IBS

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH IN MACROEVOLUTION AND MACROECOLOGY

Two postdoctoral research positions are available in the Centre for Macroevolution and Macroecology in the Evolution, Ecology and Genetics Division of the Research School of Biological Sciences at the Australian National University in Canberra. ANU is the top research institution in Australia, and ranks in the top 30 universities in the world. It provides an excellent research environment and career opportunities for researchers.

1. Phylogenetic analysis of patterns of evolvability: Does the tempo and mode of evolution increase in particular times, places or lineages? Why are some lineages more or less successful over evolutionary time? Does evolution result in traits that increase the generation of variation or the efficiency of selection? The emphasis of this research program is to frame questions such as these in a way that allows them to be tested and applied to important case studies. The postdoc will develop and extend a broad-scale comparative approach to these questions, in particular making use of the analysis of large molecular phylogenies and patterns of molecular evolution. There is considerable scope for the postdoc to develop innovative and independent research within this program. See http://jobs.anu.edu.au/PositionDetail.aspx?p=2691 for more details.

2. Diversification of a hotspot flora: The origins of biodiversity hotspots are still incompletely understood, particularly those located in Mediterranean-climate regions. This includes Australia’s southwest, where there are over 7000 plant species, half of which are endemic. We are using phylogenetic, geographic and ecological data to investigate the spectacular diversity of southwest Australia, focusing on the massive radiation of the Proteaceae family as a case study. We are testing general explanations of diversity including models based on clade age, diversification rates, and ecological carrying capacity, as well as hypotheses more specific to the southwest. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for constructing large species-level molecular phylogenies, assembling databases of species geographic distributions and ecological traits, then using these to analyse patterns and test models of diversity.There is plenty of scope for development of novel and innovative analytical approaches.See http://jobs.anu.edu.au/PositionDetail.aspx?p=2692 for more details.

Closing date is 27th May 2012. Positions are for two to three years. Flexible appointments can be considered (e.g. part time or flexible hours). More information on the research projects, employment conditions and application procedure are available from lindell.bromham@anu.edu.au or marcel.cardillo@anu.edu.au.