not email your application directly to Dr Kumar. Applications received via this method will not be considered. Please use the 'Apply Now' link.
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